Procurement Glossary
Recyclability assessment: systematic analysis of the recyclability of materials
November 19, 2025
Recyclability assessment is a systematic process for analyzing and evaluating the recyclability of materials and products. This assessment is becoming increasingly important in Procurement , as it supports companies in making sustainable procurement decisions and achieving circular economy goals. Find out below what recyclability assessment involves, which methods are used and how it is used strategically in Procurement .
Key Facts
- Systematic evaluation of the recyclability of materials and product components
- Takes technical, economic and ecological recycling criteria into account
- Supports sustainable supplier selection and product decisions
- Contributes to the fulfillment of circular economy goals and regulatory requirements
- Enables cost savings through optimized material cycles
Contents
Definition: Recyclability assessment
The recyclability assessment comprises the systematic analysis and evaluation of the recyclability of materials, components and products throughout their entire life cycle.
Key aspects of the assessment
The evaluation is based on various criteria that take into account both technical and economic aspects:
- Material composition and separability of the components
- Availability of suitable recycling technologies
- Economic efficiency of the recycling process
- Quality of the recycled materials
- Marketability of secondary raw materials
Recyclability assessment vs. life cycle assessment
While the life cycle assessment considers the entire environmental impact of a product, the recyclability assessment focuses specifically on the end-of-life phase and the recycling options.
Importance in Procurement
In the procurement context, the recyclability assessment enables a well-founded evaluation of suppliers and products with regard to their suitability for the circular economy. It supports the implementation of corporate sustainability due diligence and contributes to the fulfillment of regulatory requirements.
Methods and procedures
A recyclability assessment is carried out using structured analysis methods that include both qualitative and quantitative evaluation criteria.
Material analysis and component evaluation
The systematic analysis of the material composition forms the basis of the assessment. All materials used are identified and their recycling properties evaluated:
- Chemical composition and degree of purity
- Contamination risks and separability
- Compatibility with existing recycling processes
Technical evaluation criteria
The technical assessment involves analyzing the available recycling technologies and their applicability. Factors such as energy consumption, yield and quality of the recycled materials are taken into account. The recycling rate serves as an important indicator of technical feasibility.
Profitability analysis
The economic evaluation takes into account the costs of collecting, transporting, processing and marketing the recycled materials. Market prices for secondary raw materials and potential revenues from second-life use are also taken into account.
Tacto Intelligence
Combines deep procurement knowledge with the most powerful AI agents for strong Procurement.
Key figures for controlling the recyclability assessment
Effective key figures enable systematic monitoring and control of the recyclability assessment and its impact on the procurement strategy.
Recyclability index
The recyclability index measures the proportion of recyclable materials in the overall product. This key figure is typically expressed as a percentage and takes into account both the mass and the value of the materials. A high index indicates good recyclability.
Evaluation coverage and quality
The coverage rate shows the proportion of evaluated products or suppliers in the overall portfolio. In addition, the evaluation quality measures the completeness and accuracy of the analyses carried out:
- Share of evaluated procurement volume
- Average depth of evaluation per product category
- Frequency of valuation updates
Economic impact
Key figures for measuring the economic effects include cost savings through improved recyclability and revenue from secondary materials. The product carbon footprint reduction through improved recyclability can also be evaluated in monetary terms.
Risks, dependencies and countermeasures
The implementation of recyclability assessments entails various risks and dependencies that can be minimized by taking appropriate measures.
Technological dependencies
The assessment is heavily dependent on the availability and development of recycling technologies. Technological changes can make existing assessments obsolete. Companies should regularly update their assessment criteria and keep abreast of new recycling processes.
Market volatility for secondary raw materials
Fluctuating prices for recycled materials can affect the profitability assessment. The demand for secondary raw materials is subject to strong market fluctuations, which are influenced by external factors such as commodity prices or regulatory changes. A diversified valuation strategy can reduce these risks.
Data quality and availability
Incomplete or inaccurate data on material compositions can lead to incorrect assessments. Traceability of materials is essential for reliable assessments. Companies should implement robust data collection systems and strengthen supplier due diligence.
.avif)
Practical example
An automotive manufacturer implements a systematic recyclability assessment for plastic components. The company develops a standardized evaluation sheet that takes into account material composition, separability and local recycling infrastructure. Suppliers must submit a recyclability assessment for new components that demonstrates at least 80% recyclable materials. This measure has enabled the company to increase the proportion of recyclable plastics by 25% while reducing material costs by 12%.
- Development of standardized evaluation criteria
- Integration into the supplier selection process
- Continuous monitoring and optimization
Trends & developments in recyclability assessment
The recyclability assessment is constantly evolving, driven by regulatory requirements, technological advances and changing market conditions.
Digitalization and AI-supported valuation
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing recyclability assessment through automated material recognition and classification. Machine learning algorithms can analyze large amounts of data and make precise predictions about recycling potential. These technologies enable faster and more cost-effective evaluation of complex product structures.
Regulatory developments
EU legislation is continuously tightening the requirements for the circular economy. The Supply Chain Duty of Care Act and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive are increasing the pressure on companies to standardize and document their recyclability assessments.
Industry-specific standards
Various industries are developing specific assessment standards and methods. The sustainable packaging industry in particular is developing detailed guidelines for assessing recyclability, which also take packaging reduction into account.
Conclusion
The recyclability assessment is becoming an indispensable tool for sustainable procurement management. It enables well-founded decisions to be made when selecting suppliers and developing products, while at the same time helping to meet regulatory requirements. Companies that implement systematic assessment procedures at an early stage secure competitive advantages through optimized material cycles and reduced environmental impact. The continuous development of assessment methods and the integration of digital technologies will further increase the efficiency and accuracy of these processes.
FAQ
What is the difference between recyclability and actual recycling?
Recyclability describes the theoretical potential of a material to be recycled based on its physical and chemical properties. Actual recycling also depends on the available infrastructure, economic factors and collection systems. A high recyclability therefore does not automatically guarantee a high recycling volume.
How often should recyclability assessments be updated?
Assessments should be updated at least every two years or when there are significant changes in product composition, recycling technologies or regulatory requirements. In rapidly developing technology areas, annual updates may be necessary to ensure that the assessments are up to date.
What costs are incurred when carrying out recyclability assessments?
The costs vary depending on the depth and scope of the assessment. Simple assessments cost between 500-2,000 euros per product, while comprehensive analyses with laboratory tests can reach 5,000-15,000 euros. In the long term, these investments pay for themselves through cost savings and improved market positioning.
How can small and medium-sized enterprises implement recyclability assessments?
SMEs can start with simplified assessment procedures based on existing industry standards. Cooperation with industry associations, the use of digital tools and gradual implementation, starting with the most important product categories, enable a cost-efficient entry into systematic assessment.
.png)
.png)
.png)
