Verification system
Verification is the process of having an independent body sight the certificates of compliance to relevant Standards, confirming a claim of certification. To improve the certainty regarding claims of degradability for the plastics industry in Australia, PACIA has developed and implemented a verification system.
Companies can apply for their plastic materials to be independently verified, confirming that they are certified against a recognised standard. The result of this verification process is a listing of degradable plastics, the appropriate Standard claimed and verified as well as other relevant details.
The process provides an equitable and transparent method of verifying claims. The company conducting the verification system is independent from PACIA and reports the findings of applications. A fee is paid to the verification company the cover the cost of the verification check.
The benefits of verification
Verification improves the level of certainty regarding degradable plastics, claims made about their capability and their actual performance against relevant Standards.
For manufacturers of degradable plastics, having a product independently verified under this system gives support to claims of degradability.
For product manufacturers, brandowners and users, degradable plastics can be considered on their capability, certified against relevant Standards.
In Australia, verification is particularly important because the development of Australia Standards and certifying bodies for degradable plastics is still evolving. The verification system will adapt as new Standards are introduced.
How to verify degradable plastics
Companies wishing to have their product certification independently verified are able to do so by the following steps:
- Complete the Application Form with all relevant details
- Forward this application form along with the application fee (of $155) to the verification company:
SMEC Australia Pty Ltd
Level 5 / 71 Queens Road
Melbourne 3004
Attention: Cameron Miller
Phone: (03) 9514 1588
Fax: (03) 9514 1502
Email: cameron.miller@smec.com.au
- The verification company will advise the applicant of the outcome of the application.
- The verification company will advise PACIA of successful applications
- These will be uploaded by PACIA onto the Verified Products List on the PACIA website
- As product certifications have time limits, the verification company will track the sunset on the verification and advise the company that this is due for renewal. The renewal process follows the same application process