Plastic Bank Impact Program Certification Scheme

Version 3.0 · Approved and last updated November 4, 2026

1. Purpose

The Plastic Bank Impact Program provides a transparent framework through which organizations fund plastic collection and collector support through Plastic Bank programs.

The Impact Program is supported by traceable impact data, defined participation requirements, established governance and control systems, and independent third-party certification, verification, and monitoring.

The Plastic Bank Impact Program supports measurable environmental and social contributions by funding plastic collection activities and economic and social benefits for registered collectors.

The intention of this framework is to leverage established third-party certification standards or schemes wherever appropriate, rather than create duplicative technical requirements, while establishing a Plastic Bank-specific program and corresponding program mark that qualifying participants may use.

2. Scope

The Plastic Bank Impact Program applies to organizations, brands, products, and initiatives that fund Plastic Bank programs and meet the requirements outlined in this framework.

This framework provides one certification scheme covering Plastic Credits and Social Plastic®, with a common foundation for participation, traceability, governance, independent assessment, monitoring, and claims. Participants that also meet the Social Plastic® material requirements in Section 6.5, including at least 5% Social Plastic® in the applicable product or packaging, are eligible for the additional Social Plastic® badge options in Section 8.4.

Participation may be recognized at the:

• Company level
• Brand level
• Product level
• Program level

subject to applicable eligibility and participation requirements.

Organizations meeting the requirements of the Plastic Bank Impact Program are eligible to use the corresponding approved Plastic Bank Impact Program mark in accordance with the Program Mark and Claims requirements outlined in Section 8.

3. Reference Standards, Frameworks, and Credentials

The Plastic Bank Impact Program has been developed with consideration of applicable environmental marketing, consumer protection, certification, and sustainability communication requirements.

3.1 Regulatory Frameworks

Applicable regulatory frameworks include:

• Directive (EU) 2024/825 (Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive)
• Directive 2005/29/EC (Unfair Commercial Practices Directive)
• Applicable consumer protection, advertising, and environmental marketing requirements in relevant jurisdictions

3.2 Relevant Certification Standards and Frameworks

The Plastic Bank Impact Program may incorporate, reference, or align with established certification standards or schemes where appropriate.

The applicable technical certification framework will be determined in consultation with the independent certification or verification body.

Relevant standards and frameworks for consideration include:

• Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
• Other applicable certification, verification, or accreditation standards identified in consultation with the independent third party

3.3 Existing Plastic Bank Credentials and Assessments

Plastic Bank maintains additional organizational certifications, ratings, and assessments that support its broader governance and sustainability practices, including:

• Global Recycled Standard (GRS) Certification
• EcoVadis Gold Rating (2024)

These credentials do not independently constitute certification of the Plastic Bank Impact Program but may provide supporting evidence of relevant organizational systems, controls, and practices.

The Plastic Bank Impact Program may be updated periodically to reflect evolving regulations, certification requirements, standards, and industry best practices.

4. Program Components

The Plastic Bank Impact Program consists of two core impact components:

Environmental Impact

Funding the collection of plastic through Plastic Bank collection ecosystems.

Collection activities are recorded through the plasticbank® app and measured using Plastic Bank’s collection methodology.

Where applicable, collected plastic is transferred through aggregators and Plastic Bank partner processors in accordance with Plastic Bank’s applicable chain-of-custody and traceability requirements.

Social Impact

Funding economic and social benefits for registered Plastic Bank collectors and the collection communities participating in Plastic Bank programs.

For the purposes of the Plastic Bank Impact Program, collector support includes collection bonuses paid to registered collectors in addition to the underlying value of collected plastic, as well as other applicable social benefits.

Collection communities are the networks of registered collectors and collection partners, including branches and aggregators, participating in Plastic Bank collection programs.

Impact Program funding contributes to the operation of these collection communities and to collector support mechanisms, including applicable collection bonuses.

Applicable collector bonuses, payments, and social benefits are recorded through the plasticbank® app and subject to the program’s monitoring and independent verification requirements.

Detailed methodology, traceability, chain-of-custody, and audit-readiness requirements are maintained through Plastic Bank’s applicable methodologies and operating procedures.

5. Meaning of Participation

Participation in the Plastic Bank Impact Program signifies that the participant:

• Maintains an active agreement with Plastic Bank;
• Funds eligible plastic collection and collector support through Plastic Bank programs;
• Meets the participation requirements outlined in this framework; and
• Remains subject to the monitoring, claims, and program requirements established under the Plastic Bank Impact Program.

Organizations that meet the program participation requirements are eligible to use the corresponding approved Plastic Bank Impact Program mark, subject to applicable Brand Guidelines, Claims Guidance, and mark usage requirements.

Use of the program mark signifies participation in and compliance with the requirements of the Plastic Bank Impact Program. It does not represent certification of the participant’s product or packaging unless expressly stated otherwise.

Plastic Bank maintains auditable records of participating organizations and their authorization to use the program mark.

6. Participation Requirements

To participate in the Plastic Bank Impact Program and use the corresponding approved program mark, organizations must meet the following requirements.

6.1 Active Contribution

Maintain an active agreement with Plastic Bank and remain in good standing throughout the participation period.

Participants must remain current on applicable contractual and financial obligations with either monthly commitments for a minimum of one year or annual commitments.

6.2 Minimum Annual Commitment

Commit to funding a minimum of 240 kilograms of plastic collection annually through Plastic Bank programs, equivalent to approximately 12,000 plastic bottles based on Plastic Bank’s current bottle conversion methodology.

One Plastic Bank Plastic Credit represents one kilogram of plastic collected, equivalent to approximately 50 plastic bottles based on Plastic Bank’s current conversion methodology.

6.3 Traceable Impact Data

Program participation must be supported by traceable and auditable records maintained through Plastic Bank’s systems and made available to program participants through the Plastic Bank Impact Hub.

Records must provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the participant’s applicable contribution and impact allocation during the participation period.

6.4 Requirements for Plastic Bank

To operate a traceable, transparent, Impact Program subject to independent third-party assessment and monitoring, Plastic Bank maintains appropriate systems, controls, and records supporting:

• Plastic collection methodology;
• Plastic collection traceability and chain of custody;
• Collector bonus calculation, allocation, payment, and supporting records;
• Evidence that applicable collector bonuses are paid in addition to the underlying value of collected plastic;
• Documented allocation of Impact Program funding to applicable collector support mechanisms;
• Records supporting other social benefits delivered through Plastic Bank programs.
• Participant contribution and impact allocation records;
• Publicly available program methodology and requirements;
• Participant eligibility and program mark authorization records;
• Claims and program mark usage requirements;
• Complaints and grievance mechanisms; and
• Corrective action and enforcement procedures.

These systems, controls, and records are subject to independent third-party assessment and monitoring in accordance with Section 7.

6.5 Additional Eligibility for Social Plastic® Badges

Social Plastic® is traceable, recycled plastic feedstock from Plastic Bank that has been gathered by registered collectors and exchanged for additional income in Plastic Bank’s recycling ecosystems. Participants must meet the common scheme requirements above and the following additional requirements to use Social Plastic® badges.

Qualifying material must have traceable chain of custody, be sourced through Plastic Bank’s recycling ecosystems, follow Plastic Bank’s Collection Methodology, and include collector bonuses paid for each ‘plastic chain’. Qualified post-consumer plastic types are limited to Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). Material is exchanged at collection branches GPS located within 50km of an ocean or ocean-bound waterway.

Qualifying material must be purchased from Plastic Bank, documentation from the manufacturer must be retained, and participants must remain current on all contractual and financial obligations. Social Plastic® feedstock must make up at least 5% of the applicable product or packaging. Approved Social Plastic® badges and claims may be used only in relation to the qualifying product or packaging made with Social Plastic®.

Social Plastic® chain of custody is supported by traceable and auditable records maintained through the Plastic Bank app and made available to eligible Social Plastic® purchasers through the Plastic Bank Impact Hub.

7. Independent Third Party Assessment and Monitoring

The Plastic Bank Impact Program is subject to independent third-party assessment and ongoing monitoring by an appropriately qualified and independent third party. The form of assessment may include certification, verification, or independent assurance, as applicable to the adopted framework.

The purpose of independent oversight is to confirm that the Plastic Bank Impact Program operates in accordance with its defined requirements and that participants authorized to use the corresponding program mark continue to meet those requirements.

7.1 Program-Level Verification

The independent third party periodically assesses the Plastic Bank Impact Program, including applicable:

• Plastic collection methodology and requirements;
• Traceability and chain-of-custody controls;
• Data quality and record-keeping systems;
• Collector bonus calculation, allocation, and payment controls;
• Evidence that applicable collector bonuses provide economic benefit in addition to the underlying value of collected plastic;
• Controls supporting the allocation of participant funding to collector support and other program activities; and
• Evidence supporting approved environmental and social claims associated with the program.
• Participant eligibility and administration procedures;
• Impact allocation and participant records;
• Program mark and claims requirements;
• Monitoring and corrective action procedures; and
• Other requirements established under the applicable certification framework.

Where appropriate, the Plastic Bank Impact Program may incorporate or reference requirements from existing recognized certification standards or schemes rather than establishing duplicative technical requirements.

The applicable certification or verification standard, scope, and procedures will be established in consultation with the independent third party.

7.2 Participant Eligibility and Program Mark Authorization

Organizations meeting the participation requirements set out in Section 6 are eligible participants in the Plastic Bank Impact Program and may be authorized to use the corresponding Plastic Bank Impact Program mark.

Plastic Bank is responsible for confirming and documenting participant eligibility prior to authorizing participation and use of the program mark.

Plastic Bank maintains auditable records supporting each participant’s eligibility, contribution, impact allocation, participation period, and authorization to use the program mark.

7.3 Independent Participant Monitoring

Participant compliance with the Plastic Bank Impact Program is subject to independent third-party monitoring.

Subject to agreement with the independent third party, participant compliance may be assessed through an objective, risk-based monitoring methodology that may include:

• Participants representing a significant proportion of funded plastic collection or overall program activity;
• Participants with significant consumer-facing or on-pack use of the program mark;
• Participants operating in higher-risk regulatory markets;
• Participants identified through complaints, previous non-conformities, or other risk indicators; and
• A random sample of remaining participants.

The independent third party will have access to the records and supporting evidence necessary to assess participant compliance.

The monitoring methodology, sample size, frequency, and participant selection procedures will be documented and agreed with the independent third party.

7.4 Ongoing Oversight

Plastic Bank conducts routine monitoring of all program participants and maintains records demonstrating continued compliance with program requirements.

Independent third-party monitoring provides objective oversight of Plastic Bank’s administration of the program and participant compliance with its requirements.

Findings from independent monitoring may result in corrective action, increased monitoring, suspension, or withdrawal of authorization to use the program mark in accordance with Section 9.

7.5 Certification Cycle

The frequency of program-level verification, independent participant monitoring, and recertification will be established with the independent third party and documented within the program’s certification procedures.

The certification and monitoring framework may be updated where necessary to maintain alignment with applicable certification standards, regulatory requirements, and program integrity requirements.

8. Approved Use of Program Marks and Claims

Participants meeting the requirements of the Plastic Bank Impact Program are eligible to use the corresponding approved Plastic Bank Impact Program mark, subject to applicable Brand Guidelines, Claims Guidance, and mark usage requirements.

8.1 Plastic Bank Impact Program Mark

The Plastic Bank Impact Program mark identifies participation in the independently certified or verified Plastic Bank Impact Program.

The approved wording, design, and scope of the program mark will be established following review with the independent certification or verification body and applicable legal and regulatory review.

Participant-specific impact amounts may be communicated separately where supported by applicable traceable impact data and approved Claims Guidance.

8.2 Other Plastic Bank Claims and Logos

Participants may also use approved factual partnership claims and Plastic Bank corporate logos in accordance with applicable Brand Guidelines and Claims Guidance.

Examples may include:

• Funds Plastic Collection
• Funds Plastic Collection with Plastic Bank
• Funding the Collection of XX,XXX kilograms of plastic with Plastic Bank
• Supports Plastic Collectors
• Supports Collector Income
• Supporting XX collectors with additional income with Plastic Bank
• Supports Collection Communities

The availability of specific claims will depend on the applicable supporting evidence, verification scope, legal requirements, and context in which the claim is used.

8.3 Claims Requirements

All program marks and claims must remain current, accurate, and supported by applicable participation and impact data.

Participants shall not use the Plastic Bank Impact Program mark or associated contribution claims in a manner that implies:

• Environmental superiority of a product;
• Plastic neutrality or compensation;
• Product or packaging recyclability;
• Recycled content;
• Certification of the participant’s product or packaging; or
• Environmental or social benefits beyond the scope of the applicable evidence, certification, or verification.

Any environmental or social claim made in connection with the program mark must comply with applicable consumer protection, advertising, and environmental marketing requirements in the market where it is used.

8.4 Additional Social Plastic® Badge Options

Participants meeting the common scheme requirements and the additional requirements in Section 6.5 may use approved Social Plastic® badge options for the applicable product or packaging containing at least 5% Social Plastic®. These additional material badges sit within the same certification scheme and remain subject to applicable Brand Guidelines, Claims Guidance, and mark usage requirements.

The Plastic Bank Impact Program mark continues to signify program participation and must not imply recycled content. Approved Social Plastic® badges and associated material claims identify the qualifying Social Plastic® content of the applicable product or packaging; they do not signify environmental superiority, plastic neutrality, recyclability, or environmental certification of the product or packaging.

Approved Social Plastic® claims may include: “[Product] is made with XX% Social Plastic® from Plastic Bank which supports communities exchanging plastic for additional income” and “[Product] contains traceable recycled Social Plastic® feedstock sourced through Plastic Bank.” Claims must reflect the applicable supporting evidence and qualifying product or packaging.

9. Monitoring, Corrective Action, and Enforcement

Compliance with the Plastic Bank Impact Program is maintained through routine monitoring by Plastic Bank and independent third-party oversight in accordance with Section 7.

9.1 Plastic Bank Monitoring

Plastic Bank periodically reviews participant compliance, including:

• Participation status and contractual standing;
• Minimum annual commitment requirements;
• Accuracy and traceability of applicable impact data;
• Eligibility and authorization to use the program mark;
• Use of approved claims, program marks, and logos;
• Compliance with current Claims Guidance and Brand Guidelines; and
• Other applicable program requirements.

Plastic Bank may conduct reviews periodically or in response to complaints, disputes, identified risks, or potential non-conformities.

9.2 Independent Monitoring

The independent third party periodically assesses the operation of the Plastic Bank Impact Program and participant compliance in accordance with the certification or verification procedures described in Section 7.

Participant monitoring may be conducted using an agreed objective and risk-based sampling methodology.

The scope, frequency, and methodology for independent monitoring will be established with the independent third party.

9.3 Corrective Action

Where a non-conformity is identified through Plastic Bank or independent third-party monitoring, the participant may be required to implement corrective action within a specified timeframe.

Corrective actions may include:

• Updating or removing non-compliant claims;
• Correcting misuse of program marks or logos;
• Providing supporting documentation or information;
• Addressing outstanding program requirements;
• Correcting inaccurate impact representations; or
• Temporarily suspending use of the program mark.

9.4 Suspension and Withdrawal

Participation and authorization to use the Plastic Bank Impact Program mark may be suspended or withdrawn where a participant:

• No longer meets program eligibility requirements;
• Fails to maintain its minimum annual commitment;
• Becomes delinquent on applicable financial obligations;
• Uses claims or program marks inconsistently with applicable requirements;
• Makes representations that exceed the scope of the applicable certification or verification;
• Fails to complete required corrective actions;
• Is found to have a material non-conformity through independent monitoring; or
• Otherwise presents a material legal, regulatory, reputational, or program integrity risk.

The respective roles of Plastic Bank and the independent third party in suspension, withdrawal, corrective action, and reinstatement decisions will be established under the applicable certification or verification procedures.

Participants will be provided written notice of material corrective actions, suspension, or withdrawal and the applicable reason.

10. Discontinuation of Program Marks and Claims

Upon termination, suspension, expiration, or revocation of participation, organizations must discontinue new use of Plastic Bank Impact Program marks, program claims, and associated materials within thirty (30) calendar days, or within another timeframe required under the applicable certification procedures.

Treatment of existing packaging or materials produced during a valid participation period will be determined in accordance with applicable certification requirements, legal requirements, and Plastic Bank Claims Guidance.

No new packaging, marketing materials, or public communications bearing the program mark may be created or distributed following the applicable discontinuation period.

Plastic Bank and/or the independent certification or verification body may require earlier removal where necessary to address material legal, regulatory, certification, or program integrity risks.

11. Complaints, Disputes, and Appeals

The Plastic Bank Impact Program maintains documented processes for receiving and addressing:

• Complaints relating to the operation of the Plastic Bank Impact Program;
• Complaints relating to participant use of program marks and claims;
• Disputes relating to the application of program requirements;
• Identified or alleged participant non-conformities; and
• Appeals relating to eligibility, suspension, or withdrawal decisions.

Complaints, disputes, and appeals may be submitted to: [email protected]

Plastic Bank is responsible for receiving and addressing routine program complaints and disputes and maintains records of complaints, findings, corrective actions, and outcomes.

Matters relating to independent certification or verification decisions will be subject to the applicable complaints and appeals procedures of the independent third party.

Where appropriate, complaints or disputes may be referred to the independent third party for review, particularly where they relate to:

• The integrity of the certified or verified Plastic Bank Impact Program;
• Use of the corresponding program mark;
• The scope of certification or verification;
• A material participant non-conformity; or
• A certification or verification decision.

The respective responsibilities of Plastic Bank and the independent third party for complaints, disputes, and appeals will be documented within the applicable certification or verification procedures.

12. Stakeholder Consultation

The Plastic Bank Impact Program criteria are developed and periodically reviewed in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including:

• Participating organizations and brands;
• Plastic Bank collection ecosystem representatives;
• Collectors and/or appropriate collector representatives;
• Recycling industry participants;
• Independent certification and verification professionals;
• Legal and regulatory advisors; and
• Other relevant subject matter experts.

Feedback received through stakeholder consultation may be used to inform updates to program requirements, certification procedures, approved claims, program marks, and supporting documentation.

Stakeholder consultation will be documented as appropriate to meet applicable certification scheme requirements.

13. Disclaimer

Plastic Bank reserves the right to update the Plastic Bank Impact Program, including program requirements, approved claims, program mark usage requirements, certification and verification requirements, methodologies, monitoring procedures, and supporting documentation, to reflect evolving regulations, standards, certification findings, and industry best practices.

Participants will be notified of material changes and provided a reasonable transition period to implement required updates, subject to any shorter timeframe required by law or the applicable certification framework.

Participation in the Plastic Bank Impact Program does not constitute legal advice, regulatory approval, environmental certification of a participant’s product or packaging, confirmation of environmental neutrality, or approval of any specific marketing claim in any jurisdiction.

Certification or verification of the Plastic Bank Impact Program applies only to the activities and requirements within the defined scope of the applicable certification or verification.

Participating organizations remain responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, advertising requirements, and consumer protection requirements in all markets where program marks or claims are used.