PFE Expands into Europe: First U.S. RecyClass Lab and Only Global Lab Certified for All Four EU Plastic Categories

Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE), the premier authority on recyclability standards in Europe, has accredited Plastics Forming Enterprises (PFE) in Amherst, N.H., as a RecyClass testing laboratory. PFE is now the world’s first U.S. facility accredited to perform RecyClass testing and the only lab worldwide recognized for all four European product categories—PET rigid, HDPE rigid, PP rigid, and PE flexible.

With over 35 years of expertise, PFE has been a leading consulting, R&D, and testing partner across the Americas. The company helped shape the recyclability protocols that are now the industry benchmark, ensuring that packaging meets regional market requirements and the evolving needs of recycling streams.

In a global push toward a circular packaging economy—driven by initiatives like the New Plastics Economy and the Plastics Pacts—material compatibility and quality are paramount. PFE has guided clients through significant design modifications, such as removing metal springs from pumps and converting aerosol cans to all‑plastic solutions, thereby enhancing recyclability and extending product lifecycles.

Since 1984, PFE has supported brands and converters with hundreds of products, validating the quality of commercial recycling protocols through recognized testing methods. The firm now welcomes new European partners and offers a full suite of services—from pilot operations to comprehensive lab testing—across all major recyclability platforms, including the Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR), European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP), and RecyClass.

“Our expanded presence in Europe allows us to help clients navigate RecyClass requirements and deliver global testing capabilities,” said PFE President Kristi Hansen. “With our proven track record, we are uniquely positioned to conduct plastic recycling R&D for all major protocols worldwide.”

PFE’s protocols are endorsed by organizations such as the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), the Spanish NGO ECOCE, and the China Sustainable Plastics Association (CSPA). By partnering with PFE for Critical Guidance Protocol (CGP) or RecyClass approval, companies can avoid redundant testing, saving time and resources while advancing their recyclability goals.