Mandatory Reporting of Recycled Content

A key update in the International Material Data System (IMDS) mandates the reporting of recycled materials in specific contexts. This change aligns with growing regulatory requirements aimed at increasing transparency regarding the use of recycled materials in products.

- Data Entry for Recycled Content: Previously optional, reporting the percentage of recycled content is now required for materials in components subject to sustainability regulations, including packaging and automotive parts.
- Types of Recycled Content: The system now differentiates between post-consumer recycled (PCR) and post-industrial recycled (PIR) content, enhancing reporting accuracy and meeting the demand for traceable, sustainable materials.

Regulatory Compliance and Certifications

The update also introduces specific certifications and compliance checks related to recycled content.

- Verification of Recycled Content: IMDS now supports features for verifying recycled content claims, relevant for compliance with regulations like the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC).
- Alignment with ISO Standards: The updated system aligns with international standards, such as ISO 14021, facilitating documentation that supports recycled content claims, making verification easier.

Support for Circular Economy Goals

These updates are part of broader circular economy initiatives, particularly in the EU.

- Circularity Metrics: IMDS 14.4 allows companies to track and report on the circularity of their materials, focusing on the reuse and recycling of materials rather than virgin resources.
- Recycled Plastics in Automotive Parts: The system facilitates the specification of recycled polymers in automotive parts, helping manufacturers meet sustainability targets, including CO2 reduction goals.

Sustainability Reporting and Analytics

IMDS 14.4 enhances reporting tools for analyzing recycled content data.

- Customizable Reports on Recycled Content: Users can generate detailed reports on the recycled content in their products, aiding in meeting sustainability targets set by OEMs and industry-wide goals.
- Lifecycle Impact Analysis: The updates support integration with lifecycle impact assessments (LCAs), allowing companies to measure the environmental benefits of using recycled materials.

Implications for Supply Chains

The increased focus on recycled content reporting has significant implications for supply chain management.

- Supplier Accountability: As OEMs prioritize recycled materials, suppliers face pressure to provide accurate information about the recycled content in their materials. IMDS 14.4 enhances mechanisms for supplier accountability.
- Material Selection: Companies must now consider recycled material availability in product design, influencing procurement strategies as they seek sustainable materials from their supply chains.