Blockchain-based Traceability in Recycling
Sector: Tertiary sector · Industry: Waste management and recycling · Organisation: Veolia · Maturity level: Pilot
Veolia utilizes blockchain technology to monitor the origin and purity of post-consumer plastics throughout the entire recycling chain. The system combines blockchain with RFID tags to track each batch from collection to processing into granules. The project is in the pilot phase and aims to create transparent material traceability and build trust in the authenticity and quality of recyclates.
Documentation status
- Project status: Pilot
- Evidence: Evidence medium
- Editorial review: Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026
Description
Veolia uses blockchain combined with RFID tags to track post-consumer plastics seamlessly from collection to processing into granulate. The pilot project in Germany shows how each batch is linked to an RFID tag whose transactions are recorded on the blockchain. This prevents substitution of recyclates with new material and makes recycled content quotas quantitatively verifiable.
Veolia, the global benchmark for optimised resource management (2022: €42.9 billion turnover, 220,000 employees, 61 million tonnes of waste processed), has integrated blockchain into the recycling process for post-consumer plastics. The system combines RFID tags with blockchain: each batch receives an RFID tag documenting collection, sorting and processing. All transactions are recorded on the blockchain — immutable and transparent. A pilot project in Germany demonstrated practical feasibility. The blockchain traceability serves several purposes: (1) Authentication — proof that recyclates really come from post-consumer waste and have not been substituted with new material. (2) Regulation — compliance with EU requirements for recycled content quotas can be proven and certified in real time. (3) Customer certificates — customers receive blockchain-secured certificates for the recycled content of their materials.
Perspectives
B2B — organisations perspective
Packaging manufacturers and brands that must meet EU-mandated recycled content quotas receive blockchain-secured certificates from Veolia — a reliable basis for EU documentation requirements and protection against greenwashing.
B2C — consumers perspective
End consumers who buy products with recycled content can verify via blockchain certificates that the material actually comes from post-consumer waste — and not from a greenwashing claim.
Employees perspective
Employees in recycling facilities must familiarise themselves with new digital systems and RFID technologies and adjust their work processes accordingly. The work becomes more precise and data-driven as every processing step must be documented exactly.
Benefits
General
- Blockchain technology creates complete transparency about the origin and quality of recycled materials.
- Immutable documentation increases trust in recycling processes and products.
- Seamless traceability supports the development of a genuine circular economy.
B2B — organisations
- Companies can achieve higher prices for quality-assured recyclates and realise competitive advantages through sustainability credentials.
Employees
- Employees receive precise digital tools to document their work and can contribute to the company’s sustainability.
Challenges
General
- Integrating various technologies such as blockchain and RFID requires high technical expertise and investment.
- Acceptance and active use by all participants in the recycling chain is critical for success.
B2B — organisations
- Companies must fundamentally adapt existing recycling processes and invest in new technologies.
Employees
- Employees must be extensively trained and get used to more precise, data-driven work processes.
Technology foundation
The system uses blockchain technology for the immutable storage of data regarding the origin and processing steps of plastic waste. The blockchain is combined with RFID tags attached to each batch, which automatically record data on collection, transport, and processing.
Implementation examples
Veolia Blockchain Pilot Project for Plastic Recycling
Veolia wanted to increase transparency in the recycling chain and strengthen trust in recycled materials. By proving quality and origin, higher prices for recyclates were to be achieved.
Veolia is testing blockchain technology for traceability of post-consumer plastics in the pilot phase.
Veolia, a global leader in environmental services, is implementing a blockchain system to monitor the origin and purity of post-consumer plastics. The system combines RFID tags with blockchain technology to track each batch from collection to processing into granulate. The pilot project aims to create transparent traceability of materials and build trust in the authenticity and quality of recyclates.
The system solves the problem of lacking traceability in complex recycling chains and creates trust in the quality of recycled materials. Blockchain technology eliminates doubts about the authenticity and purity of recyclates.
Tags
Traceability, Recycling, RFID, Transparency, Circular Economy