mass balance

A method to match output (i.e. products with recycled content) with input (i.e. quantity of recycled feedstock) within a predefined system boundary (see below) and within a given booking period (usually one year).

mass-balanced product

This is a product for whose manufacture in the value chain waste-based raw materials were demonstrably used in the mass balance. The proportion of waste-based raw materials in the product does not necessarily have to be physically detectable.

material recovery

Material preparation including mechanical recycling, material (chemical) recycling and organic recycling, but excluding energy recovery.