Mass Balance
Aiming for optimal traceability when recycling complex materials
This certificate, available for Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium, Gold, and Silver, is transferable only when linked to physical units of metal refined by Umicore Precious Metals Refining in Hoboken, Belgium.
Given the complexity of materials processed at this facility, the Mass Balance certificate offers the highest level of physical traceability achievable by UPMR, Hoboken.
Mass Balance implies that both primary and recycled materials are mixed in one process whereby the proportion of precious metals from recycled sources are allocated to an equivalent of the output refined metals. Hence granting that output the status of 100% recycled content. We can guarantee this thanks to our globally renown sampling and assaying expertise and a strict metals accounting.
The Mass Balance certificates are offered by Umicore Precious Metals Refining, using the ISO14021 definition of recycled material.
Mass Balance is one of the Chain of Custody standards as described in ISO22095.2020 and PwC will be appointed to audit and certify this solution.
Characteristics
- High traceability : the certificate is attached to a corresponding physical quantity of Umicore Hoboken refined precious metal
- Umicore’s certified recycled content
- Responsibly sourced in compliance with LBMA/LPPM/RMI
- Refined under high-end technological and EHS conditions, ISO certified
What our customers say
"The mass balance certificate helps me to provide trustworthy documentation in our ESG reporting." - Compliance officer Chemical Specialty Materials
"I value the fact Umicore retrieves the smallest bits of metal from complex waste streams. Our customers understand this and hence value the mass balance chain of custody model." - Sustainability officer Electronics
"We are increasing the use of secondary materials in our vehicles because our customers value this a lot. Buying Nexyclus material is a piece of the puzzle." - Metals buyer Automotive tier 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Once the certificate is issued, it has no expiration date as the metal can be both short term used in applications, or long term stored for investment purposes.
Mass balance is a chain of custody model, as explained in ISO22095:2020. It links the recycled content certificate to an identifiable quantity of specified precious metal refined at Umicore. The certificate transfer follows on a physical shipment from UPMR Hoboken.
