The recyclability of semi-finished packaging can be also evalauted by the Certification Bodies. In this case a Letter of Compatibility will be delivered, instead of a certificate. Any further alteration of the design such as print, used materials and/or the effect of product-content or residue, might indeed change the outcome of the assessment of the final packaging. Therefore, only final packaging are eligible for the certification.
The audit for semi-finished packaging follows the same steps as the Design-for-Recycling certification and asseses that the semi-finished product is compatible with readily available sorting & recycling technologies commonly used at industrial scale in the recycling sector in Europe.
At this stage, the use of the RecyClass logo is prohibited. The use of any claims on the recyclability of the semi-finished product are not supported by RecyClass. To use the logo and/or to have RecyClass endorsement, you must submit the final packaging for certification. Indeed, it is the final packaging (including its decorative elements and product-residue) that will enter the recycling system.
Practical details of the audit for semi-finished packaging (costs, samples to provide, members benefits etc.) are similar to certifications. Please refer to the questions and answers below.