Equivalent packaging can reduce repeated assessments, but every variant must be checked. Material composition, shape, decoration proportions and recycling behaviour matter. Adding variants also depends on the applicable guideline version and extension rules.
Does every colour, size or artwork variant need a separate RecyClass audit?
Not always. RecyClass allows several equivalent packaging variants within one scope if their differences do not change the assessment result. This is not an automatic “product family”: each variant must be assessed for equivalence to the master packaging.
1. What is equivalent packaging?
Equivalent packaging is a variant similar to the master packaging, with differences that do not change the recyclability audit result.
RecyClass permits such variants within one scope provided the auditor receives sufficient information and confirms their equivalence.
2. There is no simple maximum number of variants
The RecyClass FAQ does not set a maximum number of equivalent packaging items that one certificate can cover.
The constraint is therefore not the number of stock-keeping units (SKUs) itself, but the ability to demonstrate that every version meets the equivalence conditions.
3. The material construction must remain comparable
Variants should retain the same relevant material composition. If the polymer, barrier, label, adhesive or another recycling-relevant component changes, equivalence may no longer be clear.
Each such case needs assessment, rather than automatic addition to the existing certificate.
4. Shape and component proportions matter
The RecyClass FAQ identifies the same shape and proportional decoration as important conditions. Different sizes can be acceptable if they do not alter relevant assessment behaviour.
If a size change affects sorting, label coverage relative to the body or another criterion, the auditor may treat the variant as a separate case.
5. What can vary?
According to the RecyClass FAQ, variants can differ in size, colour, artwork and commercial name, provided those differences do not change the result and relevant proportions remain appropriate.
Different artwork alone therefore does not rule out equivalence, but the decoration technology and coverage still need checking.
6. The same mould does not always mean the same result
Two bottles made in the same mould can use different labels, adhesives, pigments or closures. Their recycling behaviour can consequently differ.
Purchasing and marketing teams should therefore discuss component changes with the person responsible for the certification scope.
7. The auditor examines every variant
A manufacturer’s declaration alone does not establish equivalence. Before the audit, provide the list of packaging variants and their characteristics so the auditor can confirm the scope and determine the work involved.
The auditor may request further documents or samples, or separate the products into different scopes.
8. Master packaging should be representative
In practice, select a well-documented master packaging design representing the conditions that the other variants are intended to share.
If variants contain different potentially critical features, several equivalent groups may be more appropriate than one very broad family.
9. Equivalence reduces duplication but must not conceal differences
The aim is efficiency: a company need not repeat an identical assessment for dozens of variants that are genuinely equivalent from a recycling perspective.
However, this approach must not be used to include versions whose materials, decoration or process behaviour differ significantly.
10. The scope must be clear to certificate users
The list within the scope should make it possible to identify exactly which packaging versions the result covers.
Internal SKU references, commercial names, capacities and variants should be consistent with the company’s technical documentation.
11. Variants added after certification still need assessment
A new variant should not be assumed to fall under an existing certificate simply because it looks similar.
First confirm with the certification body whether it meets the equivalence criteria and can formally be added to the scope.
Adding equivalent packaging to a valid certificate is only possible within the period allowed for the guideline version used for the initial assessment, taking account of the grace period provisions in the Recyclability Quality Management & Procedures. An unexpired certificate alone is insufficient. The procedure limits extensions when the subsequent guideline version enters into effect; adding variants does not restart the certificate’s validity period.
12. A practical equivalent packaging checklist
- The same relevant material composition.
- The same basic shape or confirmed equivalent behaviour.
- Decoration kept in comparable proportions.
- No new component that affects the assessment result.
- The same applicable recycling stream.
- Documentation for every variant.
- Formal confirmation by the auditor or certification body.
Frequently asked questions
Can one certificate cover many SKUs?
Yes, if they are genuinely equivalent and the auditor confirms that their differences do not affect the result.
Can a variant have a different colour?
Yes, if the change leaves the result unaffected and meets the conditions of the relevant stream and guidelines.
Can the label be changed?
Only after checking whether its material, coverage, adhesive and other characteristics remain equivalent to the approved variant.
Is a new variant automatically covered by an existing certificate?
No. It must be formally assessed and included in the scope.