Module Alpha and Module A1 cover different stages. Alpha concerns sorting, waste origin and collection. A1 concerns final pre-processing before decontamination. The correct scope depends on the site’s actual operations, material status and intended output.
Does a sorting plant preparing PET bales have the same Food Contact module as a recycler producing washed flakes?
No. RecyClass distinguishes earlier sorting from the final preparation of material for decontamination. Module Alpha is associated with Sorting Process Certification, while Module A1 falls within Recycling Process and covers preparation of suitable Plastic Input for subsequent decontamination.
1. Module Alpha and Module A1 belong to different schemes
Module Alpha supplements RecyClass Sorting Process Certification. Module A1 is part of Module A in Recycling Process Certification. In certain cases, a Food Contact scope may also be associated with Recycled Plastics Traceability under the current scheme.
Do not select a module solely because it mentions “Food Contact”. First establish the site’s actual role in the chain.
2. Module Alpha starts with waste and sorting
This scope primarily covers waste origin, the collection system, initial and secondary sorting, stream segregation, quality control of Plastic Waste Output and traceability.
A typical output is an appropriately prepared waste stream, such as a PET bale sent to a recycler.
3. Module A1 is closer to decontamination
Module A1 covers final pre-processing: preparing input material for the decontamination process. In practice, this may include operations performed by the recycler before the actual decontamination stage.
A typical example is a site producing appropriately prepared, washed and controlled PET flakes for a subsequent decontamination process.
4. The boundary does not always fall at one particular machine
Technical chains differ between sites. One operator sells bales, another performs secondary sorting, a third shreds and washes flakes, and a fourth carries out decontamination.
Define the scope by the actual operations, material status and point at which responsibility passes to the next operator, rather than the department name in an organisation chart.
5. A simple chain model shows the distinction
Collection and sorting → Sorting Process + Module Alpha. Final preparation of material for decontamination → Recycling Process + Module A1. The next stage, actual decontamination → Module A2.
This is a simplified model, but it explains why Alpha and A1 are not interchangeable names for the same requirement.
6. A secondary sorter may still fall within Module Alpha
An organisation receiving pre-sorted waste and performing further sorting before sending it to a recycler should still assess the Sorting Process scope. Material having already been sorted once does not automatically move the activity into Module A1.
The key question is whether the organisation still handles Plastic Waste through sorting operations or performs final pre-processing associated with Recycling Process.
7. A PET flake producer may fall on the other side of the boundary
If a site shreds, washes and prepares material intended as input to decontamination, Module A1 should be assessed. The details depend on the actual process and current Audit Scheme.
Not all “PET flakes” have the same status. The operations performed and the intended use of the material matter.
8. A Waste Trader may operate between stages
An operator trading the relevant waste stream between the sorter and recycler must preserve continuity of information about origin, batches, material status and certification.
Where applicable, Module Alpha can also cover the relevant Waste Trader activity.
9. Alpha focuses more on origin and collection; A1 on input preparation
Key Module Alpha questions are where the waste came from, how it was collected and how it was sorted. In Module A1, the emphasis shifts towards whether material is properly prepared for subsequent decontamination and meets the Plastic Input requirements.
Both stages nevertheless depend on traceability and reliable records.
10. Neither module is a Food Contact approval
Module Alpha does not mean a PET bale is “food-grade”. Module A1 does not mean prepared flakes have been legally approved for food contact.
These certification scopes support process control. Food-contact compliance requires further elements established by law, including appropriate decontamination and documentation.
11. A process map is the best starting point for selecting the scope
Before applying, list all operations from receipt of waste to transfer of material to the next operator. For each step, identify the material status, the company’s responsibility and the intended use of the output.
This map usually makes it possible to establish quickly whether the activity concerns Sorting Process, Recycling Process or subsequent stages of the chain.
Frequently asked questions
Can one company have both Module Alpha and A1?
If the organisation performs distinct operations corresponding to both stages, the relevant scopes should be assessed. A single combined module should not be assumed automatically.
Does a washed PET flake producer always need A1?
The scope depends on the actual process and intended use. If the flakes are the final Plastic Input for the decontamination stage, A1 is the natural scope to examine.
Can a sorting plant with very clean PET bales select A1 instead of Alpha?
Do not select the scope on cleanliness alone. The organisation’s role and the nature of its operations are decisive.
Does Module Alpha verify the 5% non-food PET limit?
The module covers control of the relevant stream and its composition, but certification requirements must be distinguished from a complete assessment of legal compliance.
Where does Module A2 fit?
A2 covers the subsequent stage: the actual decontamination process.