In order to ensure that the sustainability declarations intrinsic to your package meet the international/national standards, we have divided our services here into two main groups: technical assessments and audits, and labelling and branding.

 

Technical Assessments & Audits

In order to certify that the material fulfils all the criteria required for it to be branded with sustainability labelling, there are some ISOs and EN/BS regulations that need to be checked depending on the sustainability parameter being claimed:

 

Recyclability

• ISO 18604:2013 ("Packaging and the environment — Material recycling")
• EN 13430 ("Packaging - Requirements for packaging recoverable by material recycling")
• CEN/TR 13688 ("Packaging - Material recycling - Report on requirements for substances and materials to prevent a sustained impediment to recycling")

These normatives include the testing that should be performed in order to obtain a "quality recycling" packaging.

 

Biodegradability

By performing this audit of the materials and packages, the customer is able to ensure the biodegradability following the national and international standards.

• ISO 17088:2021 ("Plastics — Organic recycling — Specifications for compostable plastics")
• EN 13432("Packaging - Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation - Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging")

 

Reusablilty

• ISO 18603:2013 ("Packaging and the environment — Reuse")

This standard specifies the requirements for a packaging to be classified as reusable.

 

 

Labels & Branding

There are three types of eco-labelling, namely divided into self-declarations and official certifications.

 

The current ISOs regarding eco-labelling are the ISO 14021, ISO 14024, and ISO 14025. The eco-labelling scheme and roadmap would depend on your preferences and on whether your packaging meets the requirements to be certified by an accredited entity - and such certifications can better position your products and organisation within the sustainability market.

 

In the grander scheme, if companies prefer to do sustainable self-declarations, then the ISO 14021 should be followed as best practice, in order to ensure that the labels have been designed in the right way, and all the documentation that support the eco-label is in place.

 

No matter which eco-labelling option is being considered, we at PACK Consulting can help you throughout the process, by recommending the best eco-labelling pathway and by performing the technical assessments and reporting that would enable you to apply your eco-labelling in accordance with current regulations.