94/62/EC - Packaging and packaging waste Harmonized Directive
Directive 94/62/EC aims to harmonize national measures relating to the management of packaging and packaging waste within the EU to prevent or reduce environmental impact, ensure the functioning of the internal market, and avoid trade barriers or competition distortions. It applies to all packaging and packaging waste, regardless of material or use, excluding production residues. Key objectives include the prevention of packaging waste production, promoting reuse, recycling, and other recovery methods, and reducing landfilling. Member States must establish return, collection, and recovery systems, set minimum targets for recovery and recycling (50-65% recovery and 25-45% recycling by weight within five years), and may encourage reuse systems complying with environmental standards. The Directive limits hazardous substances in packaging to reduce toxicity and mandates sorting waste at source. It calls for cooperation among economic operators, authorities, and consumers while promoting awareness and voluntary agreements. Standards development, data collection, and adaptive measures based on scientific progress underpin its implementation. Specific provisions allow some Member States longer deadlines or adjusted targets due to unique circumstances. The Directive supports a high level of environmental protection alongside market harmonization.
Purpose
Directive 94/62/EC aims to harmonize national measures concerning the management of packaging and packaging waste across the European Union. Its primary goals are:
- To prevent or reduce the environmental impact of packaging and packaging waste in all Member States and third countries, ensuring a high level of environmental protection.
- To ensure the proper functioning of the EU internal market by removing trade barriers, and preventing distortions or restrictions of competition related to packaging.
The directive establishes a waste management hierarchy focused first on preventing packaging waste production, followed by reuse, recycling, and other recovery methods to reduce the quantity sent to disposal.
Key Obligations
- Prevention: Member States are required to implement measures and national programs to prevent packaging waste, including reducing the quantity and harmfulness of materials contained in packaging.
- Reuse: Encouragement of reusable packaging systems designed for multiple use cycles, environmentally sound and compliant with Treaty provisions.
- Recovery and Recycling Targets:
- Within 5 years from implementation:
- Recover between 50%-65% (by weight) of packaging waste.
- Recycle between 25%-45% (by weight) of packaging materials, with a minimum of 15% recycling per packaging material type.
- Within 10 years from implementation:
- The Council will set new targets aiming at substantially increasing recovery and recycling rates.
- Within 5 years from implementation:
- Member States must promote the use of recycled materials in packaging production where appropriate.
- Systems for the return, collection, and recovery of packaging waste must be established and designed to ensure maximum return rates, prevent trade barriers, and allow participation by all interested parties.
- Limitation of noxious metals and other harmful substances in packaging to reduce environmental toxicity.
- Sorting packaging waste at source is essential to achieve high recycling levels and ensure health and safety for workers.
- Member States are encouraged to involve economic operators, authorities, and consumers under a spirit of shared responsibility.
- Information campaigns for the general public and economic operators are required to raise awareness and support compliance.
Affected Products and Actors
- Scope: The directive applies to all types of packaging and packaging waste placed on the EU market, regardless of material, use, or sector (industrial, commercial, household, etc.).
- Definitions: Packaging includes sales (primary), grouped (secondary), and transport (tertiary) packaging. Packaging waste refers to packaging material classified as waste under Directive 75/442/EEC.
- Economic operators: Suppliers of packaging materials, producers, converters, fillers, users, importers, traders, distributors, authorities, and statutory organizations involved in the full packaging lifecycle.
- The directive does not affect existing requirements related to product safety, hygiene, transport, or hazardous waste management.
Implementation Timeline
- Transposition: Member States were required to transpose the directive into national law, setting up the necessary legal framework for packaging and packaging waste management.
- Initial targets: To be achieved no later than 5 years after national implementation, including recovery and recycling thresholds.
- Long-term targets: The Council is tasked with establishing more ambitious recovery and recycling goals 10 years after implementation, reassessed every five years based on reports and scientific evaluations.
- Exceptions: Greece, Ireland, and Portugal were allowed lower targets and extended deadlines in light of specific geographic and consumption factors.
- Reporting and Review: The Commission provides interim and final reports on progress, assisting Parliament and the Council in evaluating effectiveness and adjusting targets.
This directive forms a cornerstone for EU waste policy on packaging, emphasizing environmental protection, economic harmonization, and sustainable resource management.
The directive applies to all types of packaging placed on the market within the European Community and all packaging waste generated, regardless of the material used. This includes packaging at industrial, commercial, office, shop, service, household, or any other level. The directive covers all packaging intended for containment, protection, handling, delivery, and presentation of goods, including sales (primary) packaging, grouped (secondary) packaging, and transport (tertiary) packaging, excluding transport containers used for road, rail, ship, and air. The scope encompasses both returnable and non-returnable packaging items and aims at harmonizing measures related to the management, reuse, recovery, and recycling of packaging and packaging waste across all economic operators involved, such as producers, importers, traders, and distributors, while respecting existing quality, health, safety, and transport regulations.
Die Richtlinie 94/62/EG harmonisiert die Vorschriften der EU-Mitgliedstaaten zur Verpackungs- und Verpackungsabfallbewirtschaftung mit dem Ziel, Umweltbelastungen durch Verpackungsabfälle zu vermeiden oder zu minimieren und gleichzeitig den Binnenmarkt vor Handelshemmnissen und Wettbewerbsverzerrungen zu schützen. Vorrangig sollen Verpackungsabfälle vermieden werden; weitere Prinzipien sind die Wiederverwendung, stoffliche Verwertung und sonstige Verwertungen, um Abfälle, die endgültig beseitigt werden müssen, zu verringern. Die Richtlinie gilt für alle in Verkehr gebrachten Verpackungen und deren Abfälle, unabhängig vom Material oder Verwendungsbereich. Sie fordert die Einrichtung von Rücknahme- und Verwertungssystemen, die Förderung von Wiederverwendungssystemen sowie Beschränkungen von Schadstoffen in Verpackungen. Zielvorgaben verpflichten die Mitgliedstaaten dazu, mindestens 50-65 % der Verpackungsabfälle zu verwerten, davon 25-45 % stofflich. Die Kommission wird Berichte zur Evaluierung und möglichen Anhebung der Ziele vorlegen. Verbraucher und Marktteilnehmer sind in die Maßnahmen einzubeziehen, um ein hohes Schutzniveau der Umwelt sicherzustellen und nachhaltiges Verhalten zu fördern.
Zweck
Die Richtlinie 94/62/EG zielt darauf ab, die nationales Vorschriften im Bereich Verpackungen und Verpackungsabfälle innerhalb der Europäischen Union zu harmonisieren. Hauptzwecke sind:
- Vermeidung und Verringerung der Umweltauswirkungen von Verpackungsabfällen in allen Mitgliedstaaten sowie in Drittländern.
- Sicherstellung eines hohen Umweltschutzniveaus durch Priorisierung von Abfallvermeidung, Wiederverwendung, stofflicher Verwertung und sonstiger Verwertungsmaßnahmen.
- Gewährleistung eines reibungslosen Funktionierens des Binnenmarktes durch Beseitigung von Handelshemmnissen, Wettbewerbsverzerrungen und -beschränkungen.
- Förderung der Zusammenarbeit aller Marktteilnehmer inklusive Hersteller, Händler, Verbraucher und öffentliche Stellen unter Einhaltung des Verursacherprinzips.
Wesentliche Verpflichtungen
- Abfallvermeidung: Mitgliedstaaten müssen Programme und Maßnahmen ergreifen zur Reduzierung der Menge und Umweltschädlichkeit von Verpackungen und Verpackungsabfällen, basierend auf Produktions-, Vertriebs- und Verwendungsprozessen.
- Wiederverwendung: Förderung der Systeme für wiederverwendbare Verpackungen, sofern dies umweltverträglich möglich ist.
- Verwertung und stoffliche Verwertung:
- Innerhalb von 5 Jahren nach Inkrafttreten müssen mindestens 50-65 % der Verpackungsabfälle verwertet werden.
- Davon sollen 25-45 % stofflich verwertet werden, mit einem Mindestanteil von 15 % für jedes einzelne Verpackungsmaterial.
- Nach 10 Jahren sind die Zielvorgaben anzupassen und zu erhöhen.
- Rücknahme-, Sammel- und Verwertungssysteme: Einrichtung von Systemen zur Sammlung und Verwertung von Verpackungsabfällen unter Beteiligung aller relevanten Marktakteure.
- Begrenzung schädlicher Substanzen: Festlegung von Grenzwerten für gefährliche Materialien, insbesondere für Schwermetalle, um Umwelt- und Gesundheitsrisiken zu minimieren.
- Kennzeichnung: Weitere Prüfung auf Gemeinschaftsebene zur Etablierung einheitlicher Kennzeichnungsvorschriften.
- Information und Bewusstseinsförderung: Verbraucher sollen über umweltgerechtes Verhalten informiert und sensibilisiert werden.
- Berichterstattung und Überwachung: EU-Kommission wird Bericht erstatten, um die Umsetzung und Wirksamkeit der Richtlinie zu bewerten und gegebenenfalls Anpassungen vorzuschlagen.
- Normung: Förderung der Entwicklung europäischer Normen für Verpackungen zur Unterstützung der Umweltschutzziele.
Betroffene Produkte und Akteure
- Produkte: Alle Arten von Verpackungen, die im Binnenmarkt in Verkehr gebracht werden, einschließlich Verkaufs- (Erst-)verpackungen, Umverpackungen (Zweitverpackungen) und Transportverpackungen (Drittverpackungen). Ausgenommen sind Container für den Straßen-, Schienen-, Schiffs- und Lufttransport.
- Verpackungsabfälle: Verpackungen und Verpackungsmaterialien, die gemäß der Abfallrichtlinie 75/442/EWG als Abfall gelten, mit Ausnahmen von Produktionsrückständen.
- Akteure: Hersteller von Verpackungen und Verpackungsmaterialien, Abfüller, Importeure, Händler, Vertreiber, öffentliche Stellen, öffentliche und private Verwertungsbetriebe sowie Endverbraucher.
Umsetzungszeitplan
- Innerhalb von 5 Jahren nach Inkrafttreten müssen die ersten verbindlichen Zielvorgaben zur Verwertung und stofflichen Verwertung von Verpackungsabfällen erreicht werden.
- Innerhalb von 10 Jahren sind die Zielvorgaben vom Rat auf Empfehlung der Kommission entsprechend den wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen und Evaluierungsergebnissen zu erhöhen.
- Die Richtlinie sieht Übergangsfristen für bereits in Verkehr gebrachte Verpackungen vor, sowie eine Anpassungsphase für die Anwendung europäischer Normen.
- Die EU-Kommission wird periodisch Berichte erstatten, um die Umsetzung zu überwachen und erforderlichenfalls Anpassungen vorzuschlagen.
Die Richtlinie fordert zudem eine enge Zusammenarbeit der Mitgliedstaaten sowie aller Marktteilnehmer zur Erfüllung der Umweltschutzziele und zur Verbesserung der Abfallbewirtschaftung in der Union.
Die Richtlinie 94/62/EG gilt für alle in der Europäischen Gemeinschaft in Verkehr gebrachten Verpackungen sowie für sämtliche Verpackungsabfälle, gleichgültig, ob sie in Industrie, Handel, Verwaltung, Gewerbe, Dienstleistungssektor, Haushalten oder anderswo anfallen. Sie bezieht sich auf Verpackungen aus allen Materialien und umfasst Verkaufsverpackungen, Umverpackungen sowie Transportverpackungen, wobei Container für den Straßen-, Schienen-, Schiffs- und Luftverkehr ausgenommen sind. Die Richtlinie betrifft alle Tätigkeiten rund um Herstellung, Verwendung, Einfuhr und Vertrieb von Verpackungen und verpackten Erzeugnissen in der Gemeinschaft. Sie verfolgt das Ziel, Umweltbelastungen durch Verpackungsabfälle zu vermeiden oder zu verringern, und zielt darauf ab, durch Harmonisierungsmaßnahmen Handelshemmnisse und Wettbewerbsverzerrungen im Binnenmarkt zu verhindern. Für Verpackungen gelten dabei keine Änderungen der bestehenden Qualitäts-, Sicherheits- und Hygienevorschriften sowie der Beförderungsregelungen.
La directive 94/62/CE vise à harmoniser les mesures nationales relatives à la gestion des emballages et des déchets d'emballages afin de prévenir et réduire leur impact environnemental tout en garantissant le bon fonctionnement du marché intérieur européen. Elle établit comme priorité la prévention des déchets d’emballages, suivie par la réutilisation, le recyclage et la valorisation des déchets, réduisant ainsi leur élimination finale. Applicable à tous les types d’emballages et déchets, la directive introduit des exigences essentielles concernant la composition, la réutilisabilité et la recyclabilité des emballages, limitant notamment la présence de substances nocives. Elle encourage la mise en place de systèmes de retour, de collecte et de valorisation ouverts à toutes les parties intéressées et souligne l’importance du tri à la source pour assurer la sécurité sanitaire des opérateurs. La directive prévoit aussi l’utilisation d’instruments économiques et la sensibilisation des acteurs économiques et des consommateurs, afin de favoriser une responsabilité partagée dans la gestion durable des emballages. Elle prévoit enfin un suivi des progrès par la Commission et des ajustements basés sur l’évolution scientifique et technique.
Objet
La directive 94/62/CE du 20 décembre 1994 relative aux emballages et aux déchets d’emballages vise à harmoniser les mesures nationales concernant la gestion des emballages et des déchets d’emballages afin de :
- Prévenir et réduire leurs effets sur l’environnement au sein des États membres et des pays tiers, garantissant ainsi un niveau élevé de protection environnementale ;
- Assurer le bon fonctionnement du marché intérieur de l’Union européenne, en évitant les entraves aux échanges ainsi que les distorsions et restrictions de concurrence.
Cette directive pose la prévention des déchets d’emballage comme priorité et privilégie ensuite la réutilisation, le recyclage et les autres formes de valorisation des déchets d’emballages, limitant ainsi leur élimination finale.
Obligations principales
Prévention
- Les États membres doivent mettre en œuvre des mesures efficaces de prévention de la production de déchets d’emballages, lesquelles peuvent prendre la forme de programmes nationaux ou d’actions coordonnées impliquant les acteurs économiques concernés.
- La Commission européenne encourage l’élaboration de normes européennes pour soutenir ces mesures.
Réutilisation
- Les États membres sont autorisés à promouvoir des systèmes de réutilisation des emballages, sous réserve que cela ne nuise pas à l’environnement.
Valorisation et recyclage
- Les États membres doivent instaurer des systèmes de retour, de collecte et de valorisation des emballages usagés, favorisant la réutilisation et le recyclage.
- La définition d’objectifs chiffrés en matière de valorisation et de recyclage doit tenir compte des différentes situations nationales, avec des fourchettes adaptables pour éviter des distorsions de concurrence.
- La directive insiste sur l’importance du tri à la source pour garantir un recyclage efficace et réduire les risques sanitaires liés à la manipulation des déchets.
- Des restrictions sont posées pour limiter la présence de métaux lourds nocifs et autres substances dangereuses dans les emballages afin de diminuer leur impact environnemental.
Composition et caractéristiques des emballages
- Tous les emballages doivent répondre à des exigences essentielles concernant leur composition, leur nature réutilisable et valorisable (y compris recyclable).
- Les emballages doivent être conçus pour minimiser leur impact environnemental tout en assurant leur fonction sociale et économique.
- L’utilisation de matériaux recyclés dans la fabrication d’emballages doit respecter les normes d’hygiène, de santé et de sécurité des consommateurs.
Information et transparence
- Les États membres doivent collecter et transmettre des données sur la production, la gestion et la valorisation des emballages au niveau communautaire.
- Tous les acteurs économiques, y compris producteurs, importateurs, distributeurs et consommateurs, sont encouragés à adopter une responsabilité partagée dans la gestion des déchets d’emballages suivant le principe du pollueur-payeur.
- Le consommateur doit être informé pour modifier ses comportements et soutenir la gestion durable des emballages.
Produits et acteurs concernés
- La directive s’applique à tous les types d’emballages mis sur le marché communautaire, quelle que soit leur nature matérielle ou leur usage (emballage primaire, secondaire et tertiaire).
- Elle couvre également tous les déchets d’emballages issus des ménages, des industries, des commerces, des services, et autres secteurs.
- Les acteurs économiques concernés incluent les fournisseurs de matériaux, fabricants, transformateurs, remplisseurs, utilisateurs, importateurs, commerçants, distributeurs, autorités publiques et organismes publics.
Calendrier de mise en œuvre
- La directive prévoit une période de transition pour permettre l’adaptation des emballages aux nouvelles exigences essentielles.
- Les États membres doivent avoir mis en place des systèmes de collecte, de valorisation et de recyclage conformes aux objectifs fixés dans des délais à moyen terme.
- Pour certains États membres avec situations particulières, des objectifs plus faibles peuvent être autorisés sous conditions strictes.
- La Commission doit régulièrement évaluer les progrès réalisés sur la base de rapports des États membres et de données scientifiques, et pourra ajuster les objectifs en conséquence.
- La directive encourage également le développement et l’adoption de normes européennes harmonisées pour faciliter la conformité et éviter les barrières techniques au commerce.
Cette directive établit un cadre légal essentiel pour une gestion durable des emballages en Europe, alliant protection de l’environnement et maintien d’un marché intérieur compétitif et unifié.
La directive 94/62/CE s'applique à tous les emballages mis sur le marché dans la Communauté européenne ainsi qu'à tous les déchets d'emballages, qu'ils proviennent d'industries, commerces, bureaux, ateliers, services, ménages ou autres sources, indépendamment des matériaux dont ils sont faits. Elle couvre les emballages de vente (primaires), les emballages groupés (secondaires) et les emballages de transport (tertiaires), à l'exception des conteneurs de transport routier, ferroviaire, maritime et aérien. La directive concerne la prévention, la réduction, la réutilisation, le recyclage et la valorisation des déchets d'emballages, visant à limiter leurs effets environnementaux tout en assurant le bon fonctionnement du marché intérieur européen et évitant les entraves aux échanges et les distorsions de concurrence. Elle s'applique sans préjudice des exigences relatives à la qualité, la sécurité, la santé, l'hygiène des produits emballés et les règles relatives au transport, ainsi que la gestion des déchets dangereux selon la directive 91/689/CEE.
Direktiva 94/62/ES združuje ukrepe za ravnanje z embalažo in odpadno embalažo v EU z namenom preprečiti negativni vpliv na okolje ter zagotoviti delovanje notranjega trga brez trgovinskih ovir. Vsebuje cilje zmanjšanja nastajanja odpadne embalaže, spodbuja ponovno uporabo, recikliranje in druge oblike predelave ter zmanjševanje odlaganja odpadkov. Države članice morajo vzpostaviti sisteme vračanja, zbiranja in predelave embalaže, spodbujati uporabo recikliranih materialov in zagotoviti označevanje embalaže za lažje upravljanje. Direktiva določa cilj, da se v petih letih od sprejema prepelje v nacionalno pravo in da se do takrat predela med 50-65 % odpadne embalaže, od tega med 25-45 % reciklira. Posebnosti veljajo za države članice z oteženimi geografskimi pogoji. Prav tako se določa prepoved zdravju škodljivih snovi v embalaži in zahteva sodelovanje vseh gospodarskih subjektov po načelu "plača povzročitelj". Cilj je trajnostno ravnanje z embalažo in odpadki, vključujoč ozaveščanje potrošnikov ter spodbujanje tehnološkega napredka za čim manjši vpliv embalaže na okolje.
Namen
Direktiva 94/62/ESz ureja usklajevanje nacionalnih predpisov glede embalaže in odpadne embalaže z namenom preprečiti ali zmanjšati vpliv embalaže na okolje ter zagotoviti visoko raven varstva okolja v Evropski uniji. Poleg tega direktiva stremi k zagotovitvi nemotenega delovanja notranjega trga, preprečevanju trgovinskih ovir ter izkrivljanja in omejevanja konkurence znotraj Skupnosti.
Ključni cilji so:
- Preprečevanje nastajanja odpadne embalaže kot najboljšega načina varovanja okolja.
- Spodbujanje ponovne uporabe embalaže.
- Povečanje recikliranja in drugih oblik predelave odpadne embalaže.
- Zmanjšanje količine odpadkov za odstranjevanje.
Ključne obveznosti
Preprečevanje nastajanja odpadne embalaže: Države članice morajo izvajati ukrepe za zmanjšanje količine in škodljivosti embalaže in odpadne embalaže skozi celoten življenjski cikel, vključno z razvojem čistih proizvodov in tehnologij.
Ponovna uporaba embalaže: Države članice lahko spodbujajo sisteme, ki omogočajo varno ponovno uporabo embalaže v skladu s pravili EU.
Predelava in recikliranje:
- Najpozneje v 5 letih od prenosa direktive morajo države članice zagotoviti predelavo vsaj 50 % do 65 % odpadne embalaže po teži.
- Recikliranje vsaj 25 % do 45 % odpadnih materialov, pri čemer je treba doseči vsaj 15 % vsak posamezen embalažni material.
- V roku 10 let bodo cilji za predelavo in recikliranje dodatno zvišani na podlagi odločitev Sveta.
Sistemi vračanja in zbiranja: Države članice morajo vzpostaviti odprte in nediskriminatorne sisteme vračanja, zbiranja in predelave odpadne embalaže, ki vključujejo vse gospodarske subjekte in javne oblasti.
Označevanje embalaže: Embalaža mora imeti jasno označbo, ki omogoča prepoznavanje vrste uporabljenega embalažnega materiala, s čimer se olajšajo zbiranje, ponovno uporabo in recikliranje.
Okoljske zahteve: Embalaža ne sme vsebovati zdravju škodljivih kovin in drugih nevarnih snovi v količinah, ki bi škodljivo vplivale na okolje, predvsem z vidika emisij in odlaganja.
Obveščanje in sodelovanje: Gospodarski subjekti, javne oblasti in potrošniki morajo biti ustrezno obveščeni in vključeni v izvajanje direktive, s čimer se spodbuja odgovornost po načelu "plača povzročitelj".
Vplivani izdelki in akterji
Vplivani izdelki: Vsa embalaža, ki je dana v promet na območju EU, vključno s prodajno, skupinsko in transportno embalažo. Odpadna embalaža iz industrijskih, komercialnih, pisarniških, trgovskih, storitvenih, gospodinjskih in drugih okolij.
Akterji:
- Dobavitelji embalažnih materialov.
- Proizvajalci embalaže in embalerji.
- Uporabniki in distributerji embalaže.
- Uvozniki in trgovci.
- Državni organi in javne organizacije.
- Potrošniki, ki so ključen del pri ravnanju z embalažo in odpadno embalažo.
Časovni okvir izvajanja
Države članice morajo direktivo prenesti v nacionalno zakonodajo v določenem roku (običajno do 31. decembra 1997, oziroma 5 let po sprejetju direktive).
Cilji za predelavo in recikliranje so določeni za obdobje 5 let po prenosu direktive.
Deset let po prenosu bo Svet določil povečane cilje za predelavo in recikliranje.
Posebni režimi za države s posebnimi okoliščinami (npr. Grčija, Irska, Portugalska) dovoljujejo nižje ciljne deleže z možnostjo podaljšanja roka do 31. decembra 2005.
Evropska komisija bo spremljala izvajanje, pripravljala poročila in predlagala prilagoditve na podlagi znanstvenih študij in praktičnih izkušenj.
Direktiva 94/62/ESz pomembno prispeva k trajnostni rabi virov in varstvu okolja z usklajenimi pravili za upravljanje embalaže in odpadne embalaže po celotni EU, hkrati pa zagotavlja svobodno trgovanje in enake pogoje za vse akterje na trgu.
Direktiva 94/62/ESz velja za vso embalažo, dano v promet na območju Evropske unije, in za vso odpadno embalažo, ki se uporablja v industrijskem, komercialnem, pisarniškem, trgovinskem, storitvenem, gospodinjskem ali katerem koli drugem okolju oziroma izvira iz njih, ne glede na uporabljeni material. Nanaša se na vse vrste embalaže, vključno s prodajno (primarno), skupinsko (sekundarno) in transportno (terciarno) embalažo, vendar ne zajema zabojnikov za cestni, železniški, ladijski in letalski prevoz. Direktiva vključuje ukrepe za preprečevanje nastajanja odpadne embalaže, njeno ponovno uporabo, recikliranje ter druge oblike predelave, da bi zmanjšala vpliv embalaže na okolje in preprečila trgovinske ovire ter izkrivljanje konkurence na notranjem trgu EU. Directive ne posega v druge zahteve, kot so zahteve glede kakovosti embalaže, varnosti, zdravja, higiene ali posebnih predpisov o nevarnih odpadkih.
General Information
This document specifies a testing scheme and requirements for the designation of carrier bags of any materials that are considered to be suitable for incorporation into well-managed home composting installations for non-commercial purposes with a home composting cycle of normally at least 12 months. Carrier bags are considered as home compostable in a well-managed system only if all the individual components meet the requirements.
The following four aspects are addressed:
a )characterization;
b) biodegradation in well managed home composting;
c) disintegration in well managed home composting; and
d) home compost quality.
The four aspects, a) to d), are assessing the effects on the biological treatment process and the compost made by it.
This document forms the basis for the labelling of carrier bags that are considered to be suitable for the incorporation into well-managed home composting installations.
NOTE 1 Compliance with the requirements of this document by the carrier bags entering the compost does not necessarily imply that a high-quality compost will be produced.
This document covers the suitability of carrier bags for the incorporation into well managed home composting installations but does not address regulations that may exist regarding the suitability of anything disposed together with the carrier bag to home composting.
This document provides a set of guidance on the parameters, boundaries and processes required to engage in well managed, aerobic, home composting. Alternative composting methods and systems may not provide the conditions necessary for the successful home composting of carrier bags which comply with the requirements of this document.
NOTE 2 Additional general information about home composting is provided in Annex F.
The testing scheme and the requirements specified by this document do not apply to worm composting, industrial composting nor community composting. It also does not provide information on the biodegradability of carrier bags ending up in the environment as litter.
This document includes a reference to features of well-managed home composting (Annex E).
The compost produced via home composting by a private individual is for private use only and not for provision to others, free of charge or in return for payment. Therefore, this document has no value as a marketing authorization or authorization of use of the final compost.
NOTE 3 The testing scheme and evaluation criteria could be the basis for the establishment of suitability to home composting of other products.
NOTE 4 The purpose of testing activity b) is to demonstrate the potential for ultimate biodegradation of the test material when exposed to microbes active under mesophilic conditions (between 15 °C and 45 °C).
NOTE 5 The purpose of testing activity c) is to verify the thickness and/or grammage that allows a full disintegration of the test product in a period consistent with a home composting cycle, under defined environmental conditions. To allow for the potential for variations of local climatic conditions and consumer application of well-managed home composting techniques, lower than optimal temperature profile has been adopted for this test.
- Standard35 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies a testing scheme and requirements for the designation of carrier bags of any materials that are considered to be suitable for incorporation into well-managed home composting installations for non-commercial purposes with a home composting cycle of normally at least 12 months. Carrier bags are considered as home compostable in a well-managed system only if all the individual components meet the requirements.
The following four aspects are addressed:
a )characterization;
b) biodegradation in well managed home composting;
c) disintegration in well managed home composting; and
d) home compost quality.
The four aspects, a) to d), are assessing the effects on the biological treatment process and the compost made by it.
This document forms the basis for the labelling of carrier bags that are considered to be suitable for the incorporation into well-managed home composting installations.
NOTE 1 Compliance with the requirements of this document by the carrier bags entering the compost does not necessarily imply that a high-quality compost will be produced.
This document covers the suitability of carrier bags for the incorporation into well managed home composting installations but does not address regulations that may exist regarding the suitability of anything disposed together with the carrier bag to home composting.
This document provides a set of guidance on the parameters, boundaries and processes required to engage in well managed, aerobic, home composting. Alternative composting methods and systems may not provide the conditions necessary for the successful home composting of carrier bags which comply with the requirements of this document.
NOTE 2 Additional general information about home composting is provided in Annex F.
The testing scheme and the requirements specified by this document do not apply to worm composting, industrial composting nor community composting. It also does not provide information on the biodegradability of carrier bags ending up in the environment as litter.
This document includes a reference to features of well-managed home composting (Annex E).
The compost produced via home composting by a private individual is for private use only and not for provision to others, free of charge or in return for payment. Therefore, this document has no value as a marketing authorization or authorization of use of the final compost.
NOTE 3 The testing scheme and evaluation criteria could be the basis for the establishment of suitability to home composting of other products.
NOTE 4 The purpose of testing activity b) is to demonstrate the potential for ultimate biodegradation of the test material when exposed to microbes active under mesophilic conditions (between 15 °C and 45 °C).
NOTE 5 The purpose of testing activity c) is to verify the thickness and/or grammage that allows a full disintegration of the test product in a period consistent with a home composting cycle, under defined environmental conditions. To allow for the potential for variations of local climatic conditions and consumer application of well-managed home composting techniques, lower than optimal temperature profile has been adopted for this test.
- Standard35 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the methodology and procedure for determining the presence and minimization of other dangerous substances in relation with Annex II Para 1 Indent 3 of Directive 94/62/EC. This document is intended to be of practical use, and to enable efficient application of Directive 94/62/EC, even for small and medium-sized companies in the packaging industry, providing them with a methodology for assessing compliance with the Directive.
This document cannot by itself provide presumption of conformity. The procedure for applying this document is contained in EN 13427.
- Technical report18 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the methodology and procedure for determining the presence and minimization of other dangerous substances in relation with Annex II Para 1 Indent 3 of Directive 94/62/EC. This document is intended to be of practical use, and to enable efficient application of Directive 94/62/EC, even for small and medium-sized companies in the packaging industry, providing them with a methodology for assessing compliance with the Directive.
This document cannot by itself provide presumption of conformity. The procedure for applying this document is contained in EN 13427.
- Technical report18 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This Technical Report establishes a set of best practice guidelines for undertaking those aspects of life cycle assessment specific to packaging and distribution systems.
- Technical report23 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This Technical Report establishes a set of best practice guidelines for undertaking those aspects of life cycle assessment specific to packaging and distribution systems.
- Technical report23 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
TC - Correction to A.3.1
- Corrigendum2 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
TC - Correction to A.3.1
- Corrigendum2 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies a procedure for assessment of packaging to ensure that the weight and/or volume of its material content is at the minimum commensurate with the maintenance of :
-functionality throughout the supply and user chain ;
-safety and hygiene for both product and user/consumer ;
-acceptability of the packed product to the user/consumer.
This European Standard also specifies the methodology and procedure for determining the presence of the four heavy metals named in article 11 of the packaging and packaging waste Directive 94/62/EC and for determining the presence and minimisation of any dangerous substances or preparations if they are present in packaging and are likely to be released into the environment as a result of waste management operations. The procedures are referenced in CR 13695-1 and CR 13695-2.
NOTE The substitution of one packaging material by another is not a basis for source reduction.
This standard cannot by itself provide presumption of conformity. The procedure for applying this standard is contained in EN 13427.
- Standard25 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This standard specifies the requirements for packaging to be classified as recoverable in the form of material recycling whilst accommodating the continuing development of both packaging and recovery technologies and sets out procedures for assessment of conformity with those requirements.
This standard cannot by itself provide presumption of conformity. The procedure for applying this standard is contained in EN 13427.
- Standard22 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies the requirements for a packaging to be classified as recoverable in the form of energy and sets out procedures for assessment of conformity with those requirements. The scope is limited to factors under the control of the supplier.
This standard cannot by itself provide presumption of conformity. The procedure for applying this standard is contained in EN 13427.
- Standard17 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies the requirements for a packaging to be classified as reusable and sets out procedures for assessment of conformity with those requirements including the associated systems.
This standard cannot by itself provide presumption of conformity. The procedure for applying this standard is contained in EN 13427.
- Standard20 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies requirements and a procedure by which a person or organization responsible for placing packaging or packed product on the market (the supplier) may combine the application of five (mandated) packaging standards and one (mandated) CEN report (in two parts).
- Standard13 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This standard specifies the requirements for packaging to be classified as recoverable in the form of material recycling whilst accommodating the continuing development of both packaging and recovery technologies and sets out procedures for assessment of conformity with those requirements.
This standard cannot by itself provide presumption of conformity. The procedure for applying this standard is contained in EN 13427.
- Standard22 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies the requirements for a packaging to be classified as recoverable in the form of energy and sets out procedures for assessment of conformity with those requirements. The scope is limited to factors under the control of the supplier.
This standard cannot by itself provide presumption of conformity. The procedure for applying this standard is contained in EN 13427.
- Standard17 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies a procedure for assessment of packaging to ensure that the weight and/or volume of its material content is at the minimum commensurate with the maintenance of :
-functionality throughout the supply and user chain ;
-safety and hygiene for both product and user/consumer ;
-acceptability of the packed product to the user/consumer.
This European Standard also specifies the methodology and procedure for determining the presence of the four heavy metals named in article 11 of the packaging and packaging waste Directive 94/62/EC and for determining the presence and minimisation of any dangerous substances or preparations if they are present in packaging and are likely to be released into the environment as a result of waste management operations. The procedures are referenced in CR 13695-1 and CR 13695-2.
NOTE The substitution of one packaging material by another is not a basis for source reduction.
This standard cannot by itself provide presumption of conformity. The procedure for applying this standard is contained in EN 13427.
- Standard25 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies requirements and a procedure by which a person or organization responsible for placing packaging or packed product on the market (the supplier) may combine the application of five (mandated) packaging standards and one (mandated) CEN report (in two parts).
- Standard13 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies the requirements for a packaging to be classified as reusable and sets out procedures for assessment of conformity with those requirements including the associated systems.
This standard cannot by itself provide presumption of conformity. The procedure for applying this standard is contained in EN 13427.
- Standard20 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This draft European Standard establishes a methodology for the calculation of the rate of recycling of packaging and packaging material. Note: The packaging supply chain also use other ratios in the management of their operations. The flow diagrams used in the methodology set out in this draft Standard can be used in the evaluation of such other ratios and examples are given.
- Standard11 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This standard defines a method for the calculation of the rate of energy recovery of combustible packaging waste.
- Standard9 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This standard defines the principal existing processes for material recycling and their inter-relationship. Both packaging and recovery technologies are subject to continuing and rapid development. This standard describes the present stage of knowledge but may be subject to modifications in the light of new developments. The essential relationship between this and the four other (mandated) European Packaging Standards and one (mandated) CEN Report is specified in the standard prEN 261265.
- Standard36 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard is used to evaluate the disintegration of packaging materials in a pilot-scale aerobic composting test under defined conditions. Other methods should be used to measure the biodegradability of the packaging materials. Packaging materials are mixed with biowaste and spontaneously composted for 12 weeks in practical oriented composting conditions. At the end of the composting cycle the disintegration is measured by sieving of the compost and the calculation of a mass balance. The influence of the tested sample on the quality of the compost can be be studied by using the compost obtained at the end of the composting process for further measurements such as chemical analyses and ecotoxicity tests.
Additionally this method can be used for visual perception and photographic documentation of the disintegration of packaging materials and for evaluating the effect of their addition on the composting process.
- Standard14 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This standard specifies a method to evaluate the ultimate biodegradability of packaging materials and its constituents by measurement of CO2 evolution.
- Standard3 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This standard specifies a method to evaluate the ultimate biodegradability of packaging materials and its constituents by measurement of O2-consumption.
- Standard3 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies a method for the evaluation of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of packaging materials based on organic compounds under controlled composting conditions by measurement of released carbon dioxide at the end of the test. This method is designed to resemble typical aerobic composting conditions for the organic fraction of mixed municipal solid waste. The packaging material is exposed in a laboratory test to an inoculum which is derived from compost. The aerobic composting takes place in an environment where especially temperature, aeration and humidity are closely monitored and controlled. The test method is designed to yield a percentage and rate of conversion of carbon of the test material to released carbon dioxide.
The conditions described in this European Standard do not necessarily always correspond to the optimal conditions allowing the maximum degree of biodegradation to occur.
- Standard22 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This standard defines a method for the calculation of the rate of energy recovery of combustible packaging waste.
- Standard9 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This standard defines the principal existing processes for material recycling and their inter-relationship. Both packaging and recovery technologies are subject to continuing and rapid development. This standard describes the present stage of knowledge but may be subject to modifications in the light of new developments. The essential relationship between this and the four other (mandated) European Packaging Standards and one (mandated) CEN Report is specified in the standard prEN 261265.
- Standard36 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This draft European Standard establishes a methodology for the calculation of the rate of recycling of packaging and packaging material. Note: The packaging supply chain also use other ratios in the management of their operations. The flow diagrams used in the methodology set out in this draft Standard can be used in the evaluation of such other ratios and examples are given.
- Standard11 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies a method for the evaluation of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of packaging materials based on organic compounds under controlled composting conditions by measurement of released carbon dioxide at the end of the test. This method is designed to resemble typical aerobic composting conditions for the organic fraction of mixed municipal solid waste. The packaging material is exposed in a laboratory test to an inoculum which is derived from compost. The aerobic composting takes place in an environment where especially temperature, aeration and humidity are closely monitored and controlled. The test method is designed to yield a percentage and rate of conversion of carbon of the test material to released carbon dioxide.
The conditions described in this European Standard do not necessarily always correspond to the optimal conditions allowing the maximum degree of biodegradation to occur.
- Standard22 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard is used to evaluate the disintegration of packaging materials in a pilot-scale aerobic composting test under defined conditions. Other methods should be used to measure the biodegradability of the packaging materials. Packaging materials are mixed with biowaste and spontaneously composted for 12 weeks in practical oriented composting conditions. At the end of the composting cycle the disintegration is measured by sieving of the compost and the calculation of a mass balance. The influence of the tested sample on the quality of the compost can be be studied by using the compost obtained at the end of the composting process for further measurements such as chemical analyses and ecotoxicity tests.
Additionally this method can be used for visual perception and photographic documentation of the disintegration of packaging materials and for evaluating the effect of their addition on the composting process.
- Standard14 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This standard specifies a method to evaluate the ultimate biodegradability of packaging materials and its constituents by measurement of O2-consumption.
- Standard3 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This standard specifies a method to evaluate the ultimate biodegradability of packaging materials and its constituents by measurement of CO2 evolution.
- Standard3 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies requirements and procedures to determine the compostability and anaerobic treatability of packaging and packaging materials by addressing four characteristics: 1) biodegradability; 2) disintegration during biological treatment; 3) effect on the biological treatment process; 4) effect on the quality of the resulting compost. In case of a packaging formed by different components, some of which are compostable and some other not, the packaging itself, as a whole is not compostable.
- Standard22 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This standard defines terms used in the field of Packaging and the Environment.
- Standard13 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies requirements and procedures to determine the compostability and anaerobic treatability of packaging and packaging materials by addressing four characteristics: 1) biodegradability; 2) disintegration during biological treatment; 3) effect on the biological treatment process; 4) effect on the quality of the resulting compost. In case of a packaging formed by different components, some of which are compostable and some other not, the packaging itself, as a whole is not compostable.
- Standard22 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This standard defines terms used in the field of Packaging and the Environment.
- Standard13 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This CEN report examines the marking of packaging and the identification of packaging material as described in article 8 of the packaging and packaging waste Directive 94/62/EC, the supporting Decision and the proposal for a Directive on Marking and makes recommendations based on article 10 of that Directive 94/62/EC.
- Standardization document9 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
No scope available
- Standardization document30 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
No scope available
- Standardization document17 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
The objective of this report is to identify and define properties of packaging and packaging waste to allow optimization of energy recovery.
This report takes a wide approach to the process of energy recovery in order to identify the items to be standardised according to the Directive and the Mandate.
- Standardization document26 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This Report addresses the criteria for a minimum content of recycled material in packaging for appropriate types of packaging, and deals with the criteria that will influence the acceptable level of recycled material and the methodology by which such content can be monitored.
- Technical report19 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This part 1 of the report is related to the four heavy metals specified in Art. 11 of the Directive: lead, cadmium, chromium (VI) and mercury. A second part of this CEN-report is related to the need to assess other dangerous substances present in packaging.
- Technical report65 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This laboratory scale test method using synthetic waste aims at simulating the environmental conditions found in industrial composting plants. Packaging materials exposed to this environment can be preliminary assessed for disintegrability. A negative result does not necessarily mean that the test material is not disintegrating under industrial composting conditions. This test does not replace the acceptance disintegration test as specified in EN 14045, in accordance with EN 13432.
- Standard18 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the methodology and procedure for determining the presence and minimisation of other dangerous substances in relation with Annex II Para 1 Indent 3 of Directive 94/62/EC. This document is intended to be of practical use, and to enable efficient application of the Directive 94/62/EC, even for small and medium sized companies in the packaging industry, providing them with a methodology for assessing compliance with the Directive.
This document cannot by itself provide presumption of conformity. The procedure for applying this document is contained in EN 13427.
- Technical report28 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This CEN report examines the marking of packaging and the identification of packaging material as described in article 8 of the packaging and packaging waste Directive 94/62/EC, the supporting Decision and the proposal for a Directive on Marking and makes recommendations based on article 10 of that Directive 94/62/EC.
- Standardization document9 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
The objective of this report is to identify and define properties of packaging and packaging waste to allow optimization of energy recovery.
This report takes a wide approach to the process of energy recovery in order to identify the items to be standardised according to the Directive and the Mandate.
- Standardization document26 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This Report addresses the criteria for a minimum content of recycled material in packaging for appropriate types of packaging, and deals with the criteria that will influence the acceptable level of recycled material and the methodology by which such content can be monitored.
- Technical report19 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This part 1 of the report is related to the four heavy metals specified in Art. 11 of the Directive: lead, cadmium, chromium (VI) and mercury. A second part of this CEN-report is related to the need to assess other dangerous substances present in packaging.
- Technical report65 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
No scope available
- Standardization document17 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
No scope available
- Standardization document30 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
Frequently Asked Questions
An EU Directive is a legislative act of the European Union that sets out goals that all EU member states must achieve. However, it is up to each member state to devise their own laws on how to reach these goals through national transposition. Directives are used to harmonize laws across the EU, particularly for the functioning of the single market.
Directive 94/62/EC covers "Packaging and packaging waste". This legislation has harmonized European standards (hENs) that provide a presumption of conformity with its essential requirements. There are 70 standards associated with this directive.
Harmonized standards under 94/62/EC are European standards (ENs) developed by CEN, CENELEC, or ETSI in response to a mandate from the European Commission. When these standards are cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with them benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of 94/62/EC, facilitating CE marking and free movement within the European Economic Area.