ISO 6608-1:2024

Active and intelligent packaging - Part 1: General requirements and specifications of active packaging

This document specifies the definitions, functional requirements and evaluation criteria of active packaging.

Emballage actif et intelligent — Partie 1: Exigences et spécifications générales relatives à l'emballage actif

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 04-Sep-2024
• ICS: 55.020 - Packaging and distribution of goods in general
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 122 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 122 - Packaging
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 05-Sep-2024
• Due Date: 12-Apr-2024
• Completion Date: 05-Sep-2024

Overview

ISO 6608-1:2024 - Active and intelligent packaging - Part 1: General requirements and specifications of active packaging defines the terminology, functional requirements and evaluation criteria for active packaging systems. The standard clarifies the concept and classifications of active packaging (as distinct from intelligent packaging), and sets out the evaluation process needed to demonstrate safety, efficacy and regulatory compliance for packaging that intentionally interacts with the packaged product or its environment.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and definitions: Provides agreed vocabulary for active packaging, active materials and components, sorption, absorption, adsorption, desorption, release and regulation (references ISO 21067-1 and related terminology).
• Classification of functions: Divides active packaging by function into sorption, release, and regulation (examples include oxygen scavengers, moisture absorbers, ethanol releasers).
• General evaluation criteria: Manufacturers/suppliers must evaluate chemical and microbiological safety, provide reliable test data proving shelf‑life extension and active-system efficacy, perform toxicological, economic and environmental assessments, verify manufacturing compatibility, confirm no undesirable organoleptic changes, and ensure activation occurs as intended.
• Process model for evaluation: Structured steps to bring an active packaging to market:
  1. Define intended use and active function
  2. Determine test methods and acceptance criteria
  3. Validate/verify active functions of components and packaging
  4. Perform safety and toxicological tests
  5. Confirm labelling and environmental requirements
  6. Complete checklist and test report
• Labelling & environmental considerations: Recommends appropriate labelling to indicate active functions and addresses environmental implications of active materials.
• Documentation: Test reports and evidence for verification/certification are required; Annexes provide types of active systems and example test methods.

Applications and who uses the standard

ISO 6608-1:2024 is most relevant to:

• Packaging manufacturers and converters developing active materials or components
• Brand owners and food industry (food & beverages) seeking validated shelf‑life extension
• Pharmaceutical and vaccine supply chains managing temperature‑ and time‑sensitive products
• Testing laboratories, regulatory and quality assurance teams preparing safety, toxicology and compliance documentation
• Supply chain and logistics teams using active packaging to optimize distribution and reduce waste

Practical uses include designing oxygen‑scavenging films, moisture control sachets, preservative releasing systems, and validating claims about extended shelf life and safety.

Related standards

• ISO 21067-1 (Packaging - Vocabulary - Part 1: General terms)
• Other referenced standards cited within ISO 6608-1 (terminology and testing guidance) support consistent implementation and testing practice.

Keywords: ISO 6608-1:2024, active packaging, active materials, shelf life extension, packaging evaluation, oxygen scavengers, moisture absorbers, labelling, packaging safety, modified atmosphere packaging.

Standards Content (Sample)

International
Standard
ISO 6608-1
First edition
Active and intelligent packaging —
2024-09
Part 1:
General requirements and
specifications of active packaging
Emballage actif et intelligent —
Partie 1: Exigences et spécifications générales relatives à
l'emballage actif
Reference number
© ISO 2024
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 General . 3
4.1 Concept of active packaging .3
4.2 Classifications .4
5 Evaluation . 4
5.1 General criteria .4
5.2 Process model for active packaging evaluation .5
5.2.1 General concept of evaluation process model .5
5.2.2 Defining functions and intended use .6
5.2.3 Evaluation of active functions .6
5.2.4 Safety .6
6 Labelling . 6
7 Environmental consideration . 7
8 Test report . 7
Annex A (informative) Types of active packaging systems by different functions . 8
Annex B (informative) Examples of test methods for active packaging .11
Bibliography .13

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 122, Packaging.
A list of all parts in the ISO 6608 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
Introduction
Active and intelligent packaging, frequently referred to as “smart” packaging, is evolving technology that
can enhance preservation of contained products and communicate effectively to distributors and users.
“Smart packaging” is a general term to describe a large category of packaging that leverages technology to
provide enhanced functionality that goes beyond simply housing a product.
The role of active packaging and intelligent packaging is different. Active packaging is intended to sense
internal or external environmental change and to respond by changing its own properties or attributes and
hence the internal package environment. Intelligent packaging does not change or influence the contained
products but is capable of providing information on the conditions of the packaged products. In general, the
main function of active packaging is to extend the shelf life of a product while that of intelligent packaging is
communication and identification.
As materials and communication technologies advance, more products and packaging involve active,
intelligent packaging to enhance the product and user experience it contains. The main industrial sectors
are food and beverages, but it is also applied to a variety of product packaging.
From a regulatory perspective, active and intelligent packaging is not subject to any special regulations
in many countries, but there are general concerns regarding safety, especially on food contact materials.
European regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, concerning a declaration of compliance and the availability of
appropriate documentation, states that any active and intelligent material shall provide that the material is
safe to be used in contact with food under specified conditions of contact.
Active and intelligent packaging (AIP) helps to optimize for transport and efficiency in logistics by providing
interactive and accurate supply chain information. AIP is useful for improving safety and security of
perishable and temper sensitive products such as vaccine and pharmaceutical industry. It helps companies
in branding and marketing advantages. Ultimately, this technology helps to minimize the packaging and
product waste by reducing unnecessary resources and product spoilage during distribution process. This
document is intended to be used effectively in the development and use of related products in the future.

v
International Standard ISO 6608-1:2024(en)
Active and intelligent packaging —
Part 1:
General requirements and specifications of active packaging
1 Scope
This document specifies the definitions, functional requirements and evaluation criteria of active packaging.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 21067-1, Packaging — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 21067-1 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
product
first level or higher assembly that is sold in a complete end-usable configuration
[SOURCE: ISO 28219:2017, 3.8]
3.2
product package
packaging and its contents
[SOURCE: ISO 21067-1:2016, 2.1.3]
3.3
packaging component
part of packaging that can be separated by hand or by using simple physical means
[SOURCE: ISO 18601:2013, 3.11]
3.4
packaging constituent
part from which packaging or its components are made and which cannot be separated by hand or by using
simple physical means
[SOURCE: ISO 18601:2013, 3.12]

3.5
active packaging
packaging system that actively interacts with the internal environment to extend product shelf life or
improve safety or sensual properties while maintaining product quality
EXAMPLE A type of packaging that possesses barrier and protective qualities, such as oxygen scavenging,
moisture scavenging, or microbial control, etc.
3.6
passive packaging
packaging with no active materials and components
3.7
active materials and components
materials and components that have the function of extending the shelf life or maintaining or improving the
condition of a packaged product that is intentionally designed to contain components that release or absorb
substances into the packaged product or the environment surrounding the product
3.8
sorption
physical and chemical phenomenon or process by which one substance becomes attached to another
3.9
absorption
physical or chemical phenomenon or process by which one state of matter is incorporated into another state
(e.g. a liquid absorbed by a solid or a gas absorbed by a liquid)
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 1 a).
3.10
adsorption
physical or chemical phenomenon or process in which ions and molecules physically attach or bind to the
surface of another phase (e.g. a reagent adsorbed on the surface of a solid catalyst)
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 1 b).
3.11
desorption
physical or chemical phenomenon or process whereby a substance is released from a packaging material
Note 1 to entry: The process is the opposite of adsorption.
Note 2 to entry: See Figure 1 c).
[SOURCE: ISO 16559:2022, 3.66, modified — " or through a surface" has been replaced with "a packaging
material", "and adsorption" has been removed from the Note 1 to entry.]
a)  Absorption b)  Adsorption c)  Desorption

Key
1 absorbed molecules
2 adsorbent
3 adsorbate
Figure 1 — Concept of absorption, adsorption and desorption
3.12
releasing
action to let going into environment or free movement of active materials and components
3.13
regulating
action to controlling or maintaining the rate or speed of active materials and components so that it works
properly
3.14
verification
confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence, that specified requirements have been fulfilled
Note 1 to entry: The objective evidence needed for a verification can be the result of an inspection or of other forms of
determination such as performing alternative calculations or reviewing documents.
Note 2 to entry: The activities carried out for verification are sometimes called a qualification process.
Note 3 to entry: The word “verified” is used to designate the corresponding status.
3.15
certified reference material
CRM
reference material accompanied by a certificate, one or more of whose property values are certified by a
technically valid procedure, accompanied by or traceable to a certificate or other documentation which is
issued by a certifying body
[SOURCE: ISO/Guide 33:2015, 3.2]
3.16
modified atmosphere packaging
MAP
enclosure of food in a package in which the atmosphere inside the package is modified or altered to provide
an optimum atmosphere for increasing shelf life and maintaining food quality
4 General
4.1 Concept of active packaging
The mechanism of the packaging system can be characterized as a) passive, b) adsorption/absorption, c)
release, and d) regulation as shown in Figure 2.

a)  Passive b)  Adsorption / Absorp- c)  Release (desorption) d)  Regulation
tion
Key
1 packaging
2 content
NOTE Passive packaging is not a part of this document.
Figure 2 — Characteristics of packaging system
The application of active materials and components to packaging is intended to have a positive effect on
the packaged product. The packaging adsorbs chemicals from the product or the environment within
the packaging surrounding the product, or it releases substances into the product or the environment
surrounding the product such as preservatives, antioxidants, flavourings, etc.
Active packaging typically involve packaging materials, packaging components, and/or packaging
constituents that contain a variety of active substances that are incorporated into the packaging material's
formulation. These substances improve the packaging material's ability to extend the shelf life of the product
contained inside.
Hence, structurally, active packaging consists of two parts. One part includes the active components, while
the other part concerns the carriers or passive parts that contain the active component.
NOTE In case of an ethanol releaser, the ethanol is absorbed onto a silica gel, which in turn is packaged in a paper
or plastic sachet. The ethanol is defined as the active component evaluated in this process. Passive packaging materials
with a simple barrier function are not covered by this document.
4.2 Classifications
There are many different types of active packaging systems such as oxygen scavengers, moisture absorbers,
etc. The classification of active packaging is divided into three functions: sorption, release, and regulation.
Types of active packaging systems according to the active functions are shown in Annex A.
5 Evaluation
5.1 General criteria
To declare that a packaging is an active packaging, the manufacturer and/or seller shall
a) evaluate chemical and microbiological safety;
b) provide reliable test results to prove shelf-life extending capacity, efficacy of active systems;
c) complete toxicological, economic and environmental evaluation;
d) confirm compatibility with existing manufacturing processes;
e) confirm that it does not modify organoleptic properties of foods;

f) confirm that it shall activate as needed.
5.2 Process model for active packaging evaluation
5.2.1 General concept of evaluation process model
Process model for active packaging evaluation is as shown in Figure 3.
Key
1 define intended usage and active functions 4 perform safety and toxicological tests
2 determine test methods and acceptable criteria 5 confirm the labelling and environmental
requirements
...