ISO/TR 18607:2025
(Main)Packaging and the environment — Information on environmentally conscious packaging design
Packaging and the environment — Information on environmentally conscious packaging design
This document gives information on environmentally conscious packaging design based on the standards on packaging and the environment. It provides essential tips on how to improve packaging through reduction processes and includes practical examples to illustrate these points. This document is applicable to all suppliers responsible for placing packaging or packaged goods on the market.
Emballage et environnement — Informations relatives à la conception d'emballages respectueux de l'environnement
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
Technical
Report
ISO/TR 18607
First edition
Packaging and the environment —
2025-10
Information on environmentally
conscious packaging design
Emballage et environnement — Informations relatives à la
conception d'emballages respectueux de l'environnement
Reference number
© ISO 2025
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ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Basic packaging specification and design, and relationship with standards on packaging
and the environment . 1
5 Assessment flow and procedure of the standards on packaging and the environment . 2
5.1 General requirements of the standards on packaging and the environment .2
5.1.1 General .2
5.1.2 Assessment procedure of ISO 18601 .2
5.2 Optimization of packaging system .4
5.2.1 General .4
5.2.2 Assessment procedure of ISO 18602 .4
5.3 Reuse .6
5.3.1 General .6
5.3.2 Assessment procedure of ISO 18603 .6
5.4 Material recycling .8
5.4.1 General .8
5.4.2 Assessment procedure of ISO 18604 .8
5.5 Energy recovery .9
5.5.1 General .9
5.5.2 Assessment procedure of ISO 18605 .10
5.6 Organic recycling .11
5.6.1 General .11
5.6.2 Assessment procedure of ISO 18606 .11
5.7 Assessment report of ISO 18601. 13
Annex A (informative) Practical explanation of packaging system optimization. 14
Annex B (informative) Case study of packaging system optimization - Case liquid detergent
container .18
Annex C (informative) Actual case study of optimization using the ISO 18602 checklist .25
Annex D (informative) Self-assessment case study of environmentally conscious packaging
design .32
Annex E (informative) Examples of assessment standards .48
Annex F (informative) Packaging system description .50
Bibliography .53
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,
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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
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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, Subcommittee SC 4, Packaging
and the environment
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
In 2013, six standards, ISO 18601 to 18606, and two technical reports, ISO/TR 16218 and ISO/TR 17098, were
issued as ISO deliverables on packaging and the environment. Thereafter, national standards corresponding
to the six standards ISO 18601 to ISO 18606, which are the main and important part of the deliverables,
hereinafter collectively referred to as the standards on packaging and the environment, were issued in some
countries, while, in Europe, European Standards (EN) served as the basis for establishing the packaging and
environment standards. Under these circumstances, the standards on packaging and the environment are
expected to work as international standards to be used globally.
The environmentally conscious packaging design principles laid in the standards on packaging and the
environment require environmental consideration while ensuring the inherent packaging functions be
maintained. For example, if the packaging reduction principle were sought excessively, it will not be possible
to maintain the basic packaging function of protecting the packaged product. This would rather result in
more serious burden to be inflicted on the environment.
The aim of this document is to support stakeholders in pursuing their efforts for environmentally conscious
packaging design and manufacture of packaging based on the standards on packaging and the environment,
and increased understanding and promotion of such design principles. Specifically, with ISO 18602, it will
explain these factors clearly, using real examples. You can see the layout of this document in Figure 1.
v
Figure 1 — Main structure of this document
NOTE 1 The scope of the standards on packaging and the environment, which this document is based on, do not
include the processes for packaging basic design, including material selection, although it is necessary to review
basic design specifications during designing and verification. These processes are the main factors of determining
the environmental impact of the packaging. Therefore, information on these processes is described in clause 4 of this
document.
NOTE 2 Unless otherwise noted, the referenced clauses, figures, tables, and Annexes numbers refer to this
document.
vi
Technical Report ISO/TR 18607:2025(en)
Packaging and the environment — Information on
environmentally conscious packaging design
1 Scope
This document gives information on environmentally conscious packaging design based on the standards on
packaging and the environment. It provides essential tips on how to improve packaging through reduction
processes and includes practical examples to illustrate these points.
This document is applicable to all suppliers responsible for placing packaging or packaged goods on the market.
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 18601, Packaging and the environment — General requirements for the use of ISO standards in the field of
packaging and the environment
ISO 18602, Packaging and the environment — Optimization of the packaging system
ISO 18603, Packaging and the environment — Reuse
ISO 18604, Packaging and the environment — Material recycling
ISO 18605, Packaging and the environment — Energy recovery
ISO 18606, Packaging and the environment — Organic recycling
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 18601, ISO18602, ISO 18603,
ISO 18604, ISO 18605, and ISO 18606 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/
4 Basic packaging specification and design, and relationship with standards on
packaging and the environment
The basic packaging specifications and design are determined through various evaluations during the
development phase, and the accuracy is improved by going back and re-examining the steps, if necessary, as
shown in Figure 2. This cyclic approach of plan-do-check-act brushes up the basic package specification and
design to contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the packaging.
Key specifications, which include type of packaging, packaging materials, structure, size and dimension,
closure type and functions are decided in this development phase, when companies compete for originality
and their technologies. After the development phase is completed, the standards on packaging and the
environment are applied to conduct assessments for environmentally conscious packaging design. These
processes are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 — Cyclic approach to brush up basic package specification and design
5 Assessment flow and procedure of the standards on packaging and the
environment
5.1 General requirements of the standards on packaging and the environment
5.1.1 General
ISO 18601 specifies requirements and procedures of ISO 18602, ISO 18603, ISO 18604, ISO 18605 and
ISO 18606.
5.1.2 Assessment procedure of ISO 18601
The procedure of ISO 18601 is given in Figure 3 with some explanations.
Figure 3 — Relationship of the standards on packaging and the environment
a) ISO 18602 describes four heavy metals that are identified and minimized in accordance with the
requirements and processes listed therein.
b) In a similar manner, ISO 18602 requires any hazardous substances and mixtures to the environment be
identified and minimized according to the requirements and processes listed therein.
c) Likewise, ISO 18602 requires that weight or volume of the packaging system be minimized.
d) ISO 18603 requires that in case packaging is intended for reuse, requirements of ISO 18603 are assessed.
e) ISO 18601 states that regardless of whether the packaging is intended for reuse or not, used packaging
is assessed according to the requirements shown in at least one of the three standards; ISO 18604 on
material recycling, ISO 18605 on energy recovery or ISO 18606 on organic recycling.
f) ISO 18601 states that the results of the above assessment processes are recommended to be recorded in
accordance with the provisions in the related standards. An example of a form that suppliers can use to
confirm compliance with the requirements of these standards is provided in ISO 18601:2013, Annex B
5.2 Optimization of packaging system
5.2.1 General
ISO 18602 specifies requirements and the procedure for assessment of packing to ensure that the weight
or volume of its material content is optimized and is consistent with the inherent functions of packaging.
It further provides methodologies and procedures for determining the amount and minimization of
substances or mixtures hazardous to the environment. It also determines the amount of four heavy metals,
e.g. lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, in packaging and assure that it matches the requirement
of national or regional regulations.
5.2.2 Assessment procedure of ISO 18602
The flow of assessment procedure is described in Figure 4 with some explanations.
Figure 4 — Assessment procedure of ISO 18602 packaging system optimization
ISO 18602 requires assessing compliance with the following requirements and demonstrate that they have
been met with the standard using the checklist in ISO 18602:2013, Annex A.
a) ISO 18602 requires creating a complete list of packaging components and constituents for each
packaging throughout the entire packaging system. An explanation of a packaging system is shown in
Annex F.
b) ISO 18602 requires determining the performance required in the 10 areas of the packaging life cycle
as identified in ISO 18602:2013, Clause 5 for all listed packaging, packaging components, packaging
constituents, and packaging systems.
NOTE The performance criteria for packaging refer to protection of goods, packaging manufacturing process,
filling process, logistics, presentation and marketing of goods, user or consumer acceptance, information, safety,
legislation, and other issues. Examples are shown in ISO 18602:2013, Annex A, clause A.3
c) ISO 18602 requires determining and recording the minimum weight or volume that satisfies
performance in each of the 10 areas for each listed packaging, packaging component, packaging
constituent or packaging system.
d) Among them, the areas requiring the most weight or volume for all packaging, packaging parts,
packaging components, and packaging systems are identified as critical areas and recorded. ISO 18602
requires that at least one be specified.
NOTE A practical explanation of packaging system optimization is shown in Annex A and case study of
packaging system optimization is shown in Annex B.
e) ISO18602:2013, Annex A, clause A.4 contains a checklist to ensure that optimization requirements are met.
NOTE A case study on optimization of packaging using the checklist of ISO 18602:2013, Annex A, Clause A.4
provided by Japan (JISC) is shown in Annex C.
f) ISO 18602 requires determining, minimizing, and documenting the presence of hazardous substances
or mixtures that may be released into the environment when used packaging is processed by means of
material recycling, energy recovery or organic recycling.
g) ISO 18602 requires determining whether any one of the four named heavy metals (lead, cadmium,
mercury, and hexavalent chromium) is present in the packaging, and in case the presence of it is
confirmed, ensure that it has been assessed as required by national or regional regulations where the
packaging is intended to be used. ISO 18602:2013, Annex C provides guidance as to how this can be done.
5.3 Reuse
5.3.1 General
Reuse is to continue to use the same packaging for the same purposes. In case packaging is intended for
reuse, ISO 18603 requires assessing its requirements. The requirements of ISO 18603 include to evaluate
whether the packaging is designed to accomplish the number of trips or rotations normally predictable
conditions of use. Then, ISO 18603 requires evaluating the existence of a well-managed reuse system
including reconditioning.
5.3.2 Assessment procedure of ISO 18603
These assessment procedures are described in ISO 18603:2013, Clause 4 and Figure 5 with some
explanations.
Figure 5 — Assessment procedure of reuse
In case packaging is intended for reuse, ISO 18603 requires assessing the fulfilment of the following
requirements:
a) The packaging is designed to accomplish the number of trips or rotations in normally predictable
conditions of use;
b) The packaging is capable of being successfully reconditioned (to restore the original state so that the
packaging can be put for further use). A list of elements to choose from to build a suitable reconditioning
system can be found in ISO 18603:2013, Annex B;
c) The reuse system is in place and working properly on the market and it is possible to properly handle
the packaging concerned on the system.
Assessment of whether the requirements of ISO 18603 have been met is carried out using ISO18603:2013,
Annex C, Table C.1.
5.4 Material recycling
5.4.1 General
ISO 18604 specifies the requirements for packaging to be classified as recoverable in the form of material
recycling while accommodating the continuing development of both packaging and recovery technologies
and sets out procedures for assessment of meeting the requirements of ISO 18604.
In ISO 18604, recyclability is specified by the percentage of a used packaging material recyclable into a
product, a component incorporated into a product, or recycled raw material, by means of an appropriate
manufacturing process. Also, ISO 18604 requires that the intended material recycling stream be made clear.
5.4.2 Assessment procedure of ISO 18604
The basic flow of procedures for assessment of meeting the requirements for material recycling is given in
Figure 6 with some explanations.
Figure 6 — Assessment procedure of material recycling
a) ISO 18604 requires that assessment of the recyclability is carried out for each packaging unit. See
ISO18604:2013, Annex C, Table C.2, line number 1 and 2.
NOTE Packaging unit is defined as unit which serves a packaging function such as the containment,
protection, handling, delivery, storage, transport, and presentation of goods.
b) ISO 18604 requires following the provisions laid out in ISO 18604:2013, Annex C Table C.2, line number 3
c) ISO 18604 requires that the packaging marketed in different countries and regions meet the specific
requirements of the recycling systems and facilities in those countries and regions. Assessment,
including these requirements are carried out according to ISO 18604:2013, Annex A and Annex B.
d) ISO 18604 requires selecting available and appropriate recycling streams such as glass, paper and
cardboard, plastics, Steel, Aluminium amongst others. See ISO 18604:2013, Annex C, Table C.2, line
number 5.
e) ISO 18604 requires checking if each packaging component is acceptable for standards or specifications
of recycling system of national, regional, international, or commercial. See ISO 18604:2013, Annex C,
Table C.2, line number 4, 6, 7and 8.
f) For each component, ISO 18604 requires identifying such components either 100 % or 0 % of by weight
of components recyclable. See ISO 18604:2013, Annex C, Table C.2, line number 9.
g) For each component, ISO 18604 requires multiplying the weight of component as % of total packaging
unit and the percentage by weight of component recyclable to obtain the percentage by weight of
packaging unit recyclable. See ISO 18604:2013, Annex C, Table C.2, line number 10.
h) ISO 18604 requires that the percentages by weight of recyclable packaging units be calculated and then
summed to determine the total percentage of recyclability. See ISO 18604:2013, Annex C, Table C.2, line
number 11)
ISO 18604 states that the supplier shall be able to demonstrate that the procedures defined in ISO 18604:2013,
normative Annex A and B have been followed in arriving at the final design of the finished packaging such
that a certain percentage of the packaging materials can be claimed to be recyclable.
Annex A shows the points to be considered at each packaging life cycle step in relation to each of the
following features: control of packaging construction and composition and processing, suitability for
available recycling technologies, and releases to the environment caused by the recycling of used packaging.
Annex B specifies design, production, utilization, and collection and sorting criteria for the procedure of
recyclability assessment.
ISO 18604 requires that the supplier shall declare the percentage by weight of the packaging unit of
packaging that is recyclable, identifying the intended material recycling streams(s), in accordance with
ISO 18604:2013, Annex C.
5.5 Energy recovery
5.5.1 General
ISO 18605 specifies the requirements for packaging to be classified as recoverable in the form of energy
recovery and sets out assessment procedures for fulfilling the requirements of ISO 18605.
Energy recovery is defined as the production of useful energy through direct and controlled combustion and
is generally achieved by the incineration of solid waste to produce hot water, steam or electricity. To allow
energy recovery in a real industrial system, calorific gain needs to be well above zero.
5.5.2 Assessment procedure of ISO 18605
The description and calculation of calorific gain are given in Clause 4 and Annex A, the assessment flow
that can be used industrially is given in ISO 18605:2013, Clause 5, and the data supporting it are given in
ISO 18605:2013, Annex B and Figure 7 of this document with some additional explanations.
Figure 7 — Assessment flow of energy recovery
a) ISO 18605 requires that the packaging is classified into parts or components by material and each
weight % is determined.
b) ISO 18605 states that in case organic content of the target packaging is 50 % or more, packaging is
energy recoverable.
c) ISO 18605 states that in case organic content of the target packaging is less than 50 % and inorganic
content is greater than 50 % as component, it is not suitable for energy recovery.
d) ISO 18605 states that in case organic content of the target packaging is less than 50 % and inorganic
content is greater than 50 % as constituent, decision is made using the formula“qnet ≧ qnet, min, real”.
e) ISO 18605 states that when qnet is greater than or equal to qnet, min, real, then packaging is assessed
as suitable for energy recovery, on the other hand, qnet is less than qnet, min, real, packaging is not
suitable for energy recovery. Where “qnet” is the sum of the qnet for each material multiplied by its
weight percent and is calculated using ISO 18605:2013, Annex D, D.2. And “qnet, min, real” is defined in
ISO 18605:2013, Annex B, Table B.2.
ISO 18605 requires recording these procedures using ISO 18605:2013, Annex D.
5.6 Organic recycling
5.6.1 General
ISO 18606 specifies procedures and requirements for packaging that are suitable for organic recycling.
A packaging is considered as suitable for organic recycling if all the components are suitable for organic
recycling. However, if the components can be easily separated before disposal, individual components of the
packaging can be considered recoverable by organic recycling if they meet the requirements of ISO 18606.
For each of the packaging components the following four aspects are addressed:
a) biodegradation;
b) disintegration during the biological treatment process;
c) negative effects on the biological process;
d) negative effects on the quality of the resulting compost, including the presence of high levels of regulated
metals and other substances hazardous to the environment.
Organic recycling is carried out in industrial composting plants or anaerobic digesters.
5.6.2 Assessment procedure of ISO 18606
Assessment procedure is described in ISO 18606:2013, Clause 5 and 6, and Figure 8 of this document with
some additional explanations.
Figure 8 — Assessment procedure of organic recycling
a) ISO 18606 requires categorizing the packaging, packaging components and identifying the constituents
of each packaging materials.
b) ISO 18606 requires determining that the concentrations of regulated metals and other substances
hazardous to the environment is not exceed the limits as described in ISO 18606:2013, Annex A.
c) ISO 18606 requires assessing that the content of volatile solids (indication of the amount of organic
matter present) in the packaging or packaging components shall be 50 % at minimum.
d) ISO 18606 states that the ultimate level of aerobic biodegradation shall be established by testing under
controlled conditions and at least 90 % of the organic carbon shall have been converted to CO within
180 days.
e) Also, ISO 18606 states that the level of anaerobic biodegradation may be established by testing under
controlled conditions, in order to estimate the amount of biogas recovered during the first anaerobic phase.
f) ISO 18606 states that packaging is considered to have demonstrated satisfactory disintegration if, after
12 weeks in a controlled composting test, no more than 10 % of its original dry mass remains in the
oversize fraction after sieving through a 2,0 mm sieve.
g) ISO 18606 requires assessing that no adverse effect on ability of compost to support plant growth. It
means the seedling germination rate of the finished compost and the plant biomass in the compost is no
less than 90 % of that of corresponding blank composts.
h) ISO 18606 requires that assessment of organic recyclability is submitted using ISO 18606:2013, Annex D.
Organic recycling is carried out in industrial composting plants or anaerobic digesters.
ISO 18606 requires that the test report shall be provided all pertinent information and submitted using
ISO 18606:2013, Annex D.
5.7 Assessment report of ISO 18601
ISO 18601 requires that the supplier ensure that the applicability of the relevant standards listed in
ISO 18601:2013, Figure 1(same as Figure 3 of this document) has been assessed in relation to packaging
or packaged goods placed on the market, taking into account their intended use and the basic functions of
packaging.
ISO 18601 requires that records of assessments, together with relevant supporting documents, undertaken
to fulfil the requirements of ISO 18602 to ISO 18606 be produced with reference to ISO 18601:2013, Annex B.
A self-assessment case study from Korea, Republic of (KATS) using checklists of the standards on packaging
and the environment is found in Annex D of this document.
For information, Annex E provides examples of standards that are frequently used when assessing
conformity with the requirements of each of the standards ISO 18602 to ISO 18606.
Annex A
(informative)
Practical explanation of packaging system optimization
A.1 General
This Annex explains the practical steps and procedures of packaging optimization when ISO 18602 is
intended to be applied.
A.2 Explanation of the method to identify the items that need to be assessed in
ISO 18602
In considering how to optimize packaging through minimization, ISO 18602 requires identifying critical
area(s). According to ISO 18602, in order to identify the critical area(s), it is required to list up all the
packaging components and constituents that make up the targeted packaging system, and required to sort
all the items so that confirmation can be made concerning the structure of the packaging system, and the
relationship with the ten areas shown in ISO 18602:2013, Clause 5.
Table A.1 can help to list up all the packaging components and constituents that make up the targeted
packaging system to identify the items requiring clarification.
Table A.1 — Example of how to sort all items in packaging system
material manufacturing a) a) a) a) a) a) a) a)
packaging manufacturing a) a) a) a) a) a) a) a) a) a)
transportation a) a) a) a) a)
filling/packing a) a) a) a) a)
Logistics (transport/storage
a)
/distribute)
store/sale
a) a) a)
display/marketing
use/consumption a)
information a) a) a)
safety a) a) a)
legislation a) a) a)
a) example of item requiring clarification of the relationship between the area and packaging system element.
Constituent
Constituent
Component
Constituent
Constituent
Component
Primary
Packaging
Constitu-
ent5
Constituent6
Secondary
Packaging
Constituent
Constituent
Transport
Packaging
TTabablele A A.11 ((ccoonnttiinnueuedd))
other issues a)
sorting/collection/recovery a) a) a) a)
conditioning for reuse/reuse a) a) a) a)
a) example of item requiring clarification of the relationship between the area and packaging system element.
A.3 Explanation of the method to identify all necessary requirements for each 10
criteria
Table A.2 — Performance criteria outlined in ISO 18602:2013
10 criteria Outline Typical requirement examples
Protection of goods Goods in the packaging are protected Protection against vibration, compression, humidity,
until their final use. light, oxygen, microbiological infection, pests, off-
taste etc. Active and intelligent packaging may also
contribute to the protection of goods.
Packaging manufac- The manufacturing processes operat- Container shape, thickness tolerances, size, feasibili-
turing process ed by packaging manufacturers influ- ty of processing, specifications minimizing waste in
ence the range of characteristics of the manufacturing, etc.
packaging available to the designer.
Packaging/filling The packaging/filling process influ- Impact and stress resistance, mechanical strength,
process ences the range of options available to packing line speed and efficiency, stability in con-
the designer to minimize the waste of veying, heat resistance, effective closing, minimum
goods and packaging. headspace, hygiene, etc.
Logistics (includ- The packaging is expected to be Dimensional co-ordination for optimum space utiliza-
ing transport, suitable for the storage, transport and tion, compatibility with palletizing and depalletizing
warehousing and handling systems and maintain ade- systems, handling and warehousing systems, and
handling) quate protection of goods and safety packaging system integrity during transport and
for those exposed to the handling. handling, etc.
Presentation and The packaging is expected to enable Identity and brand recognition, aesthetics, labelling,
marketing of goods proper identification of the packaged compatibility with retail display systems, compati-
goods for the user/consumer as well as bility with refill systems, pilfer resistance, etc. These
stimulate purchase motivation. requirements are linked to brand image, labelling etc.
User/consumer The packaging satisfies user/consum- Unit size, multi-pack, handling ergonomics, tamper
acceptance er needs and expectations in terms of evidence, storage/shelf-life, ease of opening, dispens-
unit size and convenience as well as ing and ability to empty, attractive presentation, etc.
ergonomics associated with handling,
opening, reclosing, storing, etc.
Information The packaging can provide any nec- Information about the packaged goods, instructions
essary information regarding use and for storage, application and use, bar codes, best before
care of goods as well as other useful date, etc.
instructions.
Safety The packaging can meet the require- Design for safe handling, child resistance, tamper evi-
ments associated with user/consumer dence, hazard warnings, instructions relating to user/
and product safety throughout the consumer and product safety, clear identification of
distribution system. content, safe opening device, pressure release closure,
etc.
Legislation To be able to show that it has access to Directives, regulations and other regulatory stand-
all applicable legal requirements and ards
how these legal requirements are met.
Other issues If a relevant criterion for achieving
minimum adequate weight/volume
of the packaging is not covered by
the preceding nine critical areas, it is
detailed under “other issues.”
A.4 Explanation of the procedure for optimization
ISO 18602 requires first to determine the basic specifications and requirements of the target packaging system.
a) Then, ISO 18602 requires preparing full listing of the packaging, packaging components, and, if
necessary, packaging constituents that make up an entire packaging system, in reference to Table A.1.
b) Based on the prepared full listing, ISO 18602 requires listing up all the requirements in each area for the
packaging, packaging components and constituents of the packaging system, in reference to Table A.2. If
any items are omitted from the list, it could lead to serious defects in the product, potentially resulting
in a recall of the products from the market.
c) ISO 18602 requires establishing quality standards and assessment methods for all the requirements listed:
1) ISO 18602 requires showing quality standards concerning the items for which business operators in
the upstream in the supply chain are recommended to take responsibility and obtain confirmation
that it is possible to fulfil the quality standards for those items. If it is not possible due to the
processes or productivity of the upstream business operators, it might be required to redesign the
packaging.
2) ISO 18602 requires conducting research to clarify the actual product handling status at the
downstream business operators in the supply chain and establish requirements and quality
standards as necessary.
3) ISO 18602 requires sorting out the requirements, quality standards and test methods in each of the
10 areas that would be necessary for the entire supply chain in reference to Table A.3: Examples of
requirements, quality standards and test methods in each area.
d) ISO 18602 requires designing packaging that will fulfil all the requirements for packaging system
elements listed. As necessary, prepare samples for assessment trials, and carry out the assessment.
e) ISO 18602 requires classifying all the requirements for packaging system elements into those whose
minimization limit is already known, and those not known. For the latter, it also requires investigating
the minimization measures.
f) When investigation, such as minimization efforts and utilization of known information of minimization
limits, has been completed, ISO 18602 requires that the investigated items be organized for ten areas
according to packaging system and packaging elements. And the strictest requirement is identified as
the critical area. ISO 18602:2013, Annex A, Table A4 is applied.
g) Assuming actual production process for the identified critical area, ISO 18602 requires verifying
whether further optimization can be achieved. In some cases, the actual process is used for verification.
At this case, ISO 18602 also requires using statistical methods being considered process fluctuations.
The results obtained are again evaluated using ISO 18602:2013, Annex A, Table A4 and declared
optimized.
Table A.3 — Examples of requirements, quality standards and test methods in each area
Process Target Examples of requirements Examples of standards
Protection of Primary packaging To have enough gas barrier property in order Company-set criteria
goods systems to maintain product quality (as barrier to
Test methods: ISO 15105-1,
fragrance, gas, oxygen, water vapor, etc.)
If necessary second- and ISO 15105-2
ary and transport From packaging for fresh vegetables and
packaging system fruits, sufficient atmosphere ventilation
Company-set criteria
control, maturation control and anti-fog
Test methods: Company stand-
performance.
ard
Packaging Components and To be suitable to packaging manufacturing To conform to the company’s
manufacturing constituents of each processes (strength, quality variance, yield acceptance standards on
process packaging, goods rate, and productivity) (no overturn or jam- dimensional tolerance, ap-
partially finished in ming of empty packaging during transporta- pearance (such as scratches),
assembly tion) colour tones, etc.
It is possible to manufacture the packaging The required production ca-
suitable for the product filling process and pacity shall be secured.
meeting required product quality.
Suppliers’ guarantee.
Packaging pro- Components and To be suitable to packaging process and Production capacity must be
cess and filling constituents of each product filling process (strength, quality secured.
process packaging, goods variability, yield rate and productivity) (no
The required production
partially finished in deformation during filling or retort process)
capacity must be secured. Con-
assembly, pack-
To be suitable to required product quality form to the company’s process
aging, packaging
(scratches, damage, peeling, deformation, standards, quality standards,
system
etc.) (to secure required cleanliness) and criteria samples.
Logistics, Transport packag- To sufficiently protect packaging content To conform to the company
including trans- ing system under the expected distribution situations. standards.
portation, stor- To enable efficient handling during transpor-
ISO 4180
age and cargo tation (damage or deformation due to drops,
handling damage or scratched due to vibration, defor-
mation or label wrinkles due to pressure)
Capability of maintaining product quality for
the assumed time length, temperature and
humidity
Display of Primary, secondary To be fit for display conditions. To fulfil re- To conform to the company
products and and transport pack- quirements for external appearance (damage standards.
marketing aging systems or deformation due to drop shocks, discol-
oration due to UV rays, eye-catching effects,
letter visibility, damage due to temperature
and humidity)
Acceptance by Primary packaging Durabilit
...
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