ISO 18602:2013
(Main)Packaging and the environment — Optimization of the packaging system
Packaging and the environment — Optimization of the packaging system
ISO 18602:2013 specifies requirements and a procedure for assessment of packaging to ensure that the weight or volume of its material content is optimized consistent with the functions of packaging. This is one of several options for reducing the impact of packaging on the environment. It also provides methodologies and procedures for determining the amount and minimization of substances or mixtures hazardous to the environment, and determining the amount of four heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium) in packaging. The process for packaging design, including material selection, is not part of ISO 18602:2013. The procedure for applying ISO 18602:2013 is contained in ISO 18601.
Emballage et environnement — Optimisation du système d'emballage
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 18602
First edition
2013-01-15
Packaging and the environment —
Optimization of the packaging system
Emballage et environnement — Optimisation du système d’emballage
Reference number
©
ISO 2013
© ISO 2013
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ii © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Requirements . 3
4.1 Application . 3
4.2 Packaging assessment . 3
4.3 Demonstration that the requirements of this International Standard have been met . 4
5 Critical areas to assess when determining the achievable level for
packaging optimization . 4
Annex A (informative) Guidelines on the use of this International Standard for determining the
achievable level for packaging optimization . 5
Annex B (informative) Examples of the application of this International Standard using
the checklist .10
Annex C (informative) Assessment and minimization of substances or mixtures hazardous to
the environment .15
Bibliography .26
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.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International
Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies
casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 18602 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 122, Packaging, Subcommittee SC 4, Packaging
and environment.
iv © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved
Introduction
Packaging plays a critical role in almost every industry, every sector and every supply chain. Appropriate
packaging is essential to prevent loss of goods and, as a result, decrease impact on the environment.
Effective packaging makes a positive contribution towards achieving a sustainable society by, (e.g.):
a) meeting consumers’ needs and expectation for the protection of goods, safety, handling and information;
b) efficiently using resources and limiting environmental impact;
c) saving costs in the distribution and merchandising of goods.
An environmental assessment of packaging may include the manufacturing and distribution system,
the wastage of packaging material and goods, the relevant collection systems, as well as recovery or
disposal operations. This group of ISO standards and supporting reports provides a set of procedures
which aim to:
d) reduce environmental impact;
e) support innovation in products, packaging and the supply chain;
f) avoid undue restrictions on the use of packaging;
g) prevent barriers and restrictions to trade.
Packaging is designed to provide a number of functions for users and producers such as: containment,
protection, information, convenience, unitization, handling, delivery or presentation of goods. A major
role of packaging is prevention of damage to or loss of goods. (See ISO 18601, Annex A for a list of the
functions of packaging.)
ISO 18601 defines the interrelationships within the family of ISO standards which cover the environmental
impact of packaging throughout its life cycle (see Figure 1). These standards will help define whether
the selected packaging can be optimized and whether the packaging needs to be modified to ensure it
can be reused or recovered after use.
Demonstration that the requirements of these standards are met can be performed by a first party
(manufacturer or supplier), a second party (user or purchaser), or by the support of a third party
(independent body).
Public claims on the environmental attributes of packaging may be addressed by different methods.
Some of these are technical aspects on reuse or recovery, others relate to access by the population to
reuse or recovery systems or the amount of packaging placed on the market for recovery. This series
of standards addresses the technical aspects of the packaging. It does not address the requirements of
ISO 14021 needed to support a claim or label.
This International Standard does not use the term “and/or” but, instead, the term “or” is used as an
inclusive disjunction, meaning one or the other or both.
ISO 18601
Packaging and the environment - General
requirements for the use of ISO standards in
the ield of packaging and the environment
ISO 18602
Packaging and the environment - Optimization
of the packaging system
OPTIMIZE
Annex C
Assessment and minimization of substances or
mixtures hazardous to the environment
REUSE
ISO 18603
Packaging and the Reuse
Decision
environment - Reuse
End of functional life
RECOVERY
ISO 18604 ISO 18605 ISO 18606
Packaging and the Packaging and the Packaging and the
environment - environment - environment -
Material recycling Energy recovery Organic recycling
Figure 1 — Relationship of the Packaging and environment standards
vi © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved
Recovery
Negative
environmental
impact
Optimum Pack
Design
Minimum
environmental
impact
Underpackaging Overpackaging
Increasing
packaging material
Minimum material
weight or volume
[32]
Figure 2 — Packaging optimization
The model in Figure 2 illustrates how the environmental consquences of product losses caused by
excessive packaging reduction are far greater than guaranteeing adequate protection through an
incremental excess of packaging.
This International Standard presents a framework for self-assessment to determine whether the
requirements of this standard have been met. Its approach is similar to that of systems standards such
as the ISO 9000 series or an environmental management system such as ISO 14001.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 18602:2013(E)
Packaging and the environment — Optimization of the
packaging system
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies requirements and a procedure for assessment of packaging to
ensure that the weight or volume of its material content is optimized consistent with the functions of
packaging. This is one of several options for reducing the impact of packaging on the environment.
This International Standard also provides methodologies and procedures for
a) determining the amount and minimization of substances or mixtures hazardous to the
environment, and
b) determining the amount of four heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium)
in packaging.
The potential for such substances to be released into the environment is included in the assessment. The
procedures are referenced in Annex C.
The process for packaging design, including material selection, is not part of this International Standard.
The purpose is to help ensure and demonstrate that the packaging efficiently uses the selected material.
NOTE 1 For the purposes of this International Standard, the substitution of one packaging material by another
is not a basis for packaging optimization.
NOTE 2 Packaging material optimization can include increasing the weight or volume of packaging in order to
reduce loss of goods.
The procedure for applying this International Standard is contained in ISO 18601.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. 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 21067, Packaging — Vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 18601, ISO 21067 and the
following apply.
3.1
packaging optimization
process for the achievement of a minimum adequate weight or volume (source reduction) for meeting
the necessary requirements of primary or secondary or transport packaging, when performance and
user/consumer acceptability remain unchanged or adequate, thereby reducing the impact on the environment
3.2
critical area(s)
specific performance criterion/criteria which prevents further reduction of weight or volume without
endangering functional performance, safety, and user/consumer acceptability
3.3
supplier
entity responsible for placing packaging or packaged goods on the market
Note 1 to entry: The term “supplier” in normal usage can relate to various points in a supply chain. For the purpose
of this document it relates to any point in the supply chain where a transaction relating to packaging or packaged
goods takes place
[SOURCE: ISO 18601:2012, definition 3.22]
3.4
packaging component
part of packaging that can be separated by hand or by using simple physical means
[SOURCE: ISO 18601:2012, definition 3.11]
3.5
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 18601:2012, definition 3.12]
3.6
packaging system
complete set of packaging for a packaged good, encompassing one or more of the following that are
applicable (depending on the packaged goods): Primary packaging, Secondary packaging, Tertiary
(distribution or transport) packaging
3.7
substances
chemical elements and their compounds in the natural state or obtained by any production process,
including any additive necessary to preserve stability, and any impurity deriving from the production
process used, but excluding any solvent which may be separated without affecting the stability of the
substance or changing its composition
3.8
mixture
preparation or solutions composed of two or more substances
3.9
safety data sheet
documentation providing comprehensive information about a substance or mixture
Note 1 to entry: The UN Globally Harmonized System (3rd revised edition) — Part 1 and Annex 4 - requires that
documentation should be provided to users of the substance or mixtures and to contain the required information.
3.10
used packaging
packaging that has been used by the final consumer or end user and which is destined for reuse or recovery
3.11
packaging waste
packaging that has been used by the final consumer or end user and which is discarded for final disposal
and is not intended for reuse or recovery
2 © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved
3.12
substances hazardous to the environment
any substances classified as presenting an environmental hazard according to the UN Globally
Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals and its amendments (GHS), 3rd revised
edition, Part 4, while meeting the criteria of labeling with the environmental hazard pictogram
Note 1 to entry: This is a general classification of substances hazardous to the environment and cannot be taken
as specifically relating to substances used in packaging.
4 Requirements
4.1 Application
The application of this International Standard to any particular packaging shall be as specified in
ISO 18601, Packaging and the environment — General requirements for the use of ISO standards in the field
of packaging and the environment.
4.2 Packaging assessment
4.2.1 Determination of critical area(s)
The supplier shall evaluate the complete list of relevant criteria in Clause 5 to determine the critical
area[s] which will govern the achievable limit for packaging optimization. See Annex A for guidance.
The identification of at least one critical area shall be the basis of meeting the requirements of this
International Standard for minimization. If no critical area has been identified the packaging does
not meet the requirements of this International Standard and the potential for (further) packaging
optimization is to be investigated.
NOTE As some of these critical areas can be interdependent, more than one area can, in some cases, be
identified as critical for determining the minimum adequate amount of packaging.
4.2.2 Determination of presence of substances or mixtures hazardous to the environment
The supplier shall determine (with reference to the guidance provided in Annex C) whether there is
a presence of substances or mixtures hazardous to the environment that are likely to be present in
emissions, ash or leachate when packaging is incinerated or landfilled.
For example, the packaging manufacturer should receive from its supplier of substances or mixtures a
safety data sheet as defined in 3.8.
The heading “composition/information on ingredients” should indicate the concentration or concentration
range of substances or mixtures presenting an environmental hazard as outlined in Annex C.
NOTE The packaging manufacturer can calculate and so measure the presence of substances or mixtures
hazardous to the environment in its packaging on the basis of information associated with the packaging
formulation and manufacturing process.
4.2.3 Determination of the four named heavy metals
The supplier shall determine (with reference to the guidance provided in Annex C), by means of
measurement, calculation or upstream information and data whether there is a presence of any of the four
named heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium) in the packaging component.
NOTE The packaging manufacturer can calculate and so measure the presence of the four named heavy metals
in its packaging on the basis of information associated with the packaging formulation and manufacturing process.
4.3 Demonstration that the requirements of this International Standard have been met
The supplier shall:
— prepare on request a statement that the requirements of 4.2.1, 4.2.2, and 4.2.3 have been met;
— document the relevant data or other information that has been used to develop the list of relevant
performance criteria and in particular to establish the nature and effects of the critical elements;
— use a checklist (examples found in Annex B) or its own documentation to demonstrate that all
critical areas listed in Clause 5 are covered;
— document that relevant safety data sheets and subsequent process information have been used to
identify the possible presence of substances or mixtures hazardous to the environment in the packaging
components and likely to be present in emissions, ash or leachate from waste management operations;
— if the presence of a substance or mixture hazardous to the environment has been identified document
the relevant data and subsequent process information used to demonstrate that minimization
has been achieved against the critical areas listed in Clause 5, with reference to the methodology
provided in Annex C of this International Standard;
— determine that the aggregate presence of the four named heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury,
and hexavalent chromium) in packaging components has been assessed as required by national or
regional regulations where the packaging is intended to be used; Annex C provides guidance as to
how this can be done;
— record the results with reference to the methodology in Annex C.
5 Critical areas to assess when determining the achievable level for packaging
optimization
— protection of goods;
— packaging manufacturing process;
— packaging/filling process;
— logistics (including transport, warehousing and handling);
— presentation and marketing of goods;
— user/consumer acceptance;
— information;
— safety;
— legislation;
— other issues.
NOTE 1 Legislation and safety are examples of non-independent critical areas which have to be considered together.
NOTE 2 See Clause A.3 for description of critical areas.
4 © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved
Annex A
(informative)
Guidelines on the use of this International Standard for
determining the achievable level for packaging optimization
A.1 Introduction
More detailed information is given in this Annex A in order to guide the person or persons using this
International Standard. It can be used in the assessment of existing packaging or as an aid in the normal
dialogue between supplier and customer in agreeing to a specification for new packaging.
Clause A.2 is about methodology, it describes the different phases of the assessment process.
Clause A.3 reviews the 10 critical area(s) and gives a few examples of important requirements which
may be relevant to a given package.
Clause A.4 provides an example of a checklist layout to assist the assessment process and recording.
This process aims to achieve a minimum adequate weight or volume of a given package, and hence reduce
the environmental impact, without increasing damage to or waste of goods, and respecting the critical
area(s) to be met by the packaging. The assessment checklist may be used to record the major decisive
findings of the packaging optimization process.
This is an ongoing process involving design and operational experience which will provide useful
information to determine critical area(s).
Two examples of fully completed assessment checklists and their supporting reports together with
explanatory documents which support the completion of the checklists can be found in Annex B.
A.2 Assessment methodology
The purpose of the assessment process, which may be documented by completion of a checklist (such as
in A.4), is to ensure that:
— all opportunities within the same packaging material (refer to NOTE 1 of the Scope) for optimization
have been identified and considered;
— minimization of the packaging material has been achieved while still meeting the necessary
requirements of the packaging functions;
— important decisive references supporting the above statement are recorded.
The detailed requirements for packaging can vary from one application to another. In the packaging
design process, during which packaging optimization is considered, the analysis of each of the
requirements will impact on the overall specification of the packaging. The requirements may be
classified in a checklist. As a first step of the assessment, the most important requirement(s), within
each of the critical areas, may be listed in the second column of this checklist.
During the design process for packaging for a given application or group of similar applications, some
of the requirements will determine the practical limitations for further reduction of the weight or
volume of the packaging without endangering the necessary levels of safety, hygiene and user/consumer
acceptability.
As a second step of the assessment process, the performance criterion/criteria limiting the ability to
reduce weight or volume of the packaging will be identified. These are known as the “critical area(s)”.
This identification should rely on any tests or studies performed to check validity of opportunities to
achieve further optimization.
Documented practical experience from the market is also valid as a source of data regarding acceptable
limits. The identified limiting area(s) should be recorded as critical.
A.3 Critical areas
A.3.1 General
The 10 performance criteria are reviewed in this clause. For each of them, a non-exhaustive list of typical
requirements is provided. This list is intended to help any user of this International Standard to identify
the important and decisive requirements.
NOTE As some of these critical areas can be interdependent, more than one area can, in some cases, be
identified as critical for determining the minimum adequate amount of packaging.
A.3.2 Protection of goods
Goods should be protected against damage, loss and deterioration from the point of packaging until
their use.
Requirements may consist of: protection against vibration, compression, humidity, light, oxygen,
microbiological infection, pests, off-taste etc. Active and intelligent packaging may also contribute to
the protection of goods.
Examples of requirements which can be important are:
— for fragile goods having to be stacked high: vertical load resistance;
— for fruit juice: UV light and oxygen barrier.
A.3.3 Packaging manufacturing process
The manufacturing processes operated by packaging manufacturers influence the range of characteristics
of the packaging available to the designer.
Requirements may consist of shape of a container, thickness tolerances, size, feasibility of tooling,
specifications minimizing waste in manufacturing, etc.
Examples of requirements which are often important:
— for a bottle: wall thickness distribution;
— for a corrugated box: flute orientation.
A.3.4 Packaging/filling process
The packaging/filling process influences the range of options available to the designer in order to
minimize the waste of goods and packaging. Requirements may consist of: impact and stress resistance,
mechanical strength, packing line speed and efficiency, stability in conveying, heat resistance, effective
closing, minimum headspace, hygiene, etc.
Examples of requirements which are often important:
— for a metal can: stability during conveying, filling and retorting;
— for industrial fine powder (e.g. pigment) filled into a rigid drum: adequate headspace to avoid
spillage before settlement.
6 © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved
A.3.5 Logistics (including transport, warehousing and handling)
The packaging (any combination of primary, secondary and transport packaging), should be suitable for
the expected logistics, transport and handling systems and maintain adequate protection of goods and
safety for those exposed to the handling and use of the packaged goods.
Requirements may consist of: dimensional co-ordination for optimum space utilization, compatibility
with palletizing and depalletizing systems, handling and warehousing systems, and packaging system
integrity during transport and handling, etc.
Examples of requirements which are often important:
— dimensional compatibility with standard pallets or crate systems;
— for high value goods (e.g. computer components), packaging should be free from any visible damage.
A.3.6 Presentation and marketing of goods
The packaging should enable proper identification of the packaged goods by the user/consumer as well
as stimulate purchase. These requirements are linked to brand image, labelling, presentation, etc.
Requirements may consist of: identity and brand recognition, aesthetics, labelling, compatibility with
retail display systems, compatibility with refill systems, pilfer resistance, etc.
Examples of requirements which are often important:
— for a branded fresh fruit juice: container with a specific shape;
— for high value small goods in self-service retail outlets: pilfer resistance.
A.3.7 User/consumer acceptance
The packaging should satisfy user/consumer needs and expectations in terms of unit size and convenience
as well as ergonomics associated with handling, opening, reclosing, storing, disposal, etc.
Requirements may consist of: unit size, collation/multi-pack, handling ergonomics, tamper evidence,
storage/shelf-life, ease of opening, dispensing and ability to empty, attractive presentation, etc.
Examples of requirements which are often important:
— for a large container: ease of carrying;
— for a single person household: portion packs small enough to be consumed before deterioration;
— for all containers: ease of opening.
A.3.8 Information
The packaging should be capable of providing any necessary information regarding use and care of
goods as well as other useful instructions.
Requirements may consist of: providing information about the packaged goods, instructions for storage,
application and use, bar codes, best before date, etc.
Examples of requirements which are often important:
— for a semi prepared meal: easy to read detailed instructions for cooking and serving on packaging
separate from that used for cooking;
— for goods which are marked as dangerous: minimum size of label.
A.3.9 Safety
The packaging should be capable of meeting the requirements associated with user/consumer and
product safety throughout the distribution system. Requirements may consist of: design for safe
handling, child resistance, tamper evidence, hazard warnings, instructions relating to user/consumer
and product safety, clear identification of content, safe opening device, pressure release closure, etc.
Examples of requirements which are often important:
— for baby food: tamper evidence to prevent/identify possible contamination;
— for industrial goods: unit size to be limited for safe lifting by operator.
A.3.10 Legislation
The packaging has to meet the issues covered by legislation, regulations and international trade agreements.
A large number of packaging requirements are regulated by national or international legislation
and standardization. This fact concerns a number of important packaging areas such as for food,
pharmaceuticals, dangerous and chemical goods. There are also legislative obligations concerning
packaging used in certain modes of transport such as air, railways and sea.
The above will translate into the need for specific design or specific information on the packaging.
Legislation aimed at the protection of user/consumers and restricting the use of materials considered
harmful to the environment is of particular importance in design, selection and use of packaging.
A.3.11 Other issues
If the relevant criterion for achieving minimum adequate weight/volume of the packaging is not covered
by the preceding nine critical areas but is an existing quality requirement for packaging, it should
be detailed under ”other issues”. These other issues may address economic, social or environmental
implications.
8 © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved
A.4 Example of a checklist for demonstrating that the requirements of this Inter-
national Standard have been met
PACKAGING Packaging:
Optimization of the packaging system
Assessment Checklist
Most important/rel- Critical
Criterion References
evant requirement Area(s)
Protection of goods
Packaging manufacturing process
Packaging/filling process
Logistics
Presentation and marketing of
goods
User/consumer acceptance
Information
Safety
Legislation
Other issues
In the light of the assessment results recorded above, this packaging meets the requirements of ISO 18602.
Details of the supplier
Name:
Title:
Organization:
Mailing Address:
City: Country:
Date: Signature:
Annex B
(informative)
Examples of the application of this International Standard using
the checklist
B.1 General
The documents hereunder are only intended to facilitate the process of filling in this checklist.
Example B.2 represents selection of a single critical area; example B.3 represents selection of multiple
critical areas.
B.2 Example: Packaging for fresh fruit juice
B.2.1 General
The packaging is a non-returnable glass bottle for fresh fruit juice of 1 litre with tamper evident screw cap.
B.2.2 Protection of goods
To preserve the quality and flavor of the fruit juice the packaging shall provide an effective UV, oxygen
and vapor barrier. The selected container and closure match these requirements due to their physical
properties and by choosing a light-protective glass colour. There is no impact on the weight and volume
of the glass bottle and hence no critical area.
B.2.3 Packaging manufacturing process
The state-of-the-art production technologies used in the manufacturing of the container ensure a
homogenous glass distribution in the walls of the container, which is essential to achieve a minimum
wall thickness (given the size, the shape and the required mechanical stability of the bottle). This is not
a critical area.
B.2.4 Packaging/filling process
To prevent damages on the high speed conveying, filling and packing lines a defined mechanical stability
is required. This is identified as a critical area, as the stability of the bottle is directly related to the wall
thickness of the container and of the finish.
B.2.5 Logistics
With regard to the transport and handling conditions an adequate mechanical resistance of the glass
container is required. Considering, however, the transport packaging usually used in the distribution
chain these impacts are not expected to exceed the mechanical resistance required by the filling process.
Thus logistics is not regarded as a critical area.
B.2.6 Presentation and marketing of goods
When designing the bottle, both the marketing strategy of the filler and the retailer’s demands related
to packaged goods presentation have to be considered. There appears to be two potential critical areas:
— the dimensions of the bottle were selected to facilitate a modular system for distribution and
shelf display;
10 © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved
— the shape of the bottle was determined to support the brand identity.
However the design is not identified as a critical area as the chosen shape allowed a minimum wall
thickness and hence a minimum weight of the bottle.
B.2.7 User/consumer acceptance
The screw cap facilitates the opening and reclosing of the bottle and also provides tamper evidence.
The tamper evidence requirement is not a critical area as it has only a marginal impact on the weight or
volume of the packaging.
B.2.8 Information
Information about the packaged goods is printed on the label. The information requirement is not
corresponding to a critical area as the surface of the bottle gives space enough for labelling.
B.2.9 Safety
For safety reasons the bottle is sealed with a tamper evident screw cap. This is not a critical area as
shown above under “user/consumer acceptance”.
B.2.10 Legislation
Not relevant.
B.2.11 Other issues
None identified.
EXAMPLE B.2
PACKAGING Packaging: 1 litre, non-returnable, glass bottle
Optimization of the packaging system
Product reference : fresh fruit juice 026
Assessment Checklist
Packaging reference : BPSC/1L
Checklist reference : 100117
Critical
Criterion Most important/relevant requirement References
area(s)
Protection of goods UV and oxygen tightness No
Packaging manufacturing process Homogeneity of glass distribution No
Packaging/filling process Impact resistance / mechanical stability Yes Stability tests
and calcula-
tions
Logistics Impact resistance / mechanical stability No
Presentation and marketing of Modular dimensions / individual shape No
goods
User/consumer acceptance Tamper evidence / easy open & reclose No
Information No
Safety Tamper evidence No
Legislation Not relevant No
Other issues None identified No
In the light of the assessment results recorded above, this packaging meets the requirements of ISO 18602.
Name:
Title:
Organization:
Mailing Address:
City: Country:
Date: Signature:
B.3 Example: Packaging for computer
B.3.1 General
The computer is sold in 4 pieces of packaging:
— A plastic bag with a desiccant pack;
— A corrugated box with moulded insert cushioning.
B.3.2 Protection of goods
The computer requires two specific areas of protection:
— Protection against humidity: easily achieved with a plastic bag and desiccant pack with negligible
impact on the weight and volume of the packaging. This is clearly not a critical area;
— Mechanical protection: testing demonstrates that the requirements for transport and handling
systems (see B.3.5) adequately cover the protection of the computer. This is clearly not a critical area.
B.3.3 Packaging manufacturing process
Any type of corrugated box and cushioning could be manufactured to meet the requirements expected.
There is no limitation from the point of view of manufacturing the box and the cushioning. This is clearly
not a critical area.
B.3.4 Packaging/filling process
The moulded insert cushioning is used as a “carrier” tray through the production process to reduce
damage and ease access for assembly. The cushioning could be produced to meet the two requirements
(cushioning and carrier tray) at no extra weight or volume. This is clearly not a critical area.
B.3.5 Logistics
The packaging system (corrugated box + cushioning) is required to meet the usual transport and handling
conditions. Drop tests were performed on different corrugated boxes to test the mechanical resistance.
The conclusion is that the minimum acceptable board weight for the box is 400 g/m . Logistics is clearly
identified as the critical area for this packaging.
B.3.6 Presentation and marketing of goods
For such a high value item, an undamaged package is important, especially for courier delivery. As the
requirements for logistics (B.3.5) are higher, this is not a critical area.
B.3.7 User/consumer acceptance
Sometimes the hardware comes with a preloaded package of software chosen by the consumer.
Therefore, the packaging needs adequate spare space to contain the software literature and discs. This
is a critical area for volume.
12 © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved
B.3.8 Information
Information about the computer is not an issue. The large surface of the package is sufficient to allow
all identifications and markings without any problem. Information requirements are clearly not
corresponding to a critical area.
B.3.9 Safety
The packaging ensures that, in the event of severe damage to the contents, they will be fully contained
and not pose a hazard to the handler. Safety requirements are clearly not corresponding to a critical area.
B.3.10 Legislation
Not relevant as no particular need is identified.
B.3.11 Other issues
For this high value item, a failure rate of less than 4 in a million is the target. This is addressed by the
stringent requirements for B.3.5. It is not a critical area.
EXAMPLE B.3
PACKAGING Packaging: Plastic bag + desiccant pack + corrugated
Optimization of the packaging system box + cushioning
Assessment Checklist Product reference Computer 216/14
Packaging reference CB 16/PS27
Checklist reference 100127
Critical
Criterion Most important/relevant requirement References
Area(s)
Protection of goods Protection against humidity / mechani- No
cal protection
Packaging manufacturing process No
Packaging/filling process Cushioning used as a carrier during No
assembly
Logistics Suitable for transport and handling Yes Test report by
XX Laboratory
11/09/10
Presentation and marketing of No sign of damage on packaging No
goods
User/consumer acceptance Spare space for literature and disc if Yes (volume) Dimensions of
needed and handles the computer
and potential
components
Information No
Safety No
Legislation No
Other issues Less than 4 ppm failure in packaging No
In the light of the assessment results recorded above, this packaging meets the requirements of ISO 18602.
Name:
Title:
Organization:
Mailing Address:
City: Country:
Date: Signature:
B.4 Example of Laboratory Test Report
Different categories of corrugated cardboard boxes were tested upon the request of an electronics company.
The test selected was a standard vertical drop test (ISO 2248) from 0,75 m on to each face and one
corner being representative of standard transport and handling conditions.
Prior to testing the boxes were conditioned for 48 hours at 20 °C and 65 % RH.
Twenty tests were performed for each reference of corrugated boxes after being filled with a plastic
model simulating the computer. Failures were defined as having a permanent deformation of more than
5 mm in any place of the box.
Table B.1 — Result of test
Corrugated box reference / Number of failures (out of 20 tests)
Board weight reference (g/m )
200 8
250 4
300 1
350 0
400 0
450 0
500 0
Although the above table may indicate that the 350 g/m board weight reference will resist damage,
−6
statistical interpretation determines that in order to achieve a less than 4 ppm (4x10 ) failure, a
400 g/m board weight reference is required.
14 © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved
Annex C
(informative)
Assessment and minimization of substances or mixtures
hazardous to the environment
C.1 Introduction and scope
This Annex deals with the assessment of substances or mixtures hazardous to the environment that
may be present in packaging and with the minimization of their use. Within this general scope, special
attention is given to the possible presence of four heavy metals.
A simple and efficient assessment method is proposed, based preferentially on an ‘upstream approach’.
It is intended to be of practical use, and to enable efficient application, even for small and medium-sized
companies in the packaging industry.
Both the presence of these substances in packaging and their likely release into the environment are
addressed. Annex C is also intended to assist suppliers of packaging in meeting legislative requirements
(where applicable).
Clause C.3 provides a recommended methodology and procedure for determining the presence in
packaging, and minimizing the use, of substances or mixtures hazardous to the environment.
Clause C.4 provides additional guidance on determining the presence of heavy metals in packaging and
their release to the environment. It deals with four heavy metals: lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium
VI
(Cr ) and mercury, the control of which is the subject of legislation in several jurisdictions. This
legislation was aimed at limiting the release of these metals or their compounds into the environment
from packaging waste which is landfilled or incinerated.
For cases where the upstream approach cannot readily be applied, Clause C.4 also outlines and
recommends test methods which can be applied to packaging and packaging components, for determining
the presence and release of the substances concerned.
For information on concentration limits, users of this International Standard are referred to applicable
legislation in the intended packaging markets or to relevant international standards.
C.2 References
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO Guide 30:1992, Terms and definitions used in connection with reference materials
ISO 3534-1:2006, Statistics — Vocabulary and symbols — Part 1: General statistical terms and terms used
in probability
ISO 7086 (all parts), Glass hollowware in contact with food — Release of lead and cadmium
ISO 10012:2003, Measurement management systems — Requirements for measurement processes and
measuring equipment
ISO/IEC 17025, General Requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
ISO 17088, Specifications for compostable plastics
UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, 3rd revised edition
C.3 Identification and minimization of the use of substances or mixtures hazard-
ous to the environment
C.3.1 Background to the proposed methodology and assessment approach
C.3.1.1 Packaging and its components and constituents
”Packaging component” and ”packaging constituent“ have been defined in Clause 3 of this International
Standard. The proposed methodology in this Annex is built on an “upstream approach” where the
asses
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