Overview
ISO 18601:2013 - "Packaging and the environment - General requirements for the use of ISO standards in the field of packaging and the environment" is an umbrella standard that defines how the complementary ISO packaging-environment standards are to be applied. It specifies requirements and procedures to support ISO 18602, ISO 18603, ISO 18604, ISO 18605 and ISO 18606 and is applicable to any supplier responsible for placing packaging or packaged goods on the market.
Keywords: ISO 18601:2013, packaging and the environment, packaging standards, environmental assessment, supplier responsibilities.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Defines interrelationships within the ISO packaging/environment family and explains the methodology for assessing packaging across its life cycle.
- Rationale and methodology: Outlines general principles, levels of application and the approach to minimize environmental impact while maintaining packaging function (protection, containment, handling, information, etc.).
- Selection of assessment procedures: Suppliers must select appropriate technical procedures considering functional requirements (safety, hygiene, consumer acceptance).
- Hazardous substances: Includes requirement to assess and document environmental impact of heavy metals and other substances hazardous to the environment (per GHS classifications).
- Documentation: Requires documentation of assessment data and provides guidance (Annex B) including an example supplier form for demonstrating compliance.
- Demonstration of compliance: Demonstration may be performed by first-party (manufacturer/supplier), second-party (user/purchaser) or third-party (independent body).
- Limits to scope: Technical aspects of reuse and recovery are covered; however ISO 18601 does not cover requirements for environmental marketing claims defined by ISO 14021.
Practical applications
- Use ISO 18601:2013 as the starting point for packaging environmental compliance programs and life-cycle-based decision making.
- Guide packaging design teams in selecting tests and assessments needed to optimize packaging (source reduction), decide on reuse options, and plan recovery routes (material recycling, energy recovery, organic recycling).
- Support sustainability managers and regulatory teams in documenting the environmental assessment of packaging and in establishing supplier declarations.
- Inform procurement and supply-chain teams of required evidence when sourcing packaging or packaged products.
Who should use this standard
- Packaging designers and engineers
- Suppliers and manufacturers placing packaged goods on the market
- Sustainability and compliance officers
- Waste management and recycling organizations
- Third-party auditors and conformity assessment bodies
Related standards
ISO 18601:2013 provides the framework to ensure consistent, documented, life-cycle-based assessment of packaging environmental performance and to coordinate application of the related ISO standards.
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