Overview - ISO 18604:2013 (Packaging and the environment - Material recycling)
ISO 18604:2013 defines requirements and assessment procedures for classifying packaging as recoverable by material recycling. The standard sets out what suppliers must document and declare when claiming a packaging unit (or components) is recyclable by material recycling technologies. It focuses on the technical aspects of recyclability across the packaging life cycle - from design and production through collection, sorting and recycling - and is intended to accommodate ongoing changes in packaging and recycling technologies.
Key points:
- Specifies requirements for packaging to be classified as recoverable for material recycling.
- Requires documented assessment and a declaration of the percentage by weight of the packaging unit that is recyclable, identifying the intended recycling stream(s).
- Provides normative procedures (Annexes A and B) and examples for declarations and documentation (Annexes C and D).
- Cannot alone provide presumption of conformity; application procedures are contained in ISO 18601.
Key topics and technical requirements
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Recyclability assessment and documentation
- Suppliers must demonstrate that procedures in Annex A (evaluation) and Annex B (recyclability criteria) were followed.
- A written statement should confirm meeting the assessment and declaration requirements.
- Support documentation structure and examples are provided (Annex C and D).
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Design and material control
- Control of packaging construction, composition and processing to avoid materials or combinations that impede recycling.
- Consider separability of components (labels, closures) and mechanical/chemical compatibility with recycling processes.
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Compatibility with recycling technologies
- Packaging must be compatible with known, relevant and industrially available recycling processes.
- Suppliers should monitor developments in recycling technology and update designs as appropriate.
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Environmental considerations
- Take account of potential emissions or releases arising from recycling used packaging or residual product.
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Declaration requirements
- Declare the percentage recyclable (by weight) of the packaging unit and specify applicable material recycling streams.
Applications - who uses ISO 18604:2013
- Packaging designers and product developers aiming for recyclable packaging.
- Manufacturers and suppliers preparing recyclability claims and documentation.
- Sustainability teams, environmental managers and compliance officers.
- Recyclers, waste management organizations and material recovery facilities evaluating incoming packaging.
- Regulators and procurement specialists setting recyclability requirements for products or tenders.
- Certification bodies and auditors verifying supplier claims (in conjunction with ISO 18601 procedures).
Related standards
- ISO 18601 - General requirements for use of ISO packaging & environment standards (procedures for applying ISO 18604).
- ISO 21067 - Packaging vocabulary (terms and definitions used).
- ISO 14021 is referenced for the definition of “recyclable” but ISO 18604 addresses technical recyclability, not consumer labeling claims.
Keywords: ISO 18604:2013, material recycling, packaging recycling, recyclable packaging, recyclability assessment, packaging and the environment.
