ISO/IEC update packaging guide

‘ISO/IEC Guide 41, Packaging – Recommendations for addressing consumer needs’ provides guidance to product designers, manufacturers, regulators and others involved in decision making regarding packaging – including standards developers. The guide was developed by ISO/COPOLCO, the ISO Committee on consumer policy.

ISO and IEC noted that the modern packaging landscape is complex, needing to be safe and sustainable whilst remaining appealing and functional. Packaging must not only conform to legal requirements, it needs to appeal to consumers as well, helping them make informed choices.

Christine Heemskerk, co-convenor of the ISO working group that developed the guide and chair of the consumer and public interest network of BSI, ISO’s member for the UK, explained that the newly revised version features more detailed information on risk assessment, vulnerable consumers’ needs, cost reduction, use of resources, suitability for intended purpose and recycling.

‘Consumers will directly benefit from industry use of the revised guide, with safer, more appropriate and informative packaging.’

Fellow co-convenor Sandra Herrera, a standards specialist at Icontec, ISO’s member for Colombia, added: ‘ISO/IEC Guide 41 will optimize product packaging by providing international best practice and guidance on everything from ensuring the packaging protects the product effectively, to labeling information and environmental impact, such as reuse and recycling.’

ISO/IEC Guide 41:2018 is available from national ISO members and through the ISO Store.