'Successful start' in development of packaging standards

The International Standardization Organization (ISO) has made ‘a successful start’ with the development of world standards for packaging and the environment. ISO delegates from around the world and from across the supply chain of packaged goods came together in Beijing from May 31 until June 4 to share their experiences and to start writing the standards. The new ISO standards will be used by all companies involved in the activity of packaging – for example packaging designers and manufacturers, recyclers, retailers, branded good manufacturers, manufacturers of packaging materials and inks.  

The new ISO standards will address the optimization of packaging by source reduction, the responsible use of heavy metals and other noxious substances, the possible reuse of packages and the different modes of recycling (material, energy or composting). Packaging is an activity that takes place worldwide at least 100,000 times every second and involves a wide range of applications, for instance for consumer products, industrial products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals or electronics.  

Anders Linde, chairman of ISO Technical Committee 122, Subcommittee 4 (where all the work is taking place within the worldwide ISO organization) commented positively on the outcome of the week after a concluding session on Friday June 4. Linde expressed his gratitude to the Chinese and Swedish co-secretaries Stina Wallstrom and Xu Ting for organizing the meetings. The new ISO world standards will most likely be published within two years from now.