ISO 18604:2013

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

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

• Environmental considerations

  • Take account of potential emissions or releases arising from recycling used packaging or residual product.

• 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.