ISO 18605:2013

Overview

ISO 18605:2013 - "Packaging and the environment - Energy recovery" defines how packaging is assessed and classified as recoverable by energy recovery (controlled combustion with useful energy output). It is part of the ISO packaging‑and‑environment family and works with ISO 18601 (general application procedure). The standard sets requirements, calculation and test procedures, and a format for demonstrating compliance so packaging can be claimed as energy‑recoverable.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Specifies requirements for packaging to be classified as recoverable in the form of energy recovery and the assessment procedures to demonstrate that status.
• Net calorific value (NCV): Defines the net calorific value at constant volume and how to calculate the NCV of multi‑component packaging from component values (formulaic approach and experimental determination per ISO 1928).
• Theoretical and real minimum NCV:
  • Theoretical minimum (q_net,min,theor) is derived from the concept of calorific gain - the energy released must exceed the energy required to heat post‑combustion products (adiabatic basis, Annex A).
  • Real minimum (q_net,min,real) is set for optimization in real industrial systems (Annex B) and depends on incineration conditions.
• Assessment procedures: Packaging may be assessed by calculation (Annex B) or by the calorific‑gain methodology (Annex A). Ash content (ISO 1171) and material composition inform calculations.
• Requirements and notes:
  • Packaging with ≥50% organic content (by weight) typically provides calorific gain and meets the minimum NCV requirements.
  • Packaging with >50% inorganic content can be energy‑recoverable if it meets NCV requirements; some inorganic‑dominant formats (e.g., glass, thick metal) are not deemed energy recoverable.
  • Thin aluminium (typically ≤50 µm) contributes to NCV; thicker aluminium is not deemed energy recoverable.
• Demonstration: A written statement showing compliance is required; Annex D/E provide example formats.

Applications and who uses it

• Packaging designers and manufacturers - to design packaging that is energy‑recoverable and to document recoverability claims.
• Waste‑to‑energy and incineration plant operators - to assess feedstock suitability and optimize energy recovery.
• Environmental and LCA practitioners - for life‑cycle assessments and recovery pathway classification.
• Regulators, procurers and certification bodies - to verify compliance with packaging‑recovery rules and support technical claims (note: ISO 18605 addresses technical aspects only; ISO 14021 covers labeling claims).
• Material suppliers and recyclers - to provide composition and calorific data used in assessments.

Related standards

• ISO 18601 (general requirements for the family)
• ISO 18602, ISO 18603, ISO 18604, ISO 18606 (packaging and environment series)
• ISO 1928 (calorific value test methods)
• ISO 1171 (ash/solid residue determination)
• ISO 21067 (packaging vocabulary)

Keywords: ISO 18605:2013, packaging energy recovery, net calorific value, calorific gain, energy recoverability, packaging and the environment, ISO 18601.