The world standards on packaging and the environment have gained momentum with the acceptance of the Draft International Standard (DIS) texts.

Netherlands Packaging Centre(NVC) is chairing the working group, which addresses the optimization of the packaging system upfront. Other working groups address the different modes of recycling a package may be subject to after the product has been used.

ISO-delegates from all over the world and from all parts of the packaged goods supply chain came together in Atlanta from May 2nd until May 6th, to align the draft texts to input given by a multitude of stakeholders. They succeeded in creating the robust DIS texts which will be available for a final review in the coming months.

The new ISO-standards will address the optimization of packaging to minimize its environmental impact, the responsible use of heavy metals and other hazardous substances, the possible reuse of packaging, and the different modes of recycling including materials, energy use, or composting.

The world standards on packaging and environment reflect the consensus that has grown over the past two years involving intense discussion on this highly complex, but societal-relevant subject. Delegates from all continents met in a series of international meetings, in Stockholm (2009), Beijing (2010), Tokyo (2011), and now Atlanta. The new ISO-standards will be used by all companies involved in the activity of packaging – packaging designers and manufacturers, recyclers, retailers, branded good manufacturers, and manufacturers of packaging materials and inks.

The new ISO world standards will most likely be available for use by industry, retail and any other interested organization by the end of 2012.

TheNetherlands Packaging Centre(NVC) has 14,000 individual members and more than 550 member companies. NVC is provides information services, education and training in serving the interests of the packaging community in promoting the understanding and use of the standards. For more information, contact the NVC-office at phone +31-(0)-182-51-2411 or by email at info@nvc.nl.