Producer responsibility in regard to packaging

Too often, identification and analysis of packaging related environmental concerns can move down the hierarchy of priorities. Indeed, packaging requirements across many jurisdictions are getting more stringent with an emphasis on greater producer responsibility and take-back. EIATRACK can assist in identifying how packaging regulations in the electronics sector might affect your next product release across multiple markets. Packaging and labeling requirements span across multiple regulations. The regulations relate to managing the environmental impact of product packaging and informative labeling.

Globally, countries are regulating the materials used to contain consumer products. For example, the European Union (EU) directive imposes (1) 'essential requirements' for packaging, which are elaborated by European standardization bodies (i.e. CEN); (2) maximum heavy metal concentration levels (currently, 100 ppm for lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium); and (3) a packaging marking system. It also requires members states to: adopt packaging waste prevention measures, meet specific recovery and recycling targets, set up collection and recovery systems; set up information systems on packaging and packaging waste; and ensure that consumers are informed on packaging take back.

Another example is the product labeling requirements in the U.S., which inform customers how to properly dispose of products containing hazardous chemicals.

See samples of Packaging and Labeling reports in EIATRACK below

Packaging & Labeling Reports