Packaging standardization

A great deal of standardization work has been carried out in the packaging sector over the last ten years. This work is continuing, while taking on a new dimension with the creation of the single European market. This work is carried out both at national level by AFNOR (Association Française de Normalisation), and at international level by ISO (International Standards Organization). At the European level, it is carried out by CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation).

Although Europe plays an important role, we must not forget the international approach taken by ISO. Agreements have been signed between the CEN and ISO bodies to facilitate exchanges and cooperation, and above all to avoid any duplication of standards work.

The various partners now have a collection of standards at their disposal, enabling them to design and manufacture packaging tailored to the needs of retailers and end-users. This diversified collection includes all standards dealing with packaging, as well as materials and general testing procedures.

They can go even further in their standardization initiatives by setting up or using the services of the NF mark. This national mark certifies that a product complies with the relevant French and European standards.

New labels have emerged to take account of environmental constraints [1] :

• European Ecolabel on packaging (study of the packaging/product pair) ;

• NF Environnement mark on products (e.g. waste collection bags).

All stakeholders - manufacturers, users, packagers, laboratories, consumers, public authorities - can play a role in the development of standards.

Taking into account the imperatives of all parties can only lead to better quality documents. The standard will be perceived not as a constraint, but as a tool at the service of the company's strategy.

The collection of French standards is constantly updated to incorporate, in particular, standards and reports adopted at European level. This collection has been enriched by a new series of standards in the environmental field, and more particularly in the context of the application of Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste.