3. Conclusions

Today, we know that the differences between the requirements for packaging materials for foodstuffs and those for contact with water are such that a single set of regulations applicable to all these applications cannot be envisaged.

The number and complexity of the testing, approval, certification, recognition and acceptance procedures described above explain the length, difficulty and cost involved.

But in all these applications, safety and hygiene issues must be given priority, i.e. over any other property or characteristic, however favorable, of the materials used.

The importance of the issue at stake, i.e. human health, justifies the pooling of complementary skills, and explains the methodical nature and scientific objectivity, as well as the length of certain projects. The importance of these issues and of the...