Essential Requirements - An Introduction.

European Directive:
The Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste requires that packaging may only be placed on the market in any EU member state if it meets a series of "Essential Requirements" set out in an Annex to the Directive. These Requirements are designed to minimise the environmental impact of packaging. They focus on prevention and minimisation of waste at source and ensuring that waste is recoverable, or recyclable, or reusable.

Since February 2005, proving compliance is easier — packaging which conforms to the EU harmonised CEN Packaging Standards is automatically assumed to comply with the Essential Requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and national enforcement authorities must recognize this.

Irish Legislation:
The Essential Requirements were transposed in Ireland on the 1st December 1998 as part of an Amendment to the 1997 Packaging Regulations. Manufacturers, importers or sellers of packaging material, packaging or packaged products may not supply packaging or packaged products to other persons within Ireland unless the packaging complies with the Essential Requirements. Local Authorities are responsible for enforcing the Essential Requirements, and they may ask for a report of packaging composition and all relevant technical supporting documentation. Local authorities are empowered to bring a prosecution of a company whose packaging breaches the Essential Requirements. Packaged products could be removed from the marketplace and/or fines imposed.

For more information about the Essential Requirements click here.

Downloadable 'Packaging Policy':
A company-specific 'Packaging Policy' can be very helfpul in addressing the Essential Requirements. Click here for a sample packaging policy.

If you would like to modify this for your own company please contact us and we will be happy to help you out.