Packaging and packaging waste management

You must comply with packaging regulations if your business manufactures, fills, supplies or handles packaging or packaging materials. Packaging is anything used to contain, protect, handle, deliver or present raw materials and processed goods. It includes items such as:

• boxes
• pallets
• crates
• labels
• containers
• tubes and cores
• bags and sacks
• tape and materials for wrapping, binding and tying

How you design, use and dispose of packaging can affect both your income and the environment. Although the amount of used packaging being recycled is increasing, businesses can do more to use less packaging, lower costs and reduce waste.

Efficient use of packaging can benefit your business through reduced costs, a better relationship with stakeholders and customers, and new sales and marketing opportunities.

This guide describes how to comply with the main packaging environmental legislation.