Introduction
The Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste [94/62/EC] defines requirements for packaging to be considered recoverable. This standard amplifies these requirements with respect to organic recovery. The European Standard EN 13427:2000 provides a framework within which this and four other standards may be used together to support a claim that a packaging is in compliance with the essential for to be placed on the market as required by the Directive.
The purpose of packaging is the containment, protection, handling, delivery and presentation of products. Organic recovery of used packaging is one of several recovery options within the overall life cycle of packaging. In order to save resources and minimize waste, the whole system in which the packaging takes part should be optimised. This includes prevention as well as reuse chest d recovery of packaging waste.
This European Standard presents a framework for self-assessment to determine whether the requirements of this standard have been met. Its approach is similar to that of systems standards such as the EN ISO 9000 and EN ISO 14000 Series.
Organic recovery of packaging and packaging materials, which includes aerobic composting and anaerobic biogasification of packing in municipal or industrial biological waste facilities is an option for reducing recycling packaging waste. Using these biological technologies, the aims of the Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the council on Packaging and Packaging Waste (Brussels 5 December 1994) in this respect can be met.