Overview
ISO/TR 18607:2025 - "Packaging and the environment - Information on environmentally conscious packaging design" is a Technical Report from ISO that guides suppliers and designers on applying the ISO framework for environmentally conscious packaging. It explains assessment flows, reduction strategies and practical examples to help optimize packaging while maintaining essential packaging functions. The report is applicable to all suppliers responsible for placing packaging or packaged goods on the market.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Framework coverage: Practical guidance based on the standards on packaging and the environment (ISO 18601–ISO 18606).
- Assessment flow: Describes the assessment procedures of ISO 18601 (general requirements) and the specific assessment processes for:
- Optimization requirements: ISO 18602 guidance requires a complete list of packaging components and constituents, determination of required performance across the packaging life cycle (10 areas), and recording the minimum weight or volume that still satisfies performance requirements.
- Hazard and heavy-metal control: The report highlights identification and minimization of hazardous substances and specifies monitoring of four heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium) consistent with national/regional regulations.
- Documentation and reporting: Recommends recording assessment results (referenced forms and checklists, e.g., ISO 18602 Annex A and ISO 18601 Annex B) and following a cyclic PDCA approach to refine basic packaging design.
- Practical tools: Includes informative annexes with case studies, checklists, packaging system descriptions and step-by-step examples to support implementation.
Applications and practical value
- Use ISO/TR 18607 to:
- Inform packaging design and material selection with environmental considerations in mind.
- Optimize packaging weight/volume without compromising protection, safety or marketability.
- Support compliance with regional heavy-metal and hazardous substance rules.
- Structure internal assessments and supplier declarations for environmental performance.
- Provide evidence and documentation for sustainability reporting and extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs.
- Practical users include packaging engineers, product designers, sustainability teams, regulatory/compliance officers, procurement and suppliers placing packaged goods on the market.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO/TR 18607, environmentally conscious packaging design, packaging and the environment, ISO 18602, packaging optimization, packaging lifecycle, material recycling, reuse, heavy metals.