PFFC - September 2007 - (Page 31)

GREEN CONVERTING S Directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment prohibits placing certain categories of new electrical and electronic equipment on the EU market. This includes electronics used in packaging applications containing morethan-specified levels of lead, EU Packaging Directive cadmium, mercury, hexavalent Directive 94/62/EC on Packaging and chromium, and the flame rePackaging Waste imposes responsibility for tardants polybrominated bipheminimizing the creation of packaging waste and nyl (PBB) and polybrominated promoting energy recovery, re-use, and recycling diphenyl ether (PBDE). of packaging materials on packaging manufacThe directive is intended turers. The directive also restricts hexavalent to 1) enhance the availability chromium, lead, and mercury to a sum total and profitability of recycling and concentration of 100 parts/million (ppm) by 2) decrease negative health impacts weight and requires a reduction of “noxious and on recycling workers from exposures other hazardous substances and materials” in to hazardous substances. Critically, the directive inpackaging materials or components to minimize cludes an exemption for products or applications for emissions and discharges from incineration or which substitutes are not available currently. These landfill after disposal. exemptions are subject to periodic review in light of Directive 2004/12/EC amended the Packaging new scientific evidence. Directive to increase the recycling targets to be met It is a common misconception that uses of by Dec. 31, 2008, to the following levels: lead and other banned substances exempt from the RoHS Directive also are exempt from the u60% overall recovery of packaging waste; and Packaging Directive. A separate exemption u55% minimum and 80% maximum recycling under the Packaging Directive is required; there of packaging waste. is no automatic exemption based on RoHS. WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2007 | 31 ustainable. Renewable. Low carbon. Product-to-package ratio. These are only some of the latest buzzwords reflecting renewed interest in reducing the environmental impact of packaging and other products. From Ireland’s tax on plastic bags to city campaigns against bottled water, several trends are converging that suggest the world may be heading toward more global restrictions on packaging. The converting industry’s ability to understand and adapt to these changes ultimately will determine the industry’s success. What are some of the reasons for new interest in green packaging? First, environmental regulations are shifting. Regulations intended to prevent contamination to soil, air, or water remain, but increasing public concern over the perceived safety of products and constituents has led to a new generation of complex regulations. Second, globalization has increased the importance of non-US regulatory systems, particularly the European Union (EU) system. Simultaneously, slim legislative majorities in the US Congress have led to gridlock, eroding US international leadership in environmental regulations while leaving a vacuum filled by the states. Third, major market players are adopting their own standards. These standards flow from corporate responsibility initiatives and a desire to reduce costs through more “sustainable” activities. Converters seeking to respond to the resurgence of interest in green packaging must ensure compliance with an array of global extended producer responsibility laws and market pressures that require packaging manufacturers to manage environmental impacts from cradle to grave. What are some of the most important developments? Directive 2004/12/EC also establishes material-specific recycling targets for glass (60%), paper and board (60%), metals (50%), plastics (22.5%), and wood (15%). REACH System On June 1, the EU’s new regulatory system for the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals (REACH) went into effect. All chemical substances manufactured or imported in the EU in quantities over 1 ton/yr (approximately 30,000 substances) will be subject to special registration and evaluation requirements. Additives, inks, and dyes are covered. Polymers and intermediates will be exempt, but manufacturing costs are likely to increase, and key ingredients may be restricted. The legislation is not limited to chemical manufacturers. REACH anticipates suppliers will need to understand the downstream uses of their chemicals to provide customers with accurate risk assessments. Accordingly, the legislation also regulates how chemical information is shared up and down the supply chain. REACH obligations thus create new potential product liability exposure and likely will result in more pressure in the US for laws imposing disclosure obligations about chemicals used in packaging and other products. RoHS Directive http://WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PFFC - September 2007

Table of Contents First Glance From the Editor Calendar of Events Web Lines Process Management News Clips Narrow Web & Label Reporter Narrow Web & Label What’s New Products Narrow Web Sustainability: Going Green? What's the Score with Wal-Mart's Scorecard? Straight Talk From Your Trade Associations Learn 5 Key Elements to Creating Cost-Effective and Eco-Conscious Packaging Install Energy-Efficient Light Fixtures and Reap the Environmental Benefits People, Profit, Planet: How to Balance the Impact of a Triple-bottom-line Philosophy Show Preview What’s New Products Services Directory Classified Marketplace Equipment Buyers & Sellers Advertisers Index Experience Speaks

PFFC - September 2007

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