The purpose of packaging is the containment, protection, handling, delivery and presentation of products. A major role is prevention of product damage and/or product waste. In order to save resources and minimize waste, the whole system in which the packaging takes part should be optimized.
The Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste defines requirements for packaging to be considered recoverable. BS EN 13431 amplifies these requirements with respect to energy recovery. BS EN 13431 presents a framework for assessment to determine whether the requirements of this document have been met.
BS EN 13431 specifies the requirements for a packaging to be classified as recoverable in the form of energy and sets out procedures for assessment of conformity with those requirements.
Note: BS EN 13431 does not consider the transformation and use of the produced energy.
BS EN 13431 on packaging for energy recovery is useful for:
Since packaging waste used for energy recovery substitutes for other fuels, total system optimization includes the production of heat and/or power. BS EN 13431 defines and specifies the thermodynamic requirements for packaging to allow the incineration with energy recovery of packaging waste. Both packaging and recovery technologies are subject to continuous improvement.
BS EN 13431 discusses materials, combinations of materials or design of packaging liable to create problems during energy recovery. EN 13431 deals with the requirements specific to recoverable packaging which apply to reusable packaging when it is no longer reused and thus becomes waste.
BS EN 13431 derives the theoretical concept of calorific gain. BS EN 13431 guidelines help you in packaging recoverable for energy recovery and ensure that hazardous constituents of packaging should have a minimal impact on the environment. Thus, design the packaging to reduce environmental impacts.
EN 13431:2004