Packaging rules and regulations
Many industries detail specific requirements and regulations for the packaging that companies operating within these sectors use.
While some of these are guidelines, many are legal requirements that packaging must adhere to. Even where regulations are not enforceable by law, not following them could result in the rejection of goods, severe damage to products, loss of business and poor reputation amongst customers.
GWP Group has created this compliance centre to provide easily accessible information dedicated to regulatory compliance. This hub contains detailed pages for each regulated sector for which GWP currently supplies packaging. However, should your specific industry not be listed, please contact a member of our team who will be happy to assist.
Packaging requirements for specific industries
FAQs
What are packaging regulations?
Packaging regulations are legal requirements that packaging must adhere to. For example, there are strict laws regarding packaging that is in direct contact with food or that is designed to protect sterile medical equipment. Other laws, such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), apply to all packaging that is likely to end up in households. Some regulations are not legal requirements (such as Defence Standards), but specific industries, companies or organisations that use the packaging may enforce them.
Which industries have regulations for packaging?
Many industries have packaging regulations that are specific to them. This includes food and drink, medical, pharmaceutical, defence, electronics and dangerous goods (such as chemicals and batteries). Some packaging regulations, such as the Consumer Goods Act, apply across multiple industries.
Do regulations apply to all forms of packaging?
Not all regulations apply to all forms of packaging. For example, some food packaging laws only apply to the primary (i.e. in contact) packaging, and not the secondary packs such as cardboard transit boxes. Other regulations are guidelines that, while not legally enforceable, could result in the packaging being rejected by the businesses intending to use it.
What are the consequences for not following packaging regulations?
At the extreme end of the scale, failure to follow packaging regulations can result in legal action, including fines and other punishments (for example, where packaging failure may risk severe consequences for the health or well-being of individuals). However, failure to follow even non-enforceable guidelines can result in loss of business and poor reputation amongst customers.
Can GWP Group help with packaging regulations?
GWP have an extensive team of packaging experts and over 35 years of experience, meaning we can often advise our customers on general requirements for the packaging we manufacture. However, GWP can also work closely with the key stakeholders at your business who typically have a depth of understanding relating to specific industries and applications.
