Preferred Packaging Program Pathway to Circularity
CONTENTS Preferred Packaging Program – Overview
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The Packaging data tool – What it is I What it is not
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Packaging Data tool “What each field means” EXPLAINED.
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Packaging Data tool – A step by step guide on filling out the template
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Decoding Definitions
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Understanding Plastic Identification codes
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Sources of further information
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PREFERRED PACKAGING PROGRAM
ABOUT At Blackwoods, we are taking a progressive approach to the materials we use in our packaging, continually evaluating the materials we source to reflect our commitment to recycling, reducing waste generation and our use of toxic chemicals in our packaging materials.
HOW By moving away from using plastic and packaging that cannot be continually used, reused, recycled, and reprocessed as part of a circular economy. We are continually focused on eliminating plastic where possible and encouraging our supplier partners to design, source materials in line with Blackwoods Preferred Packaging guidelines.
WHY By reducing waste generated with packaging it helps address various environmental, economic, and social considerations. To help ensure we comply with regulations and conserve our virgin resources like timber and petroleum-based plastics.
THE PACKAGING DATA TOOL What the tool is
A tool to capture the Primary and Secondary levels of packaging materials used in Own Brand products, not for resale products, shipped directly or via Blackwoods Global Sourcing.
A tool to enhance efficiency, accuracy and compliance in packaging reporting while reducing manual data entry and time.
What the tool is not
A tool to capture Tertiary packaging- level of packaging materials used in Own Brand products, not for resale products, shipped directly or via Blackwoods Global Sourcing.
NB
A tool to capture packaging material for National Brand products supplied directly by National Brand suppliers.
A tool that is used for marketing claims and communications.
A tool that measures specific environmental impact.
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PACKAGING DATA TOOL “What each field means” EXPLAINED
_________________________________________________________________________________ Mastering field by field entry: a deep dive into what each field means within the packaging data tool.
FIELD NAME BW Part Number
WHAT DOES THE FIELD MEAN
This is the unique part number allocated for BW product by color, size. Active / Inactive – Used to describe if the packaging material is in use or not being used Start date – Must always be entered as YYYYMM. When entering type in the date, month and year, the field will auto calculate the YYYYMM. For e.g., - Type in 12 -12-2023, and the field will calculate to 202312. This date is the year and month when we commenced using this packaging material.
Revision History
End date – Must always be entered as YYYYMM. When entering type in the date, month and year, the field will auto calculate the YYYYMM. For e.g., - Type in 12 -12-2023, and the field will calculate to 202312. This date is the year and month when we ended using this packaging material. IMPORTANT: When changing over existing packaging material, due to various reasons, please - Do put an end date to the existing packaging material field and - update the status to inactive. Do not: Overwrite the existing packaging data field. Refers to the different levels used in packaging of the product for sale and shipment: 1) PRIMARY PACKAGING – PRODUCT LEVEL – Used to contain and protect the product and which goes home with the consumer. 2) SECONDARY PACKAGING – is largely in addition to the primary packaging and is used for protection, collating individual product units during storage, transport, and distribution.
Packaging Type
3) SECONDARY PACKAGING – DISPLAY LEVEL- Secondary packaging can also come in some product types to display primary packs on shelf. Other terms used in the industry are: Retail-ready packaging (RRP) Shelf ready packaging (SRP) or Counter – top display units (CDUs) 4) TERTIARY PACKAGING -SHIPPING – Used to protect and ship packaged products This is pallets, stretch wraps, strappings, corner edges, shipping labels. 5) PRIMARY AND TERTIARY PACKAGING LEVEL – Combination of a primary and tertiary packaging level is for heavy bulky items where the packaging that is used to contain and protect the product is also the tertiary packaging as the product is bulky and the entire product with primary and tertiary packaging goes home to the consumer.
Packaging Component
This field contains a list of the different types of packaging that are used to package products at each level of the packaging hierarchy. For e.g., At primary packaging level it could be insert card, swing ticket, box, etc. For e.g., At Secondary packaging – display level it could be – Carton. 5
FIELD NAME
WHAT DOES THE FIELD MEAN
Description of Material Type
This field contains the description of each material type. Plastics are of different resins and colors / clear. It is important to check with the supplier to select the correct material as the end of life, depends on the selection
End of Life
This is a calculated field, please do not delete or try to enter any value in this field. End of life of the packaging material is determined when selecting the material type and description of material type. End of life of packaging material in Australia is different from other countries. End of life of packaging materials will continue to change, as recycling options grows. This section will be updated when changes occur.
Pack Quantity
This is an important field. This field states the selling unit quantity at each level in the packaging hierarchy.
Number of components per pack
This field contains, the number of packaging components used at each level in the packaging hierarchy. For e.g., Primary level – sticker – the product could have 2 stickers. So, the value 2 is required to be entered.
Packaging weight
This field contains, the weight in grams(gms) of the packaging material used at each level in the packaging hierarchy. Please ensure to only enter the number. DO NOT ADD GMS
Virgin material content
For reporting purposes, we have to capture the amount by % of virgin material used in the packaging. Please ensure to only state the number (VALUE)
Material Type
Is a high-level description of the type of packaging material. In some instances, Material type may be different from the drop-down values, in this case select Other.
RECYCLED CONTENT USED IN PACKAGING – PRE-CONSUMER WASTE MATERIAL OR POST CONSUMER WASTE MATERIAL For reporting purposes, we have to also if the recycled packaging material is made from pre consumer or post-consumer waste material. Pre consumer Pre consumer material is material waste diverted from manufacturing. (Excludes rework) waste material Please ensure to only state the number (VALUE) Post consumer waste material Re-usable versus Single use Validation of documents
Post consumer waste is any material that is discarded by the consumer and recovered to make packaging material. Please ensure to only state the number (VALUE)
If the % of recycled content can be validated by a test report / 3rd party certification, please state accordingly. If stated yes, it is important to capture the type of certificate and certificate number. Also attach a copy of the valid certification in the respective Quality folder.
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PACKAGING DATA TOOL – A step by step guide
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This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to input the packaging used at different levels in the Packaging hierarchy of a Product. The Packaging Data tool provides tailored drop-down value fields to identify the type of material used and providing the End of life of the packaging in Australia. IMPORTANT: Please make sure to include all packaging material. If in doubt, please contact the QA team.
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Navigate to " The Packaging Data Tool". The packaging data tool is part of the product specification document QMS045.
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PART NUMBER - Enter the Blackwoods allocated Part Number for the product. Remember to add “0” before the number.
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REVISION HISTORY: NEW PRODUCT PACKAGING: This field is used to capture the status of the packaging material during the product life cycle. When completing this section for new products, select ACTIVE from drop down menu.
START DATE: Must be entered. This field will capture the YYYYMM for e.g., -202312. Enter the date, month and year, and the field will auto calculate the year /month. Please check this field has been entered correctly. END DATE: For new and active products, do not enter a end date. Please leave this field blank. For details when an END date is required refer to separate sections – REVISION HISTORY – WHAT DO WHEN THERE IS A CHANGE TO EXISTING PACKAGING MATERIAL FIELD.
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REVISION HISTORY – WHAT DO WHEN THERE IS A CHANGE TO EXISTING PACKAGING MATERIAL FIELD. 1- When there is a change to an existing active packaging material field, due to change in packaging material type, change status of active to Inactive using the drop-down box.
2- Enter the END DATE of that packaging material type.
3- Select a new row and enter the new packaging material completing each field enter part number, Select active, from the drop-down menu new start date for the updated packaging material (shall be the following month) Do not enter and END date Complete remaining sections.
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TYPE OF PACKAGING -Using the drop-down values, select the 1st level of packaging for this product. Remember to always start from the Primary packaging level.
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PACKAGING COMPONENT -Using the drop-down values, select the packaging type used to packaging the product.
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MATERIAL TYPE -Using the drop-down value, select the type of material used at each packaging level.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE MATERIAL -Using drop down values, select the correct value that best describes the material used at this level of packaging. The supplier should be able to provide the information, plastic resin code.
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END OF LIFE OF MATERIAL TYPE - The "End of Life" tab is a calculated field. Depending on the Material type selected, and description of the material selected, the end of life of this material is determined based on the most current recycling options available in Australia.
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PACK QUANTITY -Please select the "SELLING UNIT" in this packaging type. Please note, pack quantity may or may not be different for each level of packaging.
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TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPONENTS IN THIS PACK - PACKAGING LEVEL -Please select, the number of packaging components used at this packaging level for the product. For eg - The product has 1 packaging component.
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WEIGHT OF PACKAGING - Please enter the weight of the packaging material for this packaging level. REMEMBER - packaging weight must be entered in GMS only.
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% VIRGIN CONTENT -check with the supplier, to determine the % of virgin material versus recycled material used for the material at this packaging level. Enter value (Number only).
For reporting we need to capture, the % of recycled content used in the packaging material. Recycled content are of 2 types. Pre and Post consumer material. 14 Depending on the type of recycled material used, please enter the number (value) here. Remember the total between recycled and virgin content must equal 100%
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Reusable versus single use. For reporting purposes, we need to state, if the packaging material is re-usable or single use. Please select using drop down option. Remember, to check the definitions section of this document if unclear.
VALIDATION OF RECYCLED CONTENT - Check with supplier if they can validate the recycled
14 content used for this material. Select using drop down values - Yes or No. 15
PROOF OF VALIDATION: If selected yes, use this field to manually enter the type of certificate number, test report and save valid test report / certification in Quality Folder under Product Part number. If Selected No, type in N/A.
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Now go to the 2nd row, type in the part number again and complete the rest of the tabs. Make sure all levels of packaging - Primary, Secondary, and where applicable Tertiary level of Packaging is captured. YOU HAVE NOW COMPLETED THE PACKAGING HIERARCY DATA FOR THIS PRODUCT PART NUMBER. PROCEED TO NEXT STEPS AS PER NORMAL BUSINESS PROCESS.
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DECODING DEFINITIONS
_________________________________________________________________________________ Glossary of definitions of key words used within Preferred Packaging.
NAME
Primary Packaging Secondary Packaging
DEFINITION
The packaging that is in direct contact with the product, often referred to as “retail packaging”. Primary packaging does not include for e.g.: sew in labels that are attached to a glove 1- The packaging used to ship products already in primary packaging. Main goal is to protect the products and provide branding during shipping. 2- Secondary packaging can also come in some product types to display primary packs on shelf.
Tertiary Packaging
The packaging used most often by warehouses to ship secondary packaging. Main goal is to protect the shipments during their time in transit Note – examples include pallets, corrugated pads used to separate layers or boxes, stretch wrap used to secure stacks of cartons. Also see Distribution packaging
Bioplastics
Bioplastics are plastic materials produced from renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, straw, woodchips, sawdust, recycled food waste, etc. One advantage is they do not use fossil fuel as a raw material.
(B2B) packaging
Packaging used to distribute products between businesses or business units.
Certified compostable
Certified compostable means that claims of compliance with Australian Standard AS4736-2006, Compostable and biodegradable – Biodegradable plastics suitable for composting and other microbial treatment” and the Australian standard AS5810-2010- Home composting – Biodegradable plastics suitable for home composting” have been tested and verified.
Compostable packaging
A packaging or packaging component (1) is compostable if it is certified to AS4736, AS5810 or a similar composability standard, and if its successful post-consumer (2) collection, (sorting), and composting is proven to work in practice and at scale (3). Notes 1. ISO 18601:2013: A packaging component is a part of packaging that can be separated by hand or by using simple physical means (e.g., a cap, a lid and (non-in-mould) labels). 2. ISO 14021 clarifies post-consumer material as material generated by households or by commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities in their role as end users of the product which can no longer be used for its intended purpose. This includes returns of material from the distribution chain. 3. ‘At scale’ implies that there are significant and relevant geographical areas, as measured by population size, where the packaging is actually composted in practice.
Composites
Composite materials are also referred to as composites, are a combination of two or more materials that are mixed or joined for packaging purposes. E.g., Paper- polyethylene, Plastic -aluminum, Plastic – paper- Aluminum, cardboard-polyethylene
Corflute®
Is an Australian made plastic sheet, it has twin wall profile polypropylene (PP) sheet.
Distribution packaging
The packaging used to distribute the product through the supply chain, e.g., shippers, stretch wrap, pallets etc. This is also referred to as business-to-business (B2B) packaging within the APCO Annual Reporting Tool. 15
NAME
DEFINITION
Gable Top Carton
Refrigerated (gable top) cartons, usually made of paper and plastic, (Coated paper) usually used to hold perishable goods. Usually form an angular point similar to that of a gable top.
Hazardous substances
They are toxic to humans or other living organisms; are flammable, explosive, or corrosive; are ozone depleting; or contribute to climate change. Examples often mentioned for packaging include - heavy metals (e.g., in some inks and pigments), - Bisphenol A (in polycarbonate plastics and the lining of steel cans), - Plasticizers (e.g., some phthalates in PVC plastics) - PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluoro octane sulfonate), forever chemicals used in plastics, aluminum foil, stain resistant, grease resistant, water-resistant packaging materials.
Industrial compostable
Refers to commercial composting of materials through industrial composting facilities.
Kerbside
Local council bins. Note – Kerbside solutions may differ state wise in Australia.
Liquid Paper Board – aseptic (foil linked)
Aseptic packages (also known as composite packaging) are made by combining Polyethylene with paperboard and aluminum foil. Normally used for long life products.
Molecular Sieve
Molecular sieves are adsorptive materials often used as desiccants for the purpose of removing moisture from gases and liquids. They are often made from a type of zeolite, which is a crystalline material with a porous structure that allows for selective adsorption of molecules
OxoFragmentable plastic
‘Oxo-fragmentable’ products are made from conventional plastics and supplemented with specific additives in order to mimic biodegradation. In truth, however, these additives only facilitate a fragmentation of the materials, which do not fully degrade but break down into very small fragments that remain in the environment. Oxo-fragmentable materials do not biodegrade under industrial composting conditions as defined in accepted standard specifications such as EN 13432, ISO 18606, or ASTM D6400.
Oxobiodegradables
So-called ‘oxo-biodegradables’ and other additive-mediated plastics are not bioplastics. Also known as “degradable”, “oxo-degradable”, “oxo-biodegradable”, or “oxo-fragmentable”, and sometimes even “compostable”.
Part Number
Is a distinct product item, normally with a unique identifier or code to assist with inventory management. Part number is allocated to a product item, depending on size, color.
End – of – Life
A term used to describe the expected disposal option for packaging when the customer/consumer has removed the product.
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NAME
Plastic Resin Codes (See section – “Understanding Plastic identification codes)”
DEFINITION
“Resin identification Codes are not “recycling codes”. Voluntary Plastic coding system to make it easier in materials recovery and recycling facilities to sort and separate items according to their resin type. Compliance to ASTM D7611:2023 is required. See Explanation of the code.
NOTE: The term “recyclable” or other environmental claims shall not be placed in proximity to the Code.” Size of code shall normally equal or exceed 12mm(1/2inc) in height and width. Recyclable packaging
A packaging (1) or packaging component (2,3) is recyclable if its successful postconsumer (4) collection, sorting, and recycling (5) is proven to work in practice and at scale. Notes 1. A package can be considered recyclable if its main packaging components, are recyclable according to the above definition, and if the remaining minor components are compatible with the recycling process and do not hinder the recyclability of the main components. 2. 2. A packaging component is a part of packaging that can be separated by hand or by using simple physical means (ISO 18601), e.g., a cap, a lid and (non-in-mould) labels. 3. 3. A packaging component can only be considered recyclable if that entire component, excluding minor incidental constituents (6), is recyclable according to the definition above. If just one material of a multi-material component is recyclable, one can only claim recyclability of that material, not of the component as a whole (in line with ISO 14021). 4. 4. ISO 14021 defines post-consumer material as material generated by households or by commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities in their role as end users of the product which can no longer be used for its intended purpose. This includes returns of material from the distribution chain. It excludes pre-consumer material (e.g., production scrap). 5. 5. ISO 18601:2013: A packaging constituent is apart from which packaging, or its components are made, and which cannot be separated by hand or by using simple physical means (e.g., a layer of a multi-layered pack or an in-mould label).
Recycled Content
Is content made from pre- consumer and post-consumer material. (AS/ISO14021) Pre consumer material is material waste diverted from manufacturing. (Excludes rework) Post consumer material is material waste generated by households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities. Material that is composed of biomass from a living source and that can be continually replenished. Renewable materials include paper and cardboard from sustainably grown wood fiber.
Renewable material Reusable packaging Reusable B2B Single use
Packaging that has been designed to be used a minimum number of times of rotation e.g., 1-2 times. Rotation is defined as a cycled undergone by reusable packaging from filling/loading to filling/loading (ISO18603) Reusable business to business packaging includes packaging formats such as CHEP/Loscam Pallets and shipping containers. Includes – Lightweight plastic shopping bags, fragmentable (e.g., oxo degradable) plastics, EPS (expanded polystyrene), EPS loose fill packaging, Moulded EPS packaging, Rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) packaging, Opaque polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Rigid plastic packaging with carbon black.
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UNDERSTANDING PLASTIC IDENTIFICATION CODES
_________________________________________________________________________________ Voluntary Plastic coding system to make it easier in materials recovery and recycling facilities to sort and separate items according to their resin type. Compliance to ASTM D7611:2023 is required.
Resin
Definition
rPET
Recycled Poly (ethylene terephthalate)
cPET
Crystalline Polyethylene Terephthalate
HDPE I rHDPE
High Density Polyethylene
PVC
Poly (Vinyl chloride)
PE- LDPE
Low density polyethylene
PE-LLDPE
Linear Low-density polyethylene
EP (Polymeric foams) and PS
EPS, EPE, XPE I XLPE, PE foam, Silicone foam, EVA foam PS – Polystyrene
PP
Polypropylene
rPP
Recycled Polypropylene
PLA, Nylon, Acrylic, Bioplastics, Other resins.
PLA- Polylactic acid. Bioplastics made plant-based material.
PET
Poly (ethylene terephthalate)
Applicable logo
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SOURCES OF FURTHER INFORMATION
_________________________________________________________________________________ Few links that can provide further guidance and support on preferred packaging.
Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) Australian Packaging Covenant Organization (APCO) Australian Govt – Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water Ellen Macarthur Foundation NSW Environment Protection Authority Planet ARK
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