What counts as packaging?

The basic definition of packaging is ‘all products made of any materials of any nature that are used for; containment, protection, handling, delivery or presentation.

Most packaging is obvious i.e. boxes, crates, bags, bottles, shrink wrap etc. and can be separated into one of the six material types – paper, glass, aluminium, steel, plastic and wood. There are some items that fall into the ‘other’ category, such as fabric, rope, silica gel, foam, ceramics etc.

The following packaging does not need to be included in your obligation:

– Packaging you do not carry out an activity on

– Re-usable packaging on its second or subsequent trip

– Second hand packaging (unless it is imported)

– Packaging you do not own

– Process waste