BS EN 13428-2004 (2009) PDF

Full title and description

STB BS EN 13428-2004 (2009) — Packaging. Requirements specific to manufacturing and composition — Prevention by source reduction. This entry denotes the CEN European standard EN 13428:2004 (published as a British adoption BS EN 13428:2004) and a later national listing using the STB prefix (national adoption/catalogue entry), keeping the original EN scope and text.

Abstract

This standard specifies a procedure for the assessment of packaging to ensure that the weight and/or volume of packaging material is reduced to the minimum necessary while maintaining product protection, safety and hygiene, and consumer acceptance. It also sets out methods for determining the presence and minimisation of the four heavy metals listed in Article 11 of Directive 94/62/EC and for addressing dangerous substances that may be released during waste management operations. The standard complements the EN package of packaging standards and works together with EN 13427 for application procedures.

General information

• Status: Published European Standard with national adoptions (historical/current status should be checked in the relevant national catalogue before use).
• Publication date: 2004 (EN 13428:2004 — national listings/adoptions appear subsequently, including STB entry shown as 2009).
• Publisher: CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation) — published as EN 13428:2004 and adopted nationally (for example BS EN 13428:2004; STB listing shown for a 2009 catalogue entry).
• ICS / categories: 13.030.99 (wastes; related) and 55.020 (packaging and distribution of goods).
• Edition / version: EN 13428:2004 (national adoptions commonly carry the prefix of the adopting body, e.g. BS EN 13428:2004; STB notation indicates a national catalogue/adoption entry dated 2009 in some listings).
• Number of pages: Typically listed as ~25 pages in CEN national reproductions (page counts vary slightly by national language versions and formatting).

Scope

EN 13428 sets out an assessment procedure to demonstrate that primary, secondary and tertiary packaging have been optimised to the minimum adequate weight and/or volume consistent with: (a) maintaining functionality through the supply and user chain; (b) ensuring product and user safety and hygiene; and (c) keeping the packed product acceptable to the user/consumer. The standard also specifies methods for detecting the four heavy metals referred to in EU packaging legislation and for identifying and minimising dangerous substances that could be released during waste management operations. It does not by itself give presumption of conformity under the Directive — EN 13427 describes application procedures.

Key topics and requirements

• Procedure for source reduction: self-assessment steps and identification of the “critical area(s)” that limit further reduction without impairing functionality.
• Performance criteria to be considered (product protection, manufacturing/filling processes, logistics, information, safety, legislation, user acceptance, etc.).
• Methods for determining the presence and minimisation of the four heavy metals listed in Article 11 of Directive 94/62/EC and for addressing hazardous substances released during waste management.
• Requirement to document assessment and justification for packaging dimensions/weight and any design decisions that prevent further reduction.
• Clarification that substitution of one material by another is not in itself considered source reduction — the emphasis is on minimizing mass/volume while meeting functional criteria.

Typical use and users

Used by packaging designers, packaging manufacturers, brand owners, regulatory/compliance teams, and environmental managers who need to demonstrate packaging minimisation and to document conformity with the essential requirements of packaging legislation. Also used by auditors and trade/regulatory authorities when assessing packaging compliance.

Related standards

Part of the CEN suite of packaging standards intended to support the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. Key related standards include EN 13427 (framework and application procedure), EN 13429 (reusable packaging), EN 13430 (material recycling), EN 13431 (energy recovery), and EN 13432 (composting/biodegradation). These standards are intended to be used together where relevant.

Keywords

packaging, source reduction, packaging minimisation, EN 13428, heavy metals, packaging waste, recyclability, conformity assessment, CEN, BS EN, STB.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: EN 13428:2004 is a European standard that specifies requirements and an assessment procedure for reducing the weight and volume of packaging (prevention by source reduction) while maintaining functionality, safety and consumer acceptance; the title appears in national catalogues as BS EN 13428:2004 and in some national listings with prefixes such as STB (catalogue/adoption entry).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers methodology for assessing minimum adequate weight/volume, the identification of critical performance areas that limit reduction, documentation requirements, and methods to detect/minimise the four heavy metals and other dangerous substances in packaging with respect to waste management.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Packaging engineers and designers, manufacturers, brand owners, compliance officers, environmental managers, auditors and regulators involved in packaging design, declaration and waste-management planning.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: EN 13428:2004 remains the documented European standard for prevention by source reduction; national adoptions exist. National catalogues and EU packaging legislation have evolved since 2004, so users should confirm the current legal/harmonised status in their country and whether newer national or EU-level requirements apply. For regulatory compliance, always check the latest national standard catalogue and applicable EU regulations.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — EN 13428 is one of the related CEN packaging standards (EN 13427, EN 13429, EN 13430, EN 13431, EN 13432) designed to be used together to support conformity with packaging legislation.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Packaging minimisation, source reduction, EN 13428, packaging assessment, heavy metals, packaging waste, recyclability, conformity, CEN, national adoption (BS, STB).