What is packaging?

Packaging is anything that is used to contain, protect, deliver or present goods.
Goods could be raw materials or processed items.

Packaging can be made out of paper, board, wood, glass, metals, plastics, cork, hessian, jute or ceramics.

For example, packaging includes:

  • boxes
  • pallets
  • labels
  • containers
  • tubes
  • bags
  • sacks
  • tape
  • wrapping
  • binding and tying material.

If an item is integrated into packaging and intended to be used and thrown away with it, it is still considered as packaging. For example, a makeup mascara brush or a measuring cup provided with washing powder.

What is not packaging?

An item is not considered packaging if it is:

  • a part of a product and is necessary to preserve, contain or support the product during its lifespan and use, eg tea bags and plant pots for house plants
  • a disposable item designed to be used at the point of sale which does not fulfil a packaging function, eg drinks stirrers and plastic cutlery.

Further information

In Northern Ireland further guidance on the definition of packaging is available from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

In this guideline: