The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2003

3.  Requirements specific to the recoverable nature of packaging

(a) Packaging recoverable in the form of material recycling:

• Packaging must be manufactured in such a way as to enable the recycling of a certain percentage by weight of the materials used into the manufacture of marketable products, in compliance with current standards in the Community. The establishment of this percentage may vary, depending on the type of material of which the packaging is composed.

(b) Packaging recoverable in the form of energy recovery.

• Packaging waste processed for the purpose of energy recovery shall have a minimum inferior calorific value to allow optimisation of energy recovery.

(c) Packaging recoverable in the form of composting.

• Packaging waste processed for the purpose of composting shall be of such a biodegradable nature that it should not hinder the separate collection and the composting process or activity into which it is introduced.

(d) Biodegradable packaging.

• Biodegradable packaging waste shall be of such a nature that it is capable of undergoing physical, chemical, thermal or biological decomposition such that most of the finished compost ultimately decomposes into carbon dioxide, biomass and water.