CPP Packaging Regulations & Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the context of REACH regulation, what must a packaging supplier do when their product contains an SVHC above 0.1% w/w?
- Immediately recall the product from EU markets
- Notify downstream users and provide safe use information (Correct answer)
- Apply for an exemption from the European Chemicals Agency
- Replace the substance within 30 days
Correct answer: Notify downstream users and provide safe use information
Under REACH, suppliers of articles containing Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) above 0.1% must notify downstream users and consumers and provide safe use information.
Question 2: Which ASTM standard governs test methods for determining the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of packaging materials?
- ASTM E96 (Correct answer)
- ASTM D882
- ASTM F392
- ASTM D1003
Correct answer: ASTM E96
ASTM E96 covers the standard test methods for water vapor transmission of materials, critical for determining moisture barrier performance of packaging.
Question 3: Under DOT regulations, what is the significance of the 'X' marking on a UN-certified package?
- The package is authorized for Packing Groups I, II, and III (Correct answer)
- The package is only for international air transport
- The package contains explosive materials
- The package requires special handling
Correct answer: The package is authorized for Packing Groups I, II, and III
The 'X' marking on UN-certified packaging indicates it meets the highest performance standard and is suitable for Packing Groups I, II, and III hazardous materials.
Question 4: California Proposition 65 (Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act) requires packaging companies to:
- Use only BPA-free materials in all packaging
- Provide clear warnings if products expose consumers to listed chemicals (Correct answer)
- Register all packaging materials with the California EPA
- Test all packaging for 900+ listed chemicals before sale
Correct answer: Provide clear warnings if products expose consumers to listed chemicals
Prop 65 requires businesses to provide clear and reasonable warnings before exposing California consumers to chemicals on the state's list of known carcinogens and reproductive toxicants.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of the GS1 system in packaging and supply chain management?
- Setting environmental standards for packaging materials
- Providing globally unique identification standards for products and locations (Correct answer)
- Certifying packaging for international customs clearance
- Establishing minimum packaging thickness standards
Correct answer: Providing globally unique identification standards for products and locations
GS1 provides globally unique identification standards (barcodes, RFID tags, data standards) that enable accurate tracking and communication across supply chains worldwide.
Question 6: Which EU regulation establishes the essential requirements for packaging placed on the EU market, including minimization and recoverability?
- EU Directive 94/62/EC on Packaging and Packaging Waste (Correct answer)
- EU Regulation 10/2011 on plastic food contact materials
- EU Directive 2008/98/EC on waste
- EU Regulation 1935/2004 on food contact materials
Correct answer: EU Directive 94/62/EC on Packaging and Packaging Waste
EU Directive 94/62/EC sets essential requirements for packaging sold in the EU, including minimization of packaging volume and weight, and recoverability requirements.
Question 7: Under FTC Green Guides, when can a packaging manufacturer make an 'unqualified recyclable' claim?
- When the material is technically capable of being recycled
- When recycling facilities are available to a substantial majority of consumers (Correct answer)
- When the package contains at least 50% post-consumer recycled content
- When the product is certified by a third-party sustainability organization
Correct answer: When recycling facilities are available to a substantial majority of consumers
FTC Green Guides allow unqualified recyclable claims only when recycling programs are available to a substantial majority (60%+) of consumers where the product is sold.
CPP Packaging Regulations & Standards 3
In the context of REACH regulation, what must a packaging supplier do when their product contains an SVHC above 0.1% w/w?