Packaging Class - TX

Packaging Class

DataTopic

Packaging Specification

Purpose

Define the functional role of each component within a packaging assembly (BOM view) to enable consistent data exchange for PPWR/ EPR, DPP, and commercial listing.

Overview

In IMDE, a Packaging Assembly is modeled as a set of components that together form the packaging part of a Sales Unit = Product + Packaging. Each component is assigned a Packaging Class based on its functional role in the assembly. This taxonomy supports upstream–downstream data exchange (technical data → Declaration of Conformity) and EPR reporting (weights, materials, recyclability).

Classes

Class	Definition / Function	Examples / Notes
Container	Main vessel that holds, stores, or transports the product.	Bottle, jar, can, tube, tray, pouch. May carry a Form Type attribute (Rigid, Semi-Rigid, Flexible).
Enclosure	Primary wrap or shell that fully covers or contains the product or multiple units.	Flow wrap, overwrap, shrink wrap, blister shell. Often Flexible or Semi-Rigid.
Closure	Seals, opens, or reseals a container’s opening.	Cap, lid, cork, stopper, foil seal. May integrate tamper evidence or dispensing.
Dispenser	Enables controlled release or dosing of product.	Pump, valve, spray nozzle, tap, trigger. Sometimes combined with Closure.
Applicator	Applies the product directly to a user or target surface.	Brush, roller, pad, sponge, nozzle tip.
Label	Distinct component attached to another surface to carry information, branding, or decoration.	Attachment Type (attribute): Glue-applied, Pressure-sensitive (self-adhesive), Shrink sleeve, In-mould label).
Informational Component	Separate informational item not affixed to a surface.	Leaflet, insert, instruction manual, warranty card; placed inside secondary/tertiary packaging.
Securing	Bundles, fastens, or unitizes items or components.	Strap, clip, band, ring, adhesive dot, stretch wrap.
Structural	Provides rigidity, spacing, or separation.	Divider, tray insert, partition, frame, corrugated separator.
Protective	Cushions, braces, or prevents impact/surface damage.	Pad, bubble wrap, corner protector, foam insert.
Ancillary	Supplementary convenience or utility function.	Handle, hanger, scoop, measuring cup, spout cover.

Attributes

• Form Type (Container, Enclosure; sometimes Closure)
  • Values: Rigid, Semi-Rigid, Flexible
  • Rationale: Recyclability, collection, and sorting performance, and EPR fee modulation frequently depend on rigidity for polymer packaging.
• Attachment Type (Label)
  • Values: Glue-applied, Pressure-sensitive, Shrink sleeve, In-mould label
• Material Class (link to material taxonomy)
  • Values: Metal, Polymer, Paper and Board, Textile, Ceramic/Glass, Wood, Additives (as applicable)
• Role in Assembly
  • Primary (e.g., Container, Closure), Secondary (e.g., Label, Informational), Tertiary (e.g., Structural, Securing)

Assembly (BOM) Guidance

Sales Unit
 ├─ Container (e.g., Rigid PET bottle)
 │   ├─ Closure (PP cap)
 │   └─ Label (Shrink sleeve, Attachment Type = Shrink sleeve)
 ├─ Informational Component (Leaflet)
 └─ Structural (Corrugated divider)

• Labels vs Informational Components: Labels are attached components with an Attachment Type; leaflets/inserts are separate items and remain Informational Components.
• Direct Print: If decoration is applied via direct print, model as a process attribute of the printed component rather than a separate Label component.
• Form Type Usage: Required for polymer Containers/Enclosures due to sorting/recyclability impacts; optional/implicit for glass/metal (typically rigid) and paper (often flexible/semi-rigid).

Data Exchange Notes

• Upstream technical data per component (material, weight, recycled content, substances) is aggregated at the Sales Unit level to generate the Declaration of Conformity and to supply EPR reporting datasets.
• Clear class assignment ensures consistent mapping to PPWR requirements and PRO fee categories.