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Sustainable Packaging Audit Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for auditing the sustainability of packaging solutions, ensuring environmentally responsible design, material selection, and lifecycle management across various industries.

Sustainable Packaging Audit Checklist
by: audit-now
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About This Checklist

The Sustainable Packaging Audit Checklist is an essential tool for evaluating the environmental impact and sustainability of packaging solutions across various industries. This comprehensive checklist guides auditors through the assessment of packaging materials, design efficiency, recyclability, and overall lifecycle impact. By systematically reviewing material sourcing, production processes, distribution methods, and end-of-life considerations, this checklist ensures that packaging strategies align with circular economy principles and minimize environmental footprint. It plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable business practices, reducing waste, and fostering innovation in eco-friendly packaging solutions.

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Industry

Environmental Services

Standard

ISO 18602:2013 Packaging and the environment — Optimization of the packaging system, Sustainable Packaging Coalition Guidelines

Workspaces

Manufacturing Facilities and Design Studios

Occupations

Packaging Engineer
Sustainability Manager
Product Development Specialist
Environmental Consultant
Circular Economy Expert

Packaging Sustainability Practices

(0 / 4)

1
Rate the material efficiency on a scale of 1 to 10.

Provide a score where 1 is low efficiency and 10 is high efficiency.

Higher material efficiency indicates better sustainability.
Min: 1
Target: 8
Max: 10
2
Describe the eco-friendly design practices implemented in packaging.

Provide a brief description of eco-friendly design practices.

Eco-friendly design minimizes environmental impact.
3
Is biodegradable packaging being utilized?

Select 'PASS' if biodegradable packaging is used, otherwise select 'FAIL'.

Biodegradable options help in waste reduction.
4
Are recyclable materials being used in packaging?

Select 'PASS' if recyclable materials are used, otherwise select 'FAIL'.

Recyclable materials reduce environmental impact.
5
Are eco-friendly inks being used in packaging?

Select 'PASS' if eco-friendly inks are used, otherwise select 'FAIL'.

Eco-friendly inks reduce harmful environmental impacts.
6
What percentage of waste reduction has been achieved?

Provide a percentage value as a whole number.

Higher reduction percentages indicate better sustainability efforts.
Min: 0
Target: 20
Max: 100
7
What circular economy practices are implemented in packaging?

Provide details on the circular economy practices used.

Circular economy practices promote sustainability.
8
Does the packaging have any sustainable certification?

Select 'PASS' if the packaging is certified, otherwise select 'FAIL'.

Certifications indicate adherence to sustainability standards.
9
Has there been innovation in green packaging methods?

Select 'PASS' if innovations are implemented, otherwise select 'FAIL'.

Innovation is key to advancing sustainable practices.
10
What is the score from the packaging lifecycle assessment?

Provide a score from 1 to 10.

Lifecycle assessments help to identify sustainability issues in packaging.
Min: 1
Target: 7
Max: 10
11
What is the assessed environmental impact of the packaging?

Describe the environmental impact assessment results.

Understanding impact aids in improving sustainability.
12
Is reusable packaging employed in the product line?

Select 'PASS' if reusable packaging is in use, otherwise select 'FAIL'.

Reusable packaging minimizes waste and extends product lifecycle.
13
Is minimalist packaging design adopted?

Select 'PASS' if minimalist packaging is adopted, otherwise select 'FAIL'.

Minimalist design can reduce material usage and waste.
14
What percentage of materials used in packaging is compostable?

Enter a percentage value as a whole number.

Higher percentages indicate a commitment to reducing landfill waste.
Min: 0
Target: 30
Max: 100
15
What strategies are in place for managing packaging waste?

Provide a description of the waste management strategies implemented.

Effective waste management strategies can significantly reduce environmental impact.
16
Are materials sourced sustainably for packaging?

Select 'PASS' if materials are sourced sustainably, otherwise select 'FAIL'.

Sustainable sourcing reduces environmental degradation.
17
Is the organization engaged in any environmental initiatives related to packaging?

Select 'PASS' if engaged in initiatives, otherwise select 'FAIL'.

Active participation in environmental initiatives demonstrates corporate responsibility.
18
What percentage of carbon footprint reduction has been achieved in packaging?

Provide a percentage value as a whole number.

Tracking carbon footprint reduction helps measure sustainability progress.
Min: 0
Target: 15
Max: 100
19
How are suppliers evaluated for sustainability?

Describe the criteria used to evaluate suppliers.

Collaboration with sustainable suppliers enhances overall packaging sustainability.
20
Have packaging reduction goals been established and implemented?

Select 'PASS' if packaging reduction goals are in place, otherwise select 'FAIL'.

Setting and achieving reduction goals demonstrates commitment to sustainability.

FAQs

Audits should be conducted during new product development, when changing packaging suppliers, annually for existing product lines, and in response to new sustainability regulations or corporate sustainability goals.

The audit should be performed by packaging engineers, sustainability specialists, or environmental consultants with expertise in materials science, lifecycle assessment, and circular economy principles.

The checklist covers material selection and sourcing, packaging design efficiency, recyclability and compostability, production processes, transportation impact, consumer use and disposal, and overall lifecycle assessment.

By providing a comprehensive evaluation of packaging practices, the checklist helps identify areas for improvement, promotes the adoption of sustainable materials and designs, and supports the transition towards circular packaging solutions.

Audit findings should be documented in a detailed report, shared with product development and sustainability teams, used to inform packaging redesign efforts, and incorporated into corporate sustainability reports and improvement strategies.

Benefits

Ensures compliance with sustainable packaging regulations and industry standards

Identifies opportunities for reducing packaging waste and improving material efficiency

Supports the development of more environmentally friendly packaging solutions

Enhances brand reputation through demonstrated commitment to sustainability

Facilitates cost savings through optimized packaging design and material use