Use these points to control the next decision.
- List components before requesting broad sustainability or compliance statements.
- Record issuer, scope, subject, date, validity and connection to the proposed material.
- Recheck the register when a material, supplier, finish or configuration changes.
Create the component register
Break the packaging into board or substrate, wrapped or printed paper, coatings, films, inks, foil, adhesives, magnets, windows, inserts, fabric, ribbons, labels, tissue, protective materials and shipping components as applicable.
Assign an internal component name and proposed supplier reference. Record weight or composition data only when available from a controlled source.
- Component name and function
- Material or grade reference
- Supplier or converter
- Finish, coating or adhesive
- Evidence requested and received
- Issue, expiry or review date
- Open questions and owner
Match evidence to the claim
For each claim, identify what document would support it and whether the document covers the organization, facility, process, material, product, chain of custody or test sample. A company-level certificate may not prove the composition of one packaging component.
Request legible documents and retain the version used for the project. Avoid converting an unverified supplier statement into a public product claim.
| Record field | Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Who created or certified the document? | Supports authenticity review |
| Subject | Which company, site, material or sample? | Defines relevance |
| Scope | Which process or claim is covered? | Prevents overstatement |
| Date/validity | Is it current for the project? | Controls expiry risk |
| Reference link | How does it connect to the component? | Creates traceability |
Control substitutions and changes
A visually similar paper, board, film, ink, adhesive or insert can have different documentation. Require notification before substitution when a component is linked to a buyer requirement or public claim.
Update the register after sample approval, production-material confirmation and any corrective change. Mark superseded evidence rather than silently replacing it.
Prepare the buyer handover
Agree which documents can be shared, whether redaction is needed, the file naming convention, language, validity date and contact for questions. The final handover should make clear which evidence is project-specific and which is general company information.
Regulatory interpretation should be confirmed with qualified advisers for the destination and use case.