Packaging data as part of product data

Packaging data is structured data about packaging, its materials and use. With GS1 standards, packaging data is linked as part of product data and utilised efficiently in business operations, the circular economy and regulatory compliance.

Packaging data is a key part of product data, and its importance is increasing especially as EU packaging and plastics regulation becomes stricter. It describes what the packaging consists of, how it is constructed and how it is sorted, recycled or returned into circulation after use.

With GS1 standards, packaging data can be collected, described and shared in an interoperable way across the entire value chain, from companies’ internal systems to trading partners, authorities and consumers. Structured packaging data enables the same data to be utilised for multiple purposes without duplicate work.

Why is packaging data important?

For companies

Packaging legislation introduces a comprehensive transformation in packaging design, packaging flows and the management of packaging data. Packaging-related costs are estimated to increase by up to 30–60%, which means the entire set of packaging solutions must be reconsidered. This requires collaboration between all actors and interoperable data management solutions.

For trading partners

Common and structured packaging data helps companies compare packaging solutions, improve logistics and manage reusable and deposit-based packaging. Standardised data also enables the automation of Extended Producer Responsibility and packaging material reporting as part of normal data exchange.

In the Interoperable Traceability program, packaging is seen as part of a broader data chain: the same packaging data supports both circular economy data needs and business needs such as operational development or corporate responsibility reporting.

For authorities

Reliable packaging data is essential for monitoring EU packaging and plastics regulation as well as Extended Producer Responsibility. Data collected according to GS1 standards can be used in multiple reports without separate manual work.

For consumers

For consumers, packaging data means clear recycling and material information and gives the basis for sustainability claims. Consistent packaging data increases transparency and trust in purchasing decisions.

Benefits of interoperable packaging data

Improves everyday operations and reduces manual work

When packaging data is structured and harmonised, data moves automatically between systems without manual handling. The same data is entered only once, errors are reduced and reporting can be generated directly from the data.

Supports sustainability and circular economy targets

Interoperable packaging data enables reliable verification of materials, recycled content and reusability. Companies can make more sustainable packaging choices based on comparable data.

Enables better traceability and higher data quality

When packaging data follows the same standards as product data, all actors see the same information in the same way. The data can be linked to products, packaging components and events across the entire supply chain, enabling timely management of changes.

Facilitates regulatory reporting and compliance

Consistent packaging data supports compliance with EU regulations such as PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) and SUP (Single Use Plastic). Data can be provided to authorities from a single source without manual reporting.

Increases trust and improves consumer communication

Clear and consistent packaging data supports understandable recycling instructions and material markings. Companies can communicate their sustainability based on verified data, also through GS1 2D codes.

Enables joint development and innovation

A common way to describe packaging data creates a foundation for benchmarking and collaboration in the industry. It enables the development of new data services and circular economy solutions.

Building blocks of interoperable packaging data

Interoperability of packaging data, from the GS1 perspective, is built on three mutually supporting components: consistent identifiers, a common data model and data management services. When these work together, packaging data flows reliably between companies, authorities and consumers.

1. Consistent identifiers uniquely identify the product and the packaging

Identifiers based on GS1 standards form the foundation of packaging data, ensuring that data can be reliably linked to the correct product and packaging. The GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) links packaging data directly to the product, while the GRAI (Global Returnable Asset Identifier) enables the identification and tracking of reusable and deposit-based packaging. When identifiers are included in barcodes, physical products and packaging can be automatically linked to their digital counterparts.

2. A common data model defines what packaging data consists of

A common data model defines what information about packaging is collected and in what format it is presented, so that all actors produce and interpret the data in the same way. The model includes packaging components, materials and their quantities, packaging levels, and data related to recyclability and sustainability. Packaging data can be linked both to product data catalogues and to traceability event data, supporting the entire lifecycle of the packaging.

3. Data management services help manage and share data

Data management services enable the storage, maintenance and sharing of packaging data in a structured format to the right stakeholders. GS1 Finland’s product information service GS1 Synkka and the underlying GS1 GDSN product data standard enable the management and automatic sharing of packaging data with trading partners. Through identifiers, the data can be linked across systems.

GS1 2D codes enable sharing information directly from packaging by scanning the barcode, and solutions based on the EPCIS standard connect packaging data to consumer communication and traceability, especially in managing the lifecycle of reusable packaging.