Learn how to distinguish between products and packaging in e-halo. This guide explains what counts as a product, what counts as packaging, provides practical examples, and introduces a simple test to help classify items correctly for compliance and reporting purposes.
Why is it important to understand the difference?
Correctly identifying products and packaging is essential when creating packaging data in e-halo. Accurate classification helps ensure Bills of Materials (BOMs) are structured correctly and supports compliance, sustainability, and reporting requirements.
Understanding the difference
What are products?
A product is the item the customer is buying, using, consuming, or keeping.
Examples of Products
- A clock
- A mirror
- A toy
- A BBQ
- A pack of batteries
- A microwave
What is packaging?
Packaging is anything used to protect, present, preserve, contain, transport, or provide information about the product.
Examples of packaging
Even if an item is attached to the product, it may still be packaging if its purpose is to protect or secure the product during transport.
A Simple Test
Ask yourself:
Would the customer still buy the item if the packaging was removed?
Yes → It's a product
Or...no, it's there to protect, secure, transport, present, or identify the product → It's probably packaging
Why does this matter?
Packaging can be subject to different:
- Compliance requirements
- Sustainability reporting
- Recycling obligations
- Packaging legislation
Requirements may vary by country, region, and legislation, making accurate classification important.
If you're unsure whether an item should be classified as a product or packaging, contact our SSM team for guidance or information about our consultancy services.
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