New Canadian General Standards Board Standard for Bulk Packaging for Computer Equipment

Ottawa, 7 March, 2014 - The Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) has published a new Standard for Bulk Packaging of Computer Equipment, CGSB-43.168-2014. The voluntary standard supports the Government of Canada Policy on Green Procurement practices by setting out requirements for the performance aspects of the design of bulk packaging for computer equipment.

These performance requirements provide accommodation so that the computer equipment is protected while ensuring that environmental, risk and cost-based factors are met. The intended users of this standard are those organizations that receive computer equipment that is shipped using bulk packaging that meets the high standard of responsible performance requirements expected by Canadians.

Suitable packaging is necessary to protect and transport computer equipment safely to ensure the fragile components are secured. However, the amount of packaging required to protect this equipment is often designed for single-use, and the packaging is often not recyclable or reusable. The large amount of computer equipment purchased creates enormous packaging waste. This has resulted in an increased demand by both governments and private industry for environmentally friendly packaging that conforms to performance requirements.

The scope of the standard identifies performance requirements for bulk packaging used for shipping computer equipment that is procured by the Government of Canada. The standard is intended to serve as a reference to those with the authority to procure computer equipment for the Government of Canada.

In 2010, the Green Procurement Team of Acquisitions Branch, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), reached out to CGSB with a proposal to develop a standard that would allow for the shipment of bulk orders of computer components in packaging that protected the components. The goal was to determine the performance aspects of such packaging that was minimal in nature, cost effective and either recyclable or reusable. Using its significant experience and expertise in the field of standards development, CGSB undertook the role of facilitator and brought together a balanced matrix of technical experts who provided broad-based input to the voluntary standard that was developed by established principles of consensus.

The CGSB Standards Committee on Bulk Packaging for Computer Equipment (Committee) consists of over 15 organizations from Canada representing users, producers and general interest categories from both public and private sector organizations. Since 2010, the Committee worked diligently to develop the standard by considering the varied viewpoints and interests of stakeholders. The substantial majority of Committee members believe that the resulting standard will make a positive contribution in supporting the Government of Canada's Policy on Green Procurement.

CGSB would like to thank all members of the Committee for their invaluable contributions and for their determination and goodwill to complete the voluntary standard.

This first edition CGSB Standard is available for purchase through the CGSB Purchase Standards.