In accordance with the definition set out in the packaging law 11/1997, Prevention is the reduction of the amount and the harmfulness to the environment of:

• The materials and substances used in the packaging and packaging waste.
• The packaging and packaging waste in the production process, in the marketing, distribution, use and elimination, by means of the development of non-polluting products and techniques.

Therefore, prevention has a quantitative dimension, related to the reduction of the amount of packaging material, as well as a qualitative dimension, referring to the impact which said materials may have on the environment.

When it comes time to tackle prevention, it is crucial to not lose sight of the function of the packaging and its relationship with the product it contains. Only an approach which focuses on the packaged product as a whole throughout its life cycle will be successful.

In this section, we will take on the following elements related to prevention, the environmental impact of packaging and its associated waste:

• The role of packaging and society: the principle functions of packaging and its relationship to Prevention are analysed here.
• Packaged products and the consumer: this paragraph describes the influence of socioeconomic factors on consumer needs and how they are reflected in packaged products.
• Ecodesign-an opportunity for improvement: From a global perspective, opportunities to act in the area of Prevention during each of the phases of the packaged product’s life cycle are set out
• Prevention Plans on Packaging Waste: this paragraph sets out the most important aspect of the prevention plan developed by Ecoembes for its licensees companies: Origin and objective, the grand totals, the content, its follow-up and how to participate in it.
• Best Practices on Ecodesign Search Engine: this tool was developed by Ecoembes based on the measures included in the Sectorial Prevention Plans, in order to illustrate prevention by way of practical cases.
• Tools & Services on Ecodesign for companies: Ecoembes in support of the environmental commitment of its licensees companies provides a set of support tools and value-added services:

Information:

• Ecoembes Publications 
• Conferences and meetings with companies
• Workshops: European Workshop on Prevention of Packaging Waste.
• Prevention e-Newsletter

Training Courses:

• On-line Ecodesign courses: “Aula Ambiental Ecoembes”
• In company tranining

Job Tools:

• Packaging Benchmarking: This tool can analyze patterns and trends in packaging sector.
• Best Practices on Ecodesign Search Engine: Collects more than 400 examples of good practice on eco-design carried out by companies.
• Prevention Working Group in Pro-Europe (PROE).