This category includes any type of material, whether flexible or rigid, such as paper, carton, plastics, glass or metal, whether used alone or in combination for containing, protecting or wrapping a product or a set of products at any stage between producer and consumer or end-user, especially for presentation purposes. Some examples are paper, carton, plastic, glass, metal, polystyrene protective materials, plastic wrap, plastic bags, etc.

This definition excludes, however, tertiary or transport containers and packaging (such as wood pallets and transport containers) unless these might be used to ship products to consumers or end-users. Also excluded from the ''containers and packaging'' class are materials included in the definition of ''written media'' and ''printed matter'', especially those used to deliver written media and printed matter directly to consumers or end-users.

For examples of these materials, click on Containers and Packaging'' Table.

The ''printed matter'' class consists of papers and other cellulose fibres, whether or not they are used as a medium for text or images. Examples of printed matter include advertising leaflets, catalogues, directories, annual reports, securities prospectuses, printing paper, etc. Containers and packaging used to deliver printed matter directly to the consumer or end-users are included in this category.

This definition does not, however, include books and materials that are part of the ''written media'' category. Moreover, to help distinguish between printed matter and written media, we have included in the 2007 Schedule of Contributions a note issued by the Ministère du Développement Durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs that sets down specific criteria.

For examples of these materials, click on ''Printed Matter'' Table.