The requirements of this standard apply to new, modified or rebuilt industrial and commercial machinery which perform packaging functions for primary, secondary and tertiary packaging. Also included are: the conveying machinery used within the packaging functions; coordination of the packaging functions that take place in sequence on the production line; packaging related converting machinery. This standard does not apply to packaging machinery used by retail consumers.
The most recent update to this standard was released in July of 2023.
ANSI B11.0 is very similar to ANSI/PMMI B155.1 in content, but it has a broader scope than packaging and processing machinery. Members who engage in business activities extending beyond packaging and processing should be certain to obtain the updated B11.0. Machinery suppliers, users, modifiers, purchasers of used machinery, and others can expect to be the main groups impacted by the clarified responsibilities listed in the text. The standard includes improved and updated text involving legacy machinery, remote/ tele- operations of machinery, and information for use manuals.
Click here to download the reference document relating to the development of ANSI B11-2020.
This document is divided into the Procedures for Development and Maintenance of Standards, as well as annexes which provide additional information about the development and processing of standards. These procedures were new in 2003 when PMMI changed from the “canvass” to “organization” method of standards development. The changes in this 2022 revision bring “PMMI’s Procedures” into compliance with the most current edition of the ANSI Essential Requirements: Due process requirements for American National Standards.
NEW! Introduction to Standards Development is a free program crafted by PMMI that is designed to benefit your business by providing insights related to standards participation. This program will increase your team's awareness of how standards can help your team meet its business objectives. It features examples related directly to packaging and processing machinery.
PMMI offers a hands-on workshop, Increase Your Business Value with Machine Safety Standards and Risk Assessment, that provides your team with risk assessment training and assists you in navigating the many areas of machinery safety standards and regulations.
Guest: Bruce Main, Safety Expert and Technical Advisor, PMMI
PMMI’s ANSI B155.1 2023 Safety Requirements for Packaging and Processing Machinery standard helps mitigate risk for packaging and processing companies. On this episode Bruce Main joins the podcasts to discuss the latest update to the PMMI standard, but not before he breaks down exactly what the difference is between regulations like edicts from OSHA or the EU and standards like the aforementioned ANSI B155.1
ISO TC 313 Packaging machinery – Progress on this project continues to be difficult. There remain multiple disagreements among the participating country delegations. The drafting group continues working on the overall approach via online meetings, which is limiting. Progress is being made, but slowly. PMMI participates in this international draft because of its potential impact to the industry. The PMMI team remains focused on the B155.1 standard which can be used by all member companies.
ISO TC199 / Working Group 8 Functional Safety - The revision of ISO 13849-1 Safety of machinery – Safety-related parts of control systems – Part 1 General principles for Design is being prepared for publication. PMMI is an active member of this work.
ISO TC199 / Working Group 5 Risk Assessment Updates - The work of WG5 to commence a technical revision of ISO 12100 Safety of machinery progresses well. An Amendment (limited revision)is anticipated, but a full revision may result given the proposed changes. This work will also attempt to align with requirements of the new Machinery Regulation. This standard impacts every packaging machine shipped to the EU. PMMI is in a lead position on this work.
ISO TC326 –Another U.S. association - ASABE - is seeking support for a U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and contacted PMMI. This support may involve requesting PMMI members’ input who are involved with feeding equipment for food of all types and possibly beverages. The Technical Services team continues to monitor is monitoring this activity to determine if/when direct involvement is warranted.
Take a listen to some of our technical standards associates as they share the importance of standards and the criticality of being involved in the standards development process!
PMMI’s FSMA Consultant, Jeff Barach provides an in-depth overview including what steps packaging and processing equipment manufacturers should take to be proactive.
The 4th edition of PMMI’s Guide to the Key European Directives for Packaging Machinery is now available. If your company exports packaging machinery into the European Economic Area (EEA) the new PMMI guide is a must have resource. The sections of the new EU guide on RoHS, WEEE, REACH were reviewed by US legal council based in Brussels for content and accuracy.
Download the European Directives for updated information about:
PMMI has made the following machinery directives for the EU available for download in Adobe PDF format.
PMMI’s Contact Task Force developed the PMMI Model Equipment Sales Agreement with input from the PMMI membership.
The Model Equipment Sales Agreement is designed to serve as a sample sales contract to assist members in identifying which contract terms are important in a sales agreement, and how those terms may be drafted. The terms of this Model Agreement have been selected based on several factors, including custom in the industry, clarity, and fairness.
While the Model Agreement may be utilized as written, PMMI members may also choose to select only certain specific provisions and incorporate these into contracts they have already developed. In this regard, also included is the document “Alternative Contract Clauses” which presents additional provisions that can be substituted for those in the Model Agreement. Of course, the negotiation process with customers may also result in different contract terms being used.
The Model Equipment Sales Agreement is intended to assist PMMI members. The decision to use the Model Agreement and its provisions, or any of the alternative clauses, is a voluntary business decision for each PMMI to make on its own and based on what is in the best interests of the member. PMMI does not require adherence.
PMMI intends to maintain the Model Agreement as a relevant and useful tool. Comments regarding the Model Agreement, including suggested modifications, are encouraged and should be submitted via e-mail to PMMI’s Director of Technical Services.
The Model Equipment Service Agreement, developed by PMMI's Service Contact Task Force, is designed to assist members in identifying which contract terms are important in a service agreement, and how those terms may be drafted. The provisions of this Model Agreement have been selected based on several factors, including customs in the industry, clarity, and fairness.
Also available is a set of Explanatory Notes which provide additional guidance and some alternative contract provisions.
While the Model Agreement may be utilized as written, PMMI members may also choose to select only certain specific provisions and incorporate these into contracts they have already developed. Of course, the decision to use the Model Agreement or any of its provisions, or to even offer a service agreement, is a voluntary, independent business decision for each PMMI member to make on its own and based on what is in the best interests of the member.
The RFID Experts Group (REG) was formed by the United States Dept. of Defense to speed implementation of Radio-frequency identification (RFID) and develop guidelines that could be incorporated into military standards.
However, since large retailers began utilizing RFID technology, REG sponsorship was transferred to AIM Global. Vist the AIM Global Web site to review the standards pertaining to this increasingly integral technology.
The REG subgroups have developed various guidelines, published as Terms of Reference (ToR). The leadership for ToR13, focused on packaging, is under PMMI.
ToR13, Proposed Guidelines for the Use of passive RFID Transponders on Transport units and Pallets for Commercial Uses, is available now for download and comment below.
ANSI Essential Requirements: Due process requirements for American National Standards is referenced in the PMMI Procedures for Development and Maintenance of Standards document and outlines the mandatory requirements, commercial terms and 4.2.1.3 Criteria for withdrawal.