Packaging News You Can Use

BPA decision soon, says the FDA.

There are two schools of thought as to whether BPA needs to be banned on food packaging. Manufacturers say its safe yet watchdog groups say its not. The FDA has been considering their position (some might say flip-flopping) for a while and everyone is waiting for the outcome. For more on the FDA and packaging read

What’s The FDA Got To Do With Packaging @ http://is.gd/5qp8I

Complete article @ http://bit.ly/6bLNR6

Haute Eco Containers – Organic Packaging by Lindsay Perkins Subtle Yet Sustainable

Glass is making a comeback as an eco friendly material. Just one problem, right now there is a shortage of glass manufacturers.

Complete Article @ http://bit.ly/6HdmHA

Problem Is Not Packaging Design It’s Systems Design.

Part of what the green movement is all about is understanding what the consumer wants and expects in more eco-friendly packaging. Many companies are missing the mark with their green initiatives. Look for more on how the ReThink green packaging.

Complete Article @ http://bit.ly/8FmEzP

Nexus One finally caught on video alongside its packaging.

Creating online buzz is just one way smart CPG’s are marketing their products. Look for many new applications in 2010.

Complete Article: http://bit.ly/771Ia2

New Packaging Standards May Change Way You Shop

This is very worrisome for the packaging industry. Trying to mandate universal packaging standards. Packaging utilization and quality vary widely by country tying to equate developed countries packaging with that of emerging nations makes no sense. I’ve seen government packaging regulations before and it ain’t pretty.

Full Article : http://is.gd/5p9dv

Hot Button: Vicks recalls 700,000 packages of cold medicine.

When child proof packaging counts. This mistake was purely packaging and not the product. Something like this could happen to your product and cause substantial problems

Full Article: http://bit.ly/7yVaY5

Tags: BPA, child proof, eco friendly, FDA, food packaging, glass, green movement, packaging standards, recalls

Versace, Valentino, Prada packaging supplier cuts ties with rain forest paper producer.

Could you be this supplier and have the rug pulled out form under you because of where you get your raw materials. Environmental issues are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions. One campaign against your packaging could be all it takes to put you out or business.

Full article @ http://bit.ly/76XxSg

Packaging That Is Full Of Air:

Wonder why some packaged products have so much empty space?  Consumer Reports want you to know that they are on the case. It’s been a long unanswered question why there is so much empty space in some packaging. Consumers don’t understand how things are manufactured .and they don’t really care when they see a half empty package.

A few reasons why are we are “packaging air”: Packaging efficiency/utilization, head space, contents settle during shipping, seal integrity, contents by weight. How can you tell a better packaging story that will make a customer understand?

We Have All Experienced This Package via Consumer Reports

Full article @ http://is.gd/5a5GC

More Than 1 In 5 Small Firms Are Delaying Embracing Eco-friendly Measures Because Of Recession.

Some times it costs more to be environmentally friendly. Consumers want it yet few are willing to pay the increased price. When you are fighting for shelf space every touch point counts and pricing is just one of them. While consumers are looking for “value” options, it may not be the time for testing the eco waters.

Full article @ http://is.gd/57Sw0

Hormel Foods Continues Reductions In Product Packaging

There are a lot of eco initiatives companies can undertake to make their products more environmentally friendly. Size reduction, lightweighting of materials, reconfiguring to be more space efficient, and eliminating excess packaging all will capture the hearts and minds of consumers that see excess and over packaged products as the bane of their existence.

Sans Paperboard Sleeve via sustainableisgood.com

Full article @ http://bit.ly/8PqcI1 Good initiatives!

How Well Do You Know Your Customer?

So how do you combat the latest vagaries of the fickle consumer? You follow me either though my blog here, or on Twitter @packagingdiva or you hire me to help you keep abreast of the latest packaging trends technologies and innovations and how it will impact your business.

Tags: consumer, Consumer Reports, eco friendly, excess packaging, packaging innovation, Rainforest Alliance, recession

Five “environmental + tasty” meal solutions microwavable and packaged entirely sustainable packaging.

Here is a packaging niche bet you never thought about: special packaging for duty free products.

Now that consumers are really scrutinizing product packaging it seems that two important trends are emerging: consumers either want less or minimal packaging or they want to be able to reuse the packaging that products come in for something else. The name for this is emerging trend is repurposed packaging.

Repurposed packaging can mean a lot of different things and I’ll show some different examples illustrating that. The important factor to remember is that you are taking and existing package and using it for another purpose or secondary (hence repurpose).

In several cases as these examples the packaging and the product are designed to be reused and a self contained unit. One package does it all.

Great packaging innovation. Corrugated chair and packaging all in one self contained unit.

Or this lamp called Flamp a corrugated box than comes with a light bulb and hardware inside. You just plug it in and you are good to go.

This wine packaging turns into a stand to hold the wine after you get it home. Very utilitarian.

This is an excellent example of packaging with a secondary purpose. After the product is shipped you unfold the packaging and reconfigure it into a hangar for the shirt.

This pizza delivery box tears apart and turns into plates from which to eat the pizza saving on washing or using paper plates.

Lastly there is the reuse of old product packaging and turning it into something else entirely. Terracycle has turned this into a very profitable business and partners with companies like Kraft. Look for an upcoming interview with more insights on Terracycle and how it makes money out of your old packaging.

The point is to put on your creative thinking cap when developing new product packaging. Can the packaging you design be reused or repurposed into another product?

Will it save on adding additional packaging into the waste stream? (a consumer hot button)

Or can the package be part of the product itself? If so you have an instant connection to the consumer who wants to buy your product. Also think about your packaging’s second life as a new product as you design the packaging of the future.

Speedo announced its goggles will be packaged in sustainable cardboard.

Taking baby formula out of metal into a composite can by Sonoco.

Glass and metal from Estee Lauder that can be separate for recycling

The world’s first certified carbon-neutral bottled water is produced using only natural, renewable power sources, packaged in recyclable plastic.

When the package is the product.