Packaging News You Can Use

Whether you love or hate packaging tell the world why in 140 characters or less @ http://is.gd/dksId
Packaging is the third largest industry in the US.  Here’s my packaging jingle to get you started thinking.
Toothpaste squeezes, eggs aren’t cracked, pizza delivered, headache’s better, beer anyone? Packaging a love affair U never knew U had.
Now’s your chance to rail or defend why products are packaged the way they are.  But just in case you plan to complain read this first before venting please: Packaging Is Our Friend

• When the Package Is Part of the Product @ http://is.gd/dlxOr. Just think of all the products that couldn’t exist with out the packaging. My favorite two examples are eggs and potato chips (I use these with students and small the hell out of them as an example) of why we need packaging.
• But Santa knows too that Packaging makes the world go round
• Packaging Reduction Can Do More Harm than Good http://bit.ly/9mtxF5 Food waste is a huge issue. Without proper packaging it would be even worse.  In fact in some countries in the world food rots because they have no way to successfully packaging it.
  But if you are considering reducing your product packaging you might want to order my ebook 6 Steps To Greener Packaging. It contains and 18 point carbon footprint checklist
• Heinz Australia vows bisphenol A phase out in baby food packaging @ http://is.gd/dkqxD. Health risks come in many ways and new studies appear all the time.  Some pro some con for every controversial aspect of product packaging. he key is to understand what packaging issues may impact you and your products.  On point and a little bit of a spoof is “Fear Factor Packaging” email me for a copy.
• Packaging inspiration can come from any where. The key is to know it when you see it and which comes first in Packaging innovation the chicken or the egg
• Burger King’s packaging draws inspiration from Andy Warhol’s Pop Art @ http://ow.ly/280AG Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what appeals to one consumer may not appeal to another.  The key question is who are your packaging your product for

Think some other tips related to this week’s news are important?  How about your comments on these insights? Please let me know what you think and how we can turn packaging tips into packaging success.

At the very least show me that you care about packaging by “liking” this post please.

Tags: Advertising, Andu Warhol, bisphenol A, BPA, branding, Burger King, business, competition, consumer, contest, DIY, eco friendly, eco packaging, engagement, entrepreneur, food waste, green, Indie, innovation, Kleenex, marketing, media, microbusiness, online community, package design, packaging basics, packaging design, packaging expert, packaging help, packaging innovation, packaging insights, packaging jingle, packaging tips, packaging trends, product development, Rebranding, retail, Small Business, smallbiz, smallbusiness, social media, startup, sustainability, sustainable packaging, Twitter

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

Alternative packaging from biodegradable farm waste.

More and more places are banning EPS (expanded polystyrene). So what are the replacement options?  All types of eco friendly natural material are surfacing. This particular product is made from farm waste and mushrooms — that uses 10 times less energy to produce, and biodegrades into a natural fertilizer.

Is the packaging wave of the future made from products like this one?

Full Article @ http://bit.ly/5ZjzAf

Sustainable Packaging Coalition Releases Metrics To Help Companies Track Sustainability

Its one thing to say packaging products are sustainable its another thing to prove it. The FTC is monitoring many claims it considers false in the name of “greenwashing”. Now there is a document that can help you monitor your progress towards sustainability.

Full Article @ http://tiny.cc/f1sh2

Seventh Generation Guide To Reducing Holiday Packaging

Some good points here about how to reduce or reuse holiday packaging.

Several cautions: I dislike the use of popcorn as a dunnage material because it draws unwanted critters (Lush just discontinued using it too); also peanuts are not infinitely reusable they get compressed and lose their ability to protect fragile items; be very cautious of recycling food packaging because of contamination.

Full Article: http://bit.ly/70wLYf

25 Ultra-Creative Packaging Designs From DeviantArt

The right packaging sells product. the more you can differentiate your packaging from the crowd the better chance you have that someone will pick it up for a closer look. Package design innovations is one way to create buzz among consumers. These packaging designs are definitely worth a look.

Full Article @ http://ff.im/-cHUrE

BPA decision soon, says FDA.

This is a hotly contested issue. Both sides claiming that theirs has legitimacy.  Look for this to be an ongoing debate as the food an beverage industry takes issue with the findings that BPA is hazardous to your health.

Full Article @ http://bit.ly/6bLNR6

Tags: BPA, Ecocradle, FDA, FTC, greenwashing, packaging design, Seventh Generation, SPC, Sustainable Packaging Coalition