Packaging News You Can Use

This week the main packaging news was all about packaging and the

environment. Several stories emerged both pro and con from some major

players. I’ve been following these issues for a while because the answers

and solutions are so murky.

There is no direct path to environmental sustainability in packaging. Even

the Sustainable Packaging Association can’t come to a true definition.

What we can agree on however, is a path on how to move forward.

Its going to take a lot of small steps to create a solution and sometimes

they just won’t work as we anticipate.

Two stores in this weeks news illustrates just how difficult it can be even

if you think you have created a great solution, some times it can backfire.

Consumers are fickle and what appears on the surface to solve a problem

can have hidden consequences.

Facing Criticism, KFC Intros Eco-Friendly Packaging

via Brandweek

Background on this article is that the Dogwood Alliance has generate a

lot of negative buzz around KFC cutting down Southern forests to make

packaging for its fast food. Obviously it’s had an impact since KFC introduced

this new packaging.

WSJ, FastCompany, USAToday, HuffPost, FoxNews all ran stories on

SunChips compostable packaging. My favorite is @ http://usat.ly/9l7ISY

Compostable Packaging

This is a huge story! I only listed a few of the news outlets. So big I’m going to

explain it in more detail at the Sustainable Plastics Packaging Conference in

Atlanta, December 8-9, 2010

Sustainable Plastics Packaging

Check it out but don’t register yet, I’ll have a discount code for my readers.

For more green packaging examples and issues be sure and follow

GreenPackagingWomen.com

Is there is an issue you would like to know more about or not sure how

to navigate the muddled waters of product packaging? I can help.

Just drop me a line with your specific question.

For more ways to utilize packaging branding, innovation and marketing

concepts to “connect” with your consumer contact me @

http://packagingdiva.com. You can also subscribe to the complimentary

newsletter ?Packaging News You Can Use? at the same address.

Tags: Biodegradable, biomimicry, Bioresins, carbon footprint, Compostable, corporate responsibility, CSR, eco friendly, eco packaging, ecoaware, environmentally-friendly, Green Living, Green News, green packaging, Green Packaging Design, greenpackagingwomen, less packaging, Natural Packaging, package design, packaging basics, packaging design, packaging expert, packaging help, packaging innovation, packaging insights, packaging tips, packaging trends, renew, repurpose, reuse, sustainable packaging, Sustainable Packaging Design, Sustainable Packaging Ideas

Do You Know Your “Eco” Customer? How about these words: carbon footprint, compostable, biodegradable or just what is sustainable packaging? I can help you sort it all out. 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, terminology, technologies and innovations and how it will impact your business.

• Packaging the Future: Amazing Mushroom Packaging!
  Mushrooms are just part on the new natural packaging craze. You have corn sugarcane, bagasse, beets bamboo and now mushrooms. We need to take note with these Packaging Lessons From Nature
• Whole Foods Leading the Green Packaging Charge
  This time green is here to stay. Many companies are embracing the concept in a big way. Before you invest in green packaging marketing strategy be sure that you are Truly Green And Not Just Green Packaging Noise
• Beauty’s Emerging Green Pkg Trend Bids Goodbye To Plastic Bottles
  What’s a poor bottle to know? No one knows the answer. Every week you see a different release about which is a better packaging solution.
• California Rejects Plastic Bag Ban. I’m including a recent post on this topic. It’s no wonder consumers are confused. Are plastic bags bad or not.   Plastic bags are easy to hate, but when they are recycled properly become “green” gold . This is one packaging issue where there are two sides to the story.  That happens more than you might think. Here are some more illustrations in There Are Two Sides To Every Packaging Story

Need some eco questions answered? I can help. even recommend suppliers too. Just email your question.

Tags: 6 R's of green packaging, biodegradable packaging, biomimicry, carbon footprint, Compostable, corporate responsibility, CSR, eco friendly, eco packaging, Environmental Packaging Materials, Environmental Packaging Technology, Green Living, Green News, green packaging, Green Packaging Boxes, Green Packaging Design, Green Packaging Options, greenpackagingwomen, less packaging, Natural Packaging, Natural Packaging Materials, Natural Packaging Products, Natural Packaging Supplies, package design, packaging basics, packaging design, packaging expert, packaging help, packaging innovation, packaging insights, packaging tips, packaging trends, plastic bags, product development, sustainable packaging, Sustainable Packaging Design, Sustainable Packaging Ideas, Sustainable Packaging Materials

What can you do with old packaging?  Make a dress of course.  So if you can’t afford a prom gown consider one of these innovative dresses using recycled packaging.   Don’t forget about Halloween too!

Hungry Yet?

A F SUBWAY RESTAURANTS DANIELLE

via PRNewsFoto/SUBWAY Restaurants

Who is one of the biggest consumers of packaging you never think about? Overnight carriers. See what DHL does with old packaging.

Instyle Packaging

Even more recycled packaging dress examples

Dress created from Weleda boxes. Image by Brian Clark Howard.

This dress uses entire packages

Recycled Packaging

via popgloss

Recycled Packaging via duo-uk.co.uk

Gown created 100% out of waste orange Sainsbury’s carrier bags.

These ideas are motivation to think about alternatives to disposing of product packaging into the waste stream. Follow this thread for more ways you can utilize product packaging in non traditional ways and who has the latest green packaging innovations.

Keep your packaging out of  the garbage. 6 ways to go greener with your product packaging @ http://bit.ly/9RfNtz

Wow, what you can do with old food packaging!

Dress Made From Packaging

via OddityCentral

Katell Gelebart’s “eco-friendly” designs certainly uses the 3 R’s of packaging: Reuse, Recycle, and Repackage as a dress of course.

Tags: 6 R's of green packaging, biodegradable packaging, biomimicry, carbon footprint, Compostable, eco friendly, eco packaging, ecochic, Environmental Packaging Materials, Environmental Packaging Technology, garbage, Green Living, Green News, green packaging, Green Packaging Boxes, Green Packaging Design, Green Packaging Options, less packaging, Natural Packaging, Natural Packaging Materials, Natural Packaging Products, Natural Packaging Supplies, package design, packaging basics, packaging design, packaging expert, packaging help, packaging innovation, packaging insights, packaging tips, packaging trends, product development, sustainable packaging, Sustainable Packaging Design, Sustainable Packaging Ideas, Sustainable Packaging Materials, wastestream

Do You Know Your “Eco” Customer? How about these words: carbon footprint, compostable, biodegradable or just what is sustainable packaging? I can help you sort it all out. Follow me either though my blog here, or on Twitter @packagingdiva or you can hire me to help you keep abreast of the latest packaging trends, terminology, technologies and innovations and how it will impact your business.

Are you a provider of any type of green, compostable, biodegradable, sustainable or environmentally friendly  product packaging?

As a woman in packaging I’m looking for other like minded women. I work predominately with women and have many women’s organizations that look to me for help.

So I created a directory just for them GreenPackagingWomen.com to give them to access to other women in business who are interested in ”green” packaging. It’s free to anyone that requests it just email me at PackagingDiva

• What can super tough (cute as a button) wombat butt teach us about packaging design? http://su.pr/252ior Is cute enough?  You only get a few seconds to capture your consumer’s interest. Here are a few additional tips that will ensure your packaging is connecting with your consumer the first time.
  How To Brand Your Product With The Right Packaging
• Federal Trade Commission has before it a new set of “Green Guidelines” @ http://is.gd/eRqEn The reason the RTC is getting involved is because of all the misleading claims. So much of what CPG’s are saying is a stretch that’s why I wrote Packaging “Greenwash” – Saving the Environment
• NESCAFÉ jars get a sustainable packaging makeover @ http://is.gd/ePvWp The public is truly confused about the issue of sustainable packaging. In fact there may not be such a thing as a sustainable package. You can however become greener in various ways with your packaging. Read my ebook that will explain how in six easy steps. Is it Green or Garbage
• Public is not convinced by green marketing @ http://bit.ly/abXiv4 That because no one explains it right or its all a sham.  If you are still confused. Why not get a Sustainable Packaging Reality Check
• EcoPlus Drink Cartons Trim Packaging Emissions by 1/3 @ http://bit.ly/aDfqTl Do you know what a carbon footprint is in relation to product packaging? Is it Green or Garbage? has an 18 point checklist

Tags: 6 R's of green packaging, biodegradable packaging, biomimicry, carbon footprint, Compostable, eco friendly, eco packaging, Environmental Packaging Materials, Environmental Packaging Technology, Green Living, Green News, green packaging, Green Packaging Boxes, Green Packaging Design, Green Packaging Options, less packaging, Natural Packaging, Natural Packaging Materials, Natural Packaging Products, Natural Packaging Supplies, package design, packaging basics, packaging design, packaging expert, packaging help, packaging innovation, packaging insights, packaging tips, packaging trends, product development, sustainable packaging, Sustainable Packaging Design, Sustainable Packaging Ideas, Sustainable Packaging Materials

Do You Know Your “Eco” Customer? How about these words: carbon footprint, compostable, biodegradable or just what is sustainable packaging? I can help you sort it all out. 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, terminology, technologies and innovations and how it will impact your business.

There is so much happening every week in the wide world of packaging. Not all of it is relevant to your business but these insights will keep you educated and in touch.

• Plastic bags are easy to hate, but when they are recycled properly become “green” gold @ http://is.gd/ernQB
  This is one packaging issue where there are two sides to the story. That happens more than you might think. Here are some more illustrations in There Are Two Sides To Every Packaging Story
• Boulder Canyon Claims First Compostable Packaging for Natural Snacks… http://lnkd.in/BkEuA9
  This isn’t the first compostable package but it is for natural snacks. I compare how the media is slanted in my special report Sustainable Packaging – From Green to Great a retrospective about what green packaging works and what doesn’t work.  Order at http://packaginguniversity.com/pkgustorefront.htm#WhitePapers
• Packaging can’t win. Green Packaging Comes Under Fire for Creating a Racket @ http://bit.ly/9xirb2
  People think this is funny but its not. A packaging solution that seems to work yet still gets flack. What you want is good publicity not bad. Why not get Sustainable Packaging Reality Check
• 94% Americans are concerned about long-term effects of packaged beverages on the environment @ http://bit.ly/a9IJ44
  One thing is for sure Green Is No Longer On The Fringe
• Recycling recovered material from PET bottles must be less than 50% to achieve a lower carbon footprint @ http://is.gd/ekf1A
  Don’t know what this means or what “carbon footprint” is all about? I created an 18 point “carbon footprint” check list for Sprint that will help you determine just how green your packaging is. Its part of the package of goodies you will get when you order Is it Green or Garbage?

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

And, if you care about packaging, how about  “liking” this post please.  Thanks…

Tags: 6 R's of green packaging, Biodegradable Packaging Products, biomimicry, carbon footprint, Compostable, eco friendly, eco packaging, Environmental Packaging Materials, Environmental Packaging Technology, Green Living, Green News, green packaging, Green Packaging Boxes, Green Packaging Design, Green Packaging Options, leee packaging, Natural Packaging, Natural Packaging Materials, Natural Packaging Products, Natural Packaging Supplies, package design, packaging basics, packaging design, packaging expert, packaging help, packaging innovation, packaging insights, packaging tips, packaging trends, product development, sustainable packaging, Sustainable Packaging Design, Sustainable Packaging Ideas, Sustainable Packaging Materials