As editor of What makes a package sustainable -- and can plastics packages qualify?
Our friend JoAnn Hines -- the Packaging Diva -- answers those questions and more in a blog post today by Jim Tierney on MultichannelMerchant.com.
Here are a few highlights from 6 Myths and Facts about What's Green Packaging -- check the link for the full list.
And remember, these are myths!
- Recyclability is the only answer. Unfortunately although recycling packaging makes sense, in many cases the infrastructure isn't in place to make it a widespread practice. Consumers have to want to recycle too. In many cases it's simply too much trouble to save and dispose of in a recycling facility. Another quandary, washing out containers to recycle (you are using energy and water so where's the eco win?)
- All plastic packaging is bad. Not true. There are so many new compounds and formulations that have been introduced. Companies are seriously looking at ways to not only reduce the amount of plastic used but alternative methods for disposal and reuse. I might mention here too that in many cases the eco plastic alternatives use more energy to manufacture and have disposal issues of their own.
Check out JoAnn Hines' website for more on sustainable packaging, plus a link to her blog.
Comments (2)
Great points. I don't think that a lot of people consider the end users part in whether plastic packaging ends up in the sea around a dolphins neck or recycled or properly disposed of.
*Littering* is often more of an issue than plastic bags or packaging. If we as consumers will properly dispose of our packaging or recycle it when possible, we can avoid the perilous consequences to our environment.
Posted by Stretch Film | February 6, 2012 8:00 PM
Posted on February 6, 2012 20:00
I don't think plastic packaging is that hard to recycle. We just need to spread awareness among people. Although, consumers like to buy paper made stuff nowadays as it is easy to recycle but there are certain steps you'll have to recycle it.
Posted by injection moulding | March 14, 2012 12:03 PM
Posted on March 14, 2012 12:03