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.
