In 2010, 27% of products at major US retailers are estimated to have sustainable packaging. By 2015, this figure is projected to reach 37%.

Despite a global recession, escalating environmental pressures from consumers, the media, and legislators have put pressure on manufacturers to emphasize innovation in design, choice of materials, processing, and life cycle logistics. In fact, green packaging is the only sector of packaging that has continued to show growth. This evidence tells us that the future of packaging is in sustainability.

Environmentally conscious decisions now must revolutionize packaging design and drive the bottom-line of companies. Consumers are becoming increasingly educated on what sustainability is to the extent that they can, and will, call out companies for greenwashing (deceptive use of green marketing in order to promote a misleading perception that a company’s policies or products are environmentally friendly).

Walmart continues to be on the forefront of sustainable packaging in the retail arena.  Although the retail giant has achieved many of its environmental goals such as plastic bag reduction, it continues to be unable to eliminate PVC from private-label packaging. As sustainable packaging evolves, Walmart will continue to strive in achieving its PVC elimination goals.

Many other large companies are following suit including Proctor & Gamble. Very recently, they announced plans to use sugarcane-derived plastic on selected packaging for its Pantene Pro-V, Covergirl and Max Factor brands to increase its sustainability credentials. The strategy by P&G is completely consumer-driven. Their research shows that women around the world want to make themselves more beautiful without making their environment less beautiful.

Amazon and Mattel team up to implement their own green packaging innovation. Dubbing it Frustration Free Packaging (FFP), its intention is to stray away from plastic packaging that is difficult to open. Especially in regards to toy packaging, Mattel found that consumers were livid about the complexity of opening up toys from their plastic and twist-tie inundated mess. Frustration Free Packaging is recyclable and is designed to be opened without the use of a box cutter or knife and will protect your product just as well as traditional packaging.

The key to all of this is that consumer feedback from companies like these has been extremely positive. If customer’s are pleased and recognizing sustainable packaging efforts, the demand will continue to increase just as experts suspect that it will.

Like many other industries, the packaging industry has suffered through the current recession. Sustainable packaging, however, has showed impressive growth from 2008 to 2009, and has been immune to the economic downturn. Sustainability has helped companies cut costs and reduce packaging waste by using recycled and reusable materials. Europe and the U.S. represent the largest regions for sustainable packaging, together accounting for more than 70 percent of the global market.

Sustainable packaging is projected to reach $142.42 billion globally by 2015, according to a report from Global Industry Analysts (GIA). Drivers for growth include increased awareness about environmental hazards related to disposal and recycling of packaging wastes, government initiatives to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and stringent regulations.

As eco-friendly packaging becomes mainstream, many companies are implementing green packaging as a marketing tool. Manufacturers also are under pressure to use environment-friendly materials, and adopt methods that require low-energy consumption and reduce environmental impact of packaging.

In terms of market segmentation, recycled material accounts for the largest packaging category, contributing nearly 90 percent to the total demand in the United States. However, biodegradables represent the fastest growing segment in the packaging industry. Biodegradable materials are easily decomposed by microorganisms, and reduce packaging waste, while the materials preserve food products and sustain freshness. Among biodegradables, bioplastics are garnering the greatest attention in the green packaging market. As questions loom about the limitations of bioplastics, the demand continues to swell, presenting an opportunistic market as bioplastics evolve.

Markets using sustainable packaging include cosmetics and personal care, food and beverage, food service and shipping markets, and healthcare. As an example, the study cites more than 600 new beauty products with a green label were introduced in Europe alone during the past two years, driven by consumer preference for eco-friendly plastic packaging materials.

27 percent of products at major U.S. retailers are estimated to have sustainable packaging in 2010, and by 2015, this figure is projected to reach 37 percent.

To be continued…..

Check out: Green Packaging 365

Unilever, a founding member of the SPC (Sustainable Packaging Coalition), has released its Sustainable Paper and Board Packaging Sourcing Policy that outlines their paper sourcing goals over the next decade. Packaging News reported that currently, 62% of Unilever’s paper and board is sustainably sourced. The company set a target to source 75% of its paper and board from sustainably managed forests by 2015, reaching 100% by 2020. This initiative is part of the company’s commitment to help combat deforestation and climate change. Unilever says they’re the first global FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) company to commit to sustainable sourcing within a defined timeframe.

Sourcing preferences will be awarded to supplies delivered through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) although Unilever will also accept paper and board from other sources adhering to their policy’s implementation guidelines. The policy also requires all suppliers to have mechanisms in place to ensure that the paper packaging is made from recycled fiber or from virgin fiber sources and that virgin fiber comes from forests that are not being converted to plantations or non-forest use.

Unilever will also add certification logos to its product packaging for environmentally conscious consumers who want to be able to identify them.

More info:
Unilever Packaging Sustainability

Ok, so the world’s gearing up for the World Cup kickoff today. Awesome! All eyes focusing on the host country South Africa who prepared a set of state-of-the-art “green” stadiums to hold the games. Five of the ten total venues showcase sustainability designs and features. Take a look at a few:

Moses Mabhid Stadium- Located in the sea side city of Durban. The architects took great care to lower the structure’s energy profile by using natural cooling techniques, great protected daylighting , and rainwater catchment. This 70,000 seat facility was designed with the future in mind for ongoing sporting events, concerts and as a seed for a future Olympics bid.

Green Point Stadium- The skin is a translucent silvery-white membrane that takes on the color of its surroundings while producing a soft glow at night. A truss and cable system supports a semitransparent roof that lets light in but limits solar heat. The stadium has capacity for 68,000 fans, and its design was specifically developed to reduce the venue’s overall profile.

Soccer City Complex- Located in Johannesburg. Home to the World Cup 2010 finals, this world-class facility is actually an extraordinary remodel. The renovated venue is based on the iconic African pot known as the calabash. The stadium achieves a transformative effect on the landscape through its form, color, and light. At day its earthen patterned color evokes the copper-rich land which has supported the local economy for generations. A night transparent panels in the façade create a unique and memorizing pattern. The façade’s transparent roof streams daylight into the concourse. Capacity 90,000.

The tournament opener will feature a match between South Africa and Mexico. Let the games begin!

When researching the relationship between packaging and sustainability, beverage packaging is the trigger for lots of debate. Plastic or aluminum? Which one is more eco-friendly? The debate goes on…

All the while, schools took part in sustaining our environment by competing last fall in the 2009 Aluminum Can Counsil’s (ACC) America Recycles Day (ARD) National School Challenge. The contest lasted 12 weeks and involved 133 schools which represented over 70,000 students. Collectively, over $53,000 was raised during the competition while more than 48,000 pounds of used aluminum beverage cans were recycled.

Congratulations to all of the schools who participated! Here were the top 3 winners for further recognition:

1st Place- Twin Lakes High School, Monticello, Indiana. Teaming up with Ball Corporation’s metal beverage packaging facility, they recycled 7,092 pounds of aluminum cans (9.8 pounds per student). The school fund the band’s new uniforms with the $3,556 that they raised.

2nd Place- Collins Intermediate School, Conroe, Texas. They also teamed up with Ball Corporation’s metal beverage packaging plant in Conroe to recycle 3,845 pounds of aluminum (7.44 pounds per student). The school contributed their earnings of $2,832 to the school’s Parent Teacher Organization.

3rd Place- Academy of St. Rose Phillipine Duchesne, St. Louis, Missouri. They teamed up with Metal Container Corporation in St. Louis to recycle 6.7 pounds of aluminum cans per student.

While packaging companies look for eco-friendly packaging options to provide to consumers and businesses, we must also look beyond that and focus on what else we can do to make an environmental impact. We commend the schools who participated in the recycling challenge. They brought their “Can-do” attitudes forward and made a great statement in enviromental sustainability.

More info:
Aluminum Can Counsil
Packaging Digest

In honor of Earth Day, Sunrise Packaging wants to highlight the importance of taking care of the environment. But more than just on a business level. We all know there are several ways for each of us to be “green” at home and in our everyday lives, 365 days a year.

We can switch out our light bulbs with newer energy efficient types. We can get rid of the old refrigerator and update to an energy star model. We can turn out the lights when we leave the room. All of these examples are great but we want to dig a little deeper and share with you some less obvious ways to be “green” so you can add them to your eco-repertoire.

1. Get rid of your junk mail- Nobody will be twisting your arm for this. Who wouldn’t want to get rid of all of their credit card offers? But how? You can opt out of pre-screened credit card offers. Simply click here.

2. Make your own household cleaners- Not only does this reduce waste by not buying an array of house cleaners from the store, it will save you money! A few simple ingredients can assist you in most cleaning situations. Here are a few recipes:

*All purpose cleaner- Mix half vinegar and half water. Add 4 tablespoons of lemon juice to give a fresh scent.
*Glass cleaner- Mix half white vinegar and half water.
*Carpet deodorizer- Mix 4 parts baking soda with 1 part cornstarch.
*Mildew and mold cleaner- Mix lemon juice or white vinegar and salt.
*Oven cleaner- Mix baking soda, salt, and hot water.
*Drain cleaner- Pour a quarter cup of baking soda down the clogged drain, followed by a half cup of vinegar. Close the drain tightly until fizzing stops, then flush with boiling water.
*Toilet Bowl Cleaner- Mix 1 part baking soda with 4 parts vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.

3. Get green power- Sign up for green power with your utility company. The term “green power” is used to define power generated from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, geothermal, hydropower and various forms of biomass. Find out where you can get green power by clicking here.

4. Go to the car wash- Few people realize that washing our cars in our driveways is one of the most environmentally un-friendly chores we can do around the house. The water that runs off from your car goes right into storm drains — and eventually into rivers, streams, creeks and wetlands where it poisons aquatic life and causes other ecosystem damage.

On the other hand, federal laws in both the U.S. and Canada require commercial carwash facilities to drain their wastewater into sewer systems, so it gets treated before it is discharged back into the great outdoors.

5. Compost your waste- Food and yard waste can be put into a composter rather than into a plastic bag or landfill. By composting, you’ll produce a rich soil filled with nutrients for your garden and plants. The soil is a natural fertilizer that is safe and eliminates the need of dangerous chemical fertilizers.

So what can be composted? Things like coffee grounds, eggshells, fruits and vegetables, grass clippings, leaves, shredded newspapers, etc. You can easily make a compost bin too and it’s cheap! Click here to learn how.

More info:
World Watch
Simple Mom

We all know by now the massive impact that bottled water has on the environment. Each day an estimated 60 million plastic water bottles are thrown away. Wow! Besides the sheer number of plastic bottled produced each year, the energy required to manufacture and transport these bottles to market severely drains limited fossil fuels.

Introducing the 321 Water Bottle created by the Australian company Half A Teaspoon. It’s filtered tap water on the go- French press style. This beautifully-designed reusable water bottle has a plunger mechanism with a built-in filter so you can fill it from any tap to produce fresh filtered water. The 500ml screw top bottle easy to use and BPA-free. It features a wide neck drink opening and is easy to clean. 

How much do they cost? The 321 Water Bottle is selling for $32.10.

So where can you get one? You’re going to have to wait. They’re not quite in production yet. The word is that they’ll be available this Summer!  

Facts on the effects of US bottled water consumption:
*More than 8 billion gallons of bottled water is consumed annually in the US representing $11 billion in sales.
*An estimated 1.5 million barrels of oil are required to make the plastic for the bottles. (That’s enough to power 100,000 cars for a year.
*Nearly 90% of water bottles are not recycled.

More information:
321 Water
The Dieline
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

It could be argued that color is one of the most important choices one makes when choosing a packaging design.  Whether it’s done well or poorly, color evokes emotions.

It’s known that serving diners food on a blue plate will encourage them to eat less, while serving food on and orange or yellow plate will encourage them to eat more.  Colors like dark navy, hunter green, burgundy or black can evoke tradition, respect, or even somberness, and deeper purples can evoke royalty, status or class.  Pastel colors can often be associated with children, while reds can evoke desire, passion, authority, happiness, or conversely fear.

Color can be used well or poorly.  One opinion of color used poorly is below.

Of course, poor color choice is selective, but why was this design chosen specifically?

Green is a good color to promote a feeling of nature, or a feeling of money (especially in the US).  It is also a good color to be used to catch someone’s attention.  On the other hand, once their attention is caught, what part do we pay attention to?  Do we really see the apps over the overwhelming green of the background?

it is one writer’s opinion that if the above color was on packaging for a product, the packaging would not work.  While it does have a ‘wow’ factor, the green of the packaging, like the green in this picture, would seem to shout louder than the product.

However, it would be interesting to notice that if the same picture was in a different color, such as a similar color like teal, how the message of the product or applications might have stood out over the packaging.

Using Apple as an example, here is another example of color choices.

Both packages pictured above use colors to emphasize and brighten without overpowering.  The ‘natural’ and the ‘white’ state traditional while caring about the environment, while the colors used in the center add balance, freshness, and ‘likability.’  Although they don’t scream “Look at me” like the above example, they do say, “I’m trustworthy.”

With growing environmental concerns, we are constantly hearing the phrase, “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.” This is especially apparent with shopping bags and wasted wrapping. According to a study by the Clean Air Council, the United States generates an extra five million tons of waste in the winter holiday months, four of which come from gift wrapping, gift bags, and shopping bags. That is an enormous amount of waste that could be reduced by using reusable materials.

If you are looking to help the environment and reduce waste from gift wrapping, we found the BOBO Wrapping Scarf online, which can do both for you. Not only are these wrapping scarves classy and fashionable, but they are also good for the environment. They are reusable and typically made from already existing fabrics, rather than wasting and using raw materials. I thought this wrapping scarf was a great green alternative to gift wrapping. It is reusable, durable, and stylish.

When you think about packaging any of your products, think of a reusable package that will last. At Sunrise, we make durable packaging, which you will not have to replace nearly as often, so you can help reduce waste. Many of our products are also made from recyclable, biodegradable or recycled materials, and we recycle all of our excess materials. So get out there, do your part to reduce waste, and help our environment.

Greenhouse environmental management – the green house provides businesses with tailored waste management programs to minimize their waste output and costs.

May is Green Packaging Month at Sunrise. In May, we focus on communicating ways to create packaging that is unique, helps you stand out from the crowd, and is also environmentally responsible… yes, you can have all three. Check out our Green Packaging Pages for more information.

To get us started, since Mother’s day is next weekend, we found a web site that will help you turn an unused CD case into a beautiful card for Mom!

Here’s a picture of the completed project. check out the craftylife blog for complete instructions.

Be sure to let us know how your card turned out. In fact, send us a picture and we’ll highlight it in a post! (We’ll wait until after Mother’s Day to keep the surprise)

The next time you need a binder, CD/DVD/USB case, box or sales kit, give your favorite Account Manager a call and we’ll help you create a work of art that will be environmentally friendly too.