Pantene Pro-V, a Proctor and Gamble product, is getting fused with natural components. Its new shampoo and conditioner bottles are being produced primarily from plant-based plastic to form packaging that is more eco-friendly. This new material is made from sugarcane and will launch in Europe. It will expand to the rest of the world over the next 2 years. Sugarcane is becoming a very popular material for packaging because it is a natural and renewable resource. 70% less fossil fuels are being used and it releases significantly less green house gases than traditional petroleum based plastics.

Sugarcane is better for the planet and it doesn’t alter the feel and look of the original packaging. The new eco-friendly bottle has the same physical characteristics of the old bottle. This is the first hair care brand to use sugarcane for their packaging. This innovation for Pantene Pro-V is just one of the many steps Proctor and Gamble is taking to achieve their goals of becoming a more sustainable company and providing environmentally friendly products.

Even though many forms of plastic packaging are now recyclable, hardly any are actually being recycled. According to a study by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, in 2003, out of the 11.9 million tons of plastic packaging in the municipal solid waste (MSW) stream, only 1.06 million tons were actually recycled. That comes to about 8.9 percent that is recycled.

Earthcycle wanted to come up with a form of packaging that did not require recycling, but was biodegradable. They made their packaging alternative from a renewable resource called palm fiber, which is a waste product that is disposed of when the palm fruit is harvested throughout the year for its oil. Palm fiber used to be incinerated or landfilled, which brought negative impacts. Now Earthcycle’s natural packaging alternative can biodegrade into a healthy addition for the soil in a compost pile.

Earthcycle came up with a line of sturdy packages for fresh produce to protect your fruits and vegetables. The packaging is biodegradable, but you do not have to worry about it falling apart on you. The packaging is strong and water resistant. Among some of the cover options are a compostable NatureFlex film, recyclable plastic lid, or a reusable netting.

There are many options available for green packaging. Whether using recyclable paper/plastics or biodegradable materials, you can know that you are doing your part for the environment with sustainable living.