Sustainable is Good | Where design, lifestyle and packaging meet

Sustainable Rotisserie Chicken Packaging

Robbie Manufacturing's Hot N Handy Rotisserie pouch packaging provides a much more sustainable solution to grocery store rotisserie packaging.  Most grocery stores, even Whole Foods Market offer rotisserie chicken in plastic rigid two-piece dome packaging.  The packaging is designed to be disposable generating a significant amount of waste for a one time use package.

The Hot N Handy packaging is a pouch style design and has many benefits like a handle for easy carrying, anti-fog window to showcase the chicken, resealable zipper for saving leftovers, microwave ability and the slim profile stores easily in the consumers refrigerator and behind the counter or in the storage room at retail and now sustainability.

Late last month the packaging was awarded the 2008 Gold Award in Environmental and Sustainability Achievement from the Flexible Packaging Association.   

The award recognizes how Robbie’s Hot N Handy Rotisserie Pouch provides the most advanced sustainable solution for rotisserie chicken packaging in the market today.  The manufacturing of the pouch (including raw materials) produces 85% less CO2 and uses 88% less crude oil than the rigid two-piece dome. Hot N Handy Pouches use 80% less packaging material than rigid containers and offers a 66% reduction in solid waste introduced into landfills.

Penny Sweeney with Robbie Manufacturing told Sustainable is Good the Hot N Handy packaging is currently in use in roughly 5,000 grocery and convenience stores across the country.  She said the company is working on replacing the dome packaging "store by store," but would not identify specific stores using the packaging citing concerns over competitors.

Murray's Chicken Packaging Changes Lead to Additional Resource Savings

The new packaging from Murray's Chicken along with some size reductions to their master case have resulted in major resource savings for the company.  According to their estimates the changes will save 3,600 trees per year, reduce the equivalent to 12 full garbage truck per year of waste, remove the equivalent of 1,128,000 lbs of CO2 emissions per year (78 cars) and reduce solids waste by 455,670 pounds per year. 

The changes the company made are worth focusing on especially given the increased negative focus on foam food packaging across the country. 

Taking into account the fact more and more municipalities are likely to ban the use of foam food packaging - the changes Murray's Chicken made to its packaging are looking pretty good right now.

Ireland Exceeds Packaging Recycling Targets

According to published reports Ireland has far exceeded EU targets for the recycling of packaging waste. 

Tony Killeen, Minister of State at the Environment Department told attendees of the 2008 Repak Service Providers Conference, “The recycling of packaging waste is probably the leading Irish environmental success story.”

“For the past number of years, Ireland has consistently exceeded EU and national targets for recovery and recycling of this waste stream.”

Figures from the Irish Environmental Protection Agency show that in 2005, 64% of packaging waste was recovered against a target of 50%

Target Archer Farms New Cereal Packaging

Kaplow, a PR Firm Handling the Archer Farms Brand for Target Refuses comment on the exciting new packaging

UPDATE:  4/15/08 - the packaging contains what appears to be an inner foil type liner - its unclear whether this impacts its ability to be recycled or what the material is.  We are hoping to get clarification on the design and materials from either the company producing the packaging or Target.  At this point very little is known about the packaging.

Minneapolis-based Target has introduced revolutionary new packaging for its Archer Farms natural and organic cereals, but won't talk about it.  The new packaging drastically changes the concept of a box of cereal.

Archer Farms cereals are now sold in rounded "streamlined" cereal boxes without the need for an inner plastic bag holding the cereal.  The new packaging also features an easy-flow spout and snap shut reclosable lid to maintain freshness.

The new packaging is made from 55% recycled material with 50% post-consumer content. 

Sustainable is Good attempted to get information on Target's new eco-friendly packaging and was surprised to find the company refused comment and would not provide any information regarding the new innovative design. 

A representative from New York based Kaplow, a PR firm that handles Target's Archer Farms brand told Sustainable is Good by email, "Target does not work with trade publications, so I will not be able to provide you with the information you requested."

Target's response through Kaplow is quite surprising since Sustainable is Good is not in any way a trade publication.

Sustainable is Good provides information to a wide audience of people interested in more eco-friendly innovation and design.

However their response isn't entirely surprising since the retailer considers "bloggers" irrelevant as the New York Times reported in January. 

Why Target or Kaplow will not discuss the exciting new packaging they have created is unclear. 

A bit of free PR advice: Target and Kaplow its time to enter the current decade and recognize the "traditional" forms of media aren't the only ones out there.

Furthermore many consumers are interested in things like this, which is one of the main reasons we run this site and its generally a good idea to talk to your customers. 

The overwhelming majority of eco-conscious shoppers spend significant time online on sites like Sustainable is Good and others researching products and making buying decisions.

Besides the new packaging is just plain cool - people are interested in it, so why not talk about it?  Obviously the Archer Farms brand is doing some really innovative design - whats the point if you won't talk to consumers about it?

Hopefully in the near future we'll be able to provide some insight into the design and concept of this new packaging.

IBM Project Maple: Packaging Redesign for X Series Servers

IBM has been working on redesigning the packaging for its X Series Servers. The changes have resulted in environmentally friendly improvements throughout the supply chain.

The redesign project is called Project Maple and its goal is to ship the high powered computer servers using 100% recycled materials. The team involved in the project assessed the shipping carton, shipgroup tray, polybag and the thermoformed HDPE cushions used in the packaging.

The team motto is, "if you're not consuming recycled materials, you're not recycling," said IBM's Bob Sanders, Corporate Packaging Programs, Global
Logistics, IBM Integrated Supply Chain.

IBM's new HDPE cushions are particularly innovative Sanders said. They are nestable and when shipped the company can fit ten times the typical quantity on a forty foot truck. The savings from the new packaging equates to one-tenth the amount of consumed fuel and on-tenth the emissions released in transit.

The new cushion packaging is made from 100% post consumer recycled plastic material, including old milk jugs. Sanders said they provide excellent protection.

IBM is noticing significant environmental and cost savings from the Project Maple redesign.

As Sanders said, "...when you ship 74 million kilos of global airfreight annually – or the equivalent of seven fully loaded 747-400's each day – it adds up."

Toys R Us Eco-Friendly Toys Packaging

Packaging for the new line of eco-friendly toys from Toys R Us represents a new focus from the toy retailer on providing more responsible toy options for consumers.  The new packaging features its own unique brand identity.

The toys come packaged in earth-tone colored boxes that bear a special "R" seal. This seal consists of a green version of the iconic Toys"R"Us reversed "R" logo with a green leaf, encircled by the words "Recycle, Renew, Reuse, Re-think," and signifies for parents that the toys are eco-friendly.

Packaging is made from natural paperboard stock and contains at least 70% recycled content.

Jennifer Albano, manager of Corporate Communications for Toys R Us told Sustainable is Good the new packaging was designed internally by Toys R Us. 

Earlier in the year Sustainable is Good reported on greener gift cards the toy retailer was using in its stores.

For more details on the new line of toys and exclusive photos visit our companion site Sustainable is Good Products

Sustainable Packaging, the Housewares Show, and the 5 Stages of Grief

Sustainability – An Unwelcome Change?

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the sprawling Housewares Show at Chicago’s McCormick Place, where over 1,200 exhibitors showcased the best their companies and industry had to offer.  I took full advantage of the opportunity to conduct an informal “sustainability survey” as I visited each exhibitor’s booth. I inquired about their green objectives and initiatives, and the responses varied tremendously. I suspect that to some degree the exhibitors reflect the population as a whole.

As I listened to the varying comments on sustainability and packaging, I was reminded of the Kubler-Ross “Five Stages of Grief”, which famously describe our natural and very human resistance to change. The five distinct stages are: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. In my conversations, all five stages were clearly demonstrated as people reflected on how green is impacting their business.

Denial

I was very disappointed by the number of people who are still stuck in stage one and who really want to believe this environmental, sustainability thing is “going to blow over”. I am very sorry to admit that most of these people are of my generation. We “Boomers” may have lived and perhaps even led America through one of the most turbulent times in our history but we tend to not accept change easily or quickly. To be fair, many cited a litany of previous environmental fads that came went, so I can understand why expecting this green season to pass may appear more sensible than addressing it. But whether because of the drugs most of us consumed in the 60’s or simply reduced blood flow to the brain, some among the generation that stood for innovation, change, and social responsibility is now simply out of touch

Anger

I was very surprised to encounter some rudeness and even some hostility that went well beyond the “why me?” attitude that often accompanies this stage. I sincerely believe that these are business people who, unlike the group above, recognize the change but are simply unprepared to deal with it. It is a confusing topic with few clear answers, so some degree of confusion and frustration is understandable. The term, “shoot the messenger” came to mind as a few exhibitors tried to convince me that I was perpetuating the problem by bringing it up. They may be right but I gladly “take the bullet” if it means getting them past this counterproductive stage.

Bargaining

This by far is the most troublesome group, because they have already decided how to best “handle this problem” and have determined what they are willing and able to do to satisfy this consumer “whim”.  “As little as possible” appears to be their approach to what they see as an unavoidable issue they have to deal with. Many of the people are not fully committed and see only the cost, not the benefit that could potentially accrue to them and their company. Unfortunately, this is where half hearted measures and deceptive compromise are born and flourish.

Depression

This group of people hides behind the convenient excuse of “all my packaging comes from overseas and they make those decisions”. By avoiding that responsibility they can run but will never be able to hide from the inarguable fact that they are contributing to the problem, not the solution. I sincerely saw hints of remorse and sadness in people who know they are not doing the right thing and live in fear that eventually their “greenwashing” ways will be exposed by a growing public awareness.

Acceptance

Here is where the hope is for the industry, if not the planet. I spoke to numerous companies who are making solid commitments and decisions to use better, more earth friendly packaging materials and less of them. They are working toward more local, domestic sources of supply that will reduce the carbon footprint of the products they sell and are sincere in their efforts to implement cradle to cradle thinking and processes. These bright people have figured out what the giant CPG companies already have discovered -- going green may cost time and money initially but it pays huge dividends in the long run.

Sustainability is a Good Bet

The Housewares Show was impressive from every perspective. The bright lights, huge crowds, impressive displays, great food, excellent wine, and lovely models seemed more appropriate for an evening in Las Vegas than McCormick Place in Chicago on a cool spring day. Unlike Las Vegas though, where the odds are always in the favor of the house, sustainability is not at all a game of chance. There will most certainly be big winners and even bigger losers but everyone has an equal and achievable opportunity to come out on top. I look forward to helping the winners celebrate because if we achieve what has to be done and we protect our quickly dwindling resources, we all win.

Dennis Salazar is the president of Salazar Packaging, Inc., a certified MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) company specializing in packaging products, equipment and solutions. With over thirty years in the packaging industry, he is known for his tongue in cheek sense of humor as well as his sustainable packaging passion and expertise.   

To contact Dennis, please visit his web site: www.salazarpackaging.com

 

FTC Modifying Green Marketing and Packaging Guidelines

The Federal Trade Commission recently announced that it is updating and revising green marketing and packaging guidelines. The last changes were made in 1998 and as you can imagine, much has changed. Certainly many more businesses are promoting varying degrees of environmental responsibility as a part of their manufacturing, design and packaging.

The FTC guidelines’ primary objective is to avoid deceptive marketing and packaging practices and some of the issues they plan on addressing include:

-Marketing carbon offsets and renewable energy certificates
-Claims such as environmentally friendly, sustainable, recyclable, recycled content, degradability, compostability
-The use of environmental seals and certifications

You can check out the current and soon to be updated guidelines at the FTC site.

As you will notice, current guidelines really don’t address many commonly used packaging claims that we associate with environmentally responsible practices such as sustainable, renewable, or eco-friendly.

The new FTC guidelines will come none too soon for many environmental advocates and responsible marketers given the recent report from TerraChoice Environmental Marketing showing that most green marketing claims are incorrect and guilty of at least one of the ‘Six Sins of Greenwashing’.

While it’s great to see so many businesses embracing environmental sustainability, it’s also important to provide clarity for both manufacturers and consumers by establishing guidelines and definitions of terminology so we can all evaluate for ourselves if products and packaging meet our expectations.

See related coverage on the FTC & Green Marketing

Seattle May Ban Foam Food Packaging

The Seattle-Post Intelligencer reported yesterday the city of Seattle is considering enacting a comprehensive ban on polystyrene foam packaging items commonly used in food packaging.  The proposed ban would also enact a twenty cent fee on both paper and plastic bags.

If passed the polystyrene foam ban would outlaw items including plates, trays, clamshells, cups, meat trays and egg cartons at stores and restaurants.  The ban would have a major impact on the grocery industry as well as fast food takeout packaging.

As Sustainable is Good reported last week companies like Murrays Chicken are already working with packaging suppliers to eliminate the use of foam trays in their fresh meat packaging.  Murrays is leading the way with their new packaging already available in stores in the Northeast.  The company no longer uses a foam tray in its packaging.

Method Omop Starter Kit Bamboo Packaging

San Francisco-based Method has revamped the packaging for its popular Omop floor sweeper starter kit and Omop microfiber accessory pads.  The new packaging is a significant departure from current industry standards and a real attention grabber sitting on store shelves. 

Made specifically for Method from a combination of paper and bamboo the new brown packaging has an attractive unfinished quality to it - totally unique next to other products packaged in clear clamshells with bright labeling. 

The packaging has a minimal quality to it that alone provides it a creative advantage - you want to look at the packaging, touch it and find out what is in it.

The packaging is both compostable and recyclable (mixed paper) and its creation has an interesting story behind it.

The idea for the new design came out of a "Design Safari" a regular creative departure held internally among Method staff.  At the safaris staff members share examples of packaging or creative design they like and discuss it with their colleagues.

The new Omop starter kit packaging is compartmentalized.  Everything has its own place in a logical easy to open format (unlike many clamshells). 

Method's Katie Molinari told Sustainable is Good the internal layout of the packaging is a little like the experience of opening an Ipod box.  She is exactly right. 

Open the lid of the paper/bamboo packaging on the starter kit to find a bottle of the Omop cleaning solution and a microfiber pad nicely laid out in front of you.  Dig a little deeper to uncover the Omop unit itself.  So simple its actually rather elegant.

The Omop starter kit and microfiber accessory packaging are both made from the new paper/bamboo packaging  designed in-house by Method's design team.

The new packaging replaces the clamshell style packaging the product used before and began appearing in stores across the country last month.  Molinari said the Omop itself is basically the same as the earlier version with a few minor enhancements to its durability and functionality. 

Consumers will ultimately judge the effectiveness of the new paper/bamboo packaging but from a creative and design perspective its bold and ambitious - fitting well with Method's goals of continuing to green their packaging.

The packaging won the Institute of Packaging Professionals’ (IoPP) AmeriStar award. 

The newly designed packaging is available for both versions of the Omop and microfiber pads.