FTC Green Guide Packaging Forum

Wednesday's FTC forum on updating its Green Guide relating to eco-marketing claims was focused on packaging.

The Environmental Leader reported Wal-Mart and other stakeholders from consulting firms and trade associations voiced their views on updating the FTC guidelines. The forum was the second in a series organized and hosted by the FTC.

“While the advertising trade associations have asked the FTC to slow its review process, virtually every speaker at today's workshop acknowledged it is time to update the Green Guides,” said Valerie Davis, president of Green Canary Sustainability Consulting.

Amy Zettlemoyer-Lazar of Wal-Mart's Sustainable Packaging Value Network and Sam's Club Packaging spoke on how they reduced their Honest Kids orange juice drink pouch packs packaging weight from 13.6 grams to 8 grams. 

Michelle Harvey of the Environmental Defense Fund told the forum vague environmental claims are one of the most critical areas in need of FTC attention.

Packaging Digest's editor John Kalkowski said packaging needs, like portability and shelf life, don’t always reconcile with today’s environmental trends - like claims on packaging that a company is 100 percent wind-powered.

“This makes me wonder how that message gets carried through,” said Kalkowski.

“Right now, the emphasis is on the packaging itself,” he added, “but I think the next phase will emphasize the process being used to make the packaging.”

The FTC’s public comment period for packaging issues is open through May 19.  Comments can be submitted through the forum's web site.

via Environmental Leader

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