Here is something I came across recently that just makes a lot of sense in terms of packaging. If You Care is selling trash bags in a simple roll - wrapped with an outer band that serves as the packaging.
I thought this design was simple and brillant. It allows the company to include its brand & product info and it lets the consumer actually see and be able to feel the product.
Not only is the packaging very efficient the bags are made from 97% post-consumer recycled plastic. Not bad.
The bags are currently available in two sizes and are on store shelves now in the US.
Normally I don't cover local news from Rhode Island on SISG however occasionally there are things that warrant comment.
Thursday the Providence Journal reported the state's public transit authority, RIPTA was cancelling back up buses due to budget cuts.
I use public transit here in RI almost daily. I have to say I wouldn't be so troubled by this news if I didn't see brand new Ford Explorers for managers regularly parked outside the main bus depot at Kennedy Plaza in Providence. These vehicles start at $29k and get 17mpg city and 25mpg highway according to Ford.
Look at the photo I shot of one of these vehicles in Kennedy Plaza (click on photo for full size) - its certainly not a base model with fancy alloy wheels and other extras.
Frankly I find it irresponsible for a public transit agency in this day and age to be buying anything but fuel efficient vehicles - which this is certainly not. Furthermore its even more upsetting that these vehicles are being purchased when the agency is cutting buses - which actually help people get around and reduce cars on the streets. I understand there may be a need for specilized vehicles for RIPTA support staff but these should be hybrids or fuel efficient compact cars. Why does a RIPTA staff member need a fully loaded Ford Explorer with alloy wheels?
I hope that Governor Chafee looks into this matter as I know these issues are important to him.
Austin, TX is about to be the home of a unique grocery store, a store which sells products with no packaging. In.gredients is slated to open this year and become the first package free and zero waste grocery store in the USA.
In.gredients is the idea of brothers Joseph, Christian and Partick Lane of Lane Brothers LLC and friend Christopher Pepe.
The concept for the store originally began with selling beer and wine and then developed into a full fledge grocery store. The store will carry local produce, beer, wine, grains, coffee, tea, spices, baking goods, dairy, household cleaners and personal care products. Customers can bring their own containers which will initially be weighed and marked for use. The idea being people will reuse containers, sacks and glass jars in place of more traditional packaging.
Austin is the home base of national retailer Whole Foods Market who I'm sure will be watching the stores opening very closely. It will be interesting to see how customers respond to in.gredients and if the concept can work in other cities in the US.
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