Sustainable is Good | Where design, lifestyle and packaging meet

Snyder's of Hanover Switches to Renewable Plant-based Ingeo PLA Packaging for Organic Pretzel Line

Snyder's of Hanover has switched the packaging for its organic pretzels to renewable plant-based packaging developed by Clear Lam Packaging. 

During a year of research and development, Clear Lam replaced conventional petroleum-based plastics with a unique material derived primarily from renewable Ingeo PLA (polylactic acid).  When compared to traditional petroleum-based packaging, the renewable raw materials are produced with as little as half the energy and generate as little as 52 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions in the manufacturing process.

The new bag created for the Snyder's of Hanover organic product line uses renewable raw materials that are 90 percent plant-based, part of Clear Lam's Project EarthClear packaging initiatives.

"We're pleased to bring this technological breakthrough to our customers in order to support global sustainability initiatives," said James Sanfilippo, President and CEO of Clear Lam Packaging, Inc. 

"This is a major milestone and another important step in our effort to provide meaningful packaging solutions that are better for the environment."

A key engineering challenge faced by Clear Lam was finding a way to maintain similar performance characteristics to traditional petroleum-based packaging materials. Clear Lam derived a way to produce the new plant-based packaging with the appropriate properties to make the bags act and feel like conventional bags.

"Our launch of this new renewable plant-based packaging is just the latest example of our company's commitment to utilizing products and practices that minimize negative effects on the environment," said Claude O'Connor, Vice President of Marketing at Snyder's of Hanover. 

Snyder's organic pretzel product line includes 8 Grains & Seeds, Whole Wheat & Oat and Honey Whole Wheat.  A new line of Gluten-Free Pretzel Sticks will be launching soon.

A bright yellow graphic on the upper right corner of the package helps differentiate the bag on the shelf and directs consumers to the back panel for more information on the benefits of the renewable packaging.

Clear Lam produced the new package from a film derived from plants not oil.  To create the appropriate oxygen and moisture barrier properties to help in protecting the freshness of the product, the film was laminated to another plant-based plastic layer that incorporates a thin metalized layer. 

The materials are made mostly from Ingeo PLA produced by NatureWorks LLC.

Quiznos New Greener Packaging

Last week popular US-based sub & sandwich shop Quiznos launched its "Eat Toasty, Be Green" campaign by introducing several types of more environmentally responsible packaging - helping to minimize its impact on the environment by attempting to reduce the eco-footprint of its packaging.

All Quiznos stores now feature several new types of packaging, including:

• 100 percent compostable wax-coated paper cups
• Pulp salad bowls made from renewable sugarcane
• Plastic lids made of 30 percent post-consumer-recycled PET bottles
• Napkins made from 100 percent recycled material and fibers (90 percent post-consumer)
• Catering lunch boxes made of 100 percent recycled paperboard (35 percent post-consumer)

The sub chain is also helping its team members embrace its new green shift by beginning to change their uniforms to items made from 100 percent from recycled soda pop bottles.  Each hat saves approximately six bottles from reaching a landfill and each apron saves approximately 25 bottles.

By making its packaging more environmentally responsible, Quiznos claims its taking steps to lessen the impact each of its thousands of independently owned and operated U.S. stores has on the eco-health of the nation.  The company notes the new green changes come at no additional cost to their Franchise Owners.

Quiznos cites recent reports which show 32 percent of the entire domestic waste stream consists of containers and packaging, with 300 pounds of fast food packaging waste generated each year for each person in the U.S. (The 2008 Fast Food Packaging Report)

Smaller Volume Sustainable Packaging a Reality from UFP Technologies

UFP Technologies a packaging company most well known for producing the award winning packaging design used by Pangea Organics bar soap has recently developed a process to provide custom sustainable packaging solutions to lower volume clients. 

This news will be of great interest to many new green companies looking for more sustainable packaging solutions.  Here at SISG we've received numerous emails and messages over the years from business owners seeking recommendations on packaging companies who will work with small businesses. 

Many small businesses who desire sustainable packaging solutions for their products often find themselves frustrated when they learn most packaging companies are unwilling or unable to work with them due to volume restrictions.  Its often not profitable for packaging companies to work with clients who need a smaller volume of packaging.

UFP's Tom Fitzgerald told SISG, "I know last time we conversed you had mentioned some disdain from companies and individuals you referred to us due to our high minimum quantities." 

"Molded Fiber (a UFP brand)  recently added high speed die-cutting operations that allow us to create custom packaging solutions for lower volume quantities (5,000 parts instead of hundreds of thousands)," said Fitzgerald.

"The new packaging is a lay-flat folding carton solution made out of 100% recycled fiber board.  We have created solutions for transporting wine and CD packaging (for country artists Big Kenny) in which we embedded wildflower seeds, similar to our soap packaging for Pangaea Organics."

The die-cut recycled fiber board can be manufactured for packaging solutions suitable for health and beauty products, apparel and other retail and consumer goods.  One such solution Molded Fiber has created is a “wine tote” folding carton that holds a single wine bottle.

For the past 18 years Molded Fiber has created molded pulp protective packaging solutions requiring relatively high tooling costs and in most cases minimum orders of hundreds of thousands of parts.  The addition of high-speed die-cutting to Molded Fiber’s manufacturing capabilities provides the flexibility to run smaller volume projects.  Minimums for die-cut recycled fiber board solutions are 5,000 units.

Similar to some of Molded Fiber’s standard protective packaging solutions, the fiber board material can also be embedded with flower seeds.  This innovative solution gives the consumer control over how to dispose of the packaging.  The fiber board packaging can be placed in a recycling bin, or planted directly in the ground where the packaging will biodegrade and the seeds will grow into flowers.  Molded Fiber can utilize a variety of seeds with selection often based on the season.

Ecologic Sustainable Milk Container Debuts with Straus Family Creamery Organic Milk

Ecologic Brands, a Northern California based start-up that has developed a sustainable and transformative bottle for liquid products.

Their first-of-its-kind bottle is biodegradable, compostable and recyclable and will be on shelves starting today at select Whole Foods stores in Northern California.

A company spokeswoman told SISG the exterior shell of the bottle is made from OCC (old corrugated cardboard) that has been thermoformed into a rigid container using advanced egg carton technology.  "It takes an abundantly available resource and gives it another life," she said.

The inner liner is a thin mono-polymer milk pouch that is recyclable with #4 plastics and easy to adapt to bio plastic innovations.

The first customer testing the new Ecologic bottle is Straus Family Creamery.   In a partnership with Straus Family Creamery and Whole Foods Market, Ecologic will test Straus milk in its new bottle in Whole Foods’ Oakland store today January 21, 2010, and will expand to several other San Francisco Bay Area locations.

Straus Family Creamery, based in Marshall, California, is one of the nation’s most respected organic dairies, known for its strong environmental stewardship and loyal consumer base.

"This local pilot will lead to a broader roll out, and ultimately to sustainable packaging for national brands in high volume categories ranging from dairy, juice and wine, to cleaning products and laundry detergents," said spokeswoman Amy Bonetti Price of Big MouthPR.

Ecologic wants to offer consumers more sustainable choices for their packaging and give them the option to make better choices at the shelf. Other countries are already moving to more sustainable packaging like pouching, re-usable carafes and "bring your own bag" policies at markets.

Ecologic founder Julie Corbett was inspired by milk pouches sold in Canada that are dropped into a re-usable plastic carafe.  

It will be interesting to see US consumers reaction to this new packaging from Ecologic - so far efforts to create more sustainable milk packaging modeled after Canadian and European packaging have been largely unsuccessful in the US market.

Ecologic is an Oakland based start-up that has developed a first-of-its kind, sustainable packaging solution designed to solve one of the biggest environmental problems today: the manufacturing and consumption of plastic bottles and plastic coated milk and juice cartons.

The company notes packaging is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gases, landfill waste and non-renewable resource consumption.

Nikon Ecobins Binoculars Review

Nikon's new ecobins binoculars feature eco-friendly glass which is lead and arsenic free, non-chloride rubber eye cups, a natural fiber carrying case and strap, no printed materials inside the box and tree-free packaging.  Naturally with all these green friendly features these binoculars were something I was interested in checking out.

Available in 10x25 magnification the ecobins are compact, rugged, waterproof and fogproof.  Nikon's premium optics include aspherical eyepiece lenses that provide distortion-free viewing, internal blackening to minimize light loss inside binocular tubes and multi-coated lenses that offer maximum brightness, contrast and true color.

The included carrying case and strap are constructed from environmentally-minded Lenzing Tencel fiber that is fully biodegradable. Derived from the wood pulp of sustainable eucalyptus forests, Tencel fiber utilizes a revolutionary manufacturing process with minimal waste.

The eco-friendly features of this product carry all the way through to the manner it is packaged.  Ecobins packaging is constructed from eighty-five percent post-consumer waste and is printed on recyclable FiberStone paper. This recyclable paper is completely tree-free and made from limestone collected as waste material from existing quarries for the building and construction industry.  Production of this product uses no water or bleaching chemicals and releases zero pollution into the air according to the company.

Additionally, to minimize resources used to produce ecobins the instruction manual, product registration card and information regarding Nikon’s 25-year warranty are available online at and were not included in the packaging as printed inserts. 

I've taken a pair of the new Ecobins along on birding and nature trips earlier this month here in Rhode Island.  One of the best spots for winter birds is Sachuest Point NWR just outside Newport, RI.  The area is known for its winter sea birds and resident raptors. 

Like other 10x25 binoculars the Ecobins aren't ideally suited for scanning and spotting things like birds due to their limited field of view.  However their 10x magnification and excellent quality optics help make up for that especially when you've located a target - for instance a perched raptor. 

The strength of the Ecobins comes in their portability and light weight - they are an excellent general purpose binocular that allow you good looks at things once spotted.  Their size and weight are significant pluses especially when trying to travel light or for casual use when a more substantial binocular may be overkill. 

Optically the Ecobins are strong.  As expected they provide the sharp crisp image Nikon is known for.  They perform best during the day when the light is strong.  At dusk or under difficult light conditions their performance isn't optimal - that is due to their smaller field of view which doesn't let as much light in. 

I would say the Ecobins would be a great choice for backpackers and hikers who want to view wildlife and look from scenic vistas along the trail.  They would also be a great choice for a general purpose all around binocular for all kinds of recreational activities.

According to a Nikon spokeswoman, the largest retailer for Ecobins is REI but they can also be found online with several different retailers.  The MSRP is $169.99

Goodbye Detergent! Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products

 

Goodbye detergent! is a new line of environmentally friendly scrubs for your home, made with unique materials such as recycled corn cobs, peach pits, & walnut shells.

Of all the sustainable household products I've seen this year Goodbye detergent! are the most unique. 

The products feature highly effective minimal packaging and each are made of unique materials based on their intended purpose.  For instance a kitchen cleaning pad for anodized aluminum cookware made from walnut shells or a cleaning pad for enameled cookware made with pumice stones.

 

These reusable scrubs have natural abrasives that make it easier to clean with no detergents.

All of the scrubs and cleaning pads are made with natural abrasives and they come in 100% recycled packaging.

Goodbye detergent! scrubs reduce the need for detergents and soaps which contain toxins and chemicals that are bad for the environment.
    
These eco-friendly scrubs are designed by industrial designer Hiroki Hayashi. 

All products are Made in Japan and have won international design awards since its world launch in 2008.

Products from Goodbye detergent! are available online at Amazon.com and other retailers. 

Melitta Bamboo Coffee Filters

 

I came across these Melitta Bamboo coffee filters at a Sobey's in Canada a couple weeks ago.  I haven't seen them here at grocery stores in the US. 

The filters are made of 60% bamboo and are available at a number of retailers online including Amazon.com  Worth checking out. 

e.a.t Frozen Chowders from Key West Gourmet

I recently learned about a delicious line of frozen chowders that really embodies sustainability in every aspect from ingredients to packaging.  The e.a.t line of soups and chowders from Key West Gourmet Foods consists of five "environmental and tasty" meal solutions. 

The products are microwavable and packaged in entirely sustainable packaging - which the company says is a first in North America for a frozen entree.  The packaging is 100% compostable and recyclable including the outer plastic like film which is made by NatureFlex.

The packaging is great but the sustainably sourced all natural ingredients used to make up the delicious meals are what really shine. 

The folks at Key West sent me their five products to try and I was just amazed at the quality and taste from a frozen meal.  All seafood used in the products are wild caught not farm raised and they are sustainably sourced.  The veggies used are all non GMO.  The first thing that struck me when I opened one of the chowders to taste was how beautiful it looked - the Wild Salmon chowder looked like something you'd find in an upscale restaurant with plentiful amounts of salmon and red potatoes bobbing about in the broth.

The e.a.t line consists of: 

Wild Salmon Gourmet Chowder
Savoury chunks of MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified Wild Alaskan Salmon, red-skinned potatoes and green onions with a hint of dill delicately blended in light cream.

 
Curried Shrimp Gourmet Chowder
Plump juicy Wild Shrimp and crisp vegetables in fresh cream infused with our signature curry blend.

Atlantic Crab Gourmet Chowder - A flavorful combination of premium Atlantic Crab Meat slowly simmered in light cream with sweet corn, potatoes and onions.

Seafood Tortilla Gourmet Chowder - A Mexican fiesta of MSC certified Wild Alaskan Pollock, organic tomatoes, black beans, sweet corn, and tortilla strips with an accent of fresh lime and jalapeno.

Asian Vegetarian Gourmet Chowder- Grilled organic tofu, mushrooms, sweet potatoes and spinach in an energizing Green Tea and Miso broth. A vegetarian masterpiece.

The combination of superior ingredients and sustainable packaging make the e.a.t frozen meals very appealing to those interested in living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. 

The company should be applauded (its no surprise their packaging won an award) for reconceptualizing frozen meals.  Traditionally the whole market segment of frozen microwave meals are very much unsustainable - their packaging is difficult to recycle even the boxes are treated to resist moisture making them not recyclable.  So these products are a tremendous innovation.

e.a.t frozen chowders are launching this Fall in Canada and will be available in early 2010 in the U.S. 

Coca Cola's Bioplastic PlantBottle Coming Later this Year

The Coca-Cola Company recently took the first steps towards what CEO Muhlar Kent said was their, "vision to eventually introduce bottles made with materials that are 100 percent recyclable and renewable."

Kent was referring to the company's new PlantBottle due out sometime later this year in select markets holding their Dasani brand bottled water and sparking brands.  Coke's Vitaminwater is expected to follow - being packaged in the PlantBottle sometime next year.

The PlantBottle is currently made through an innovative process that turns sugar cane and molasses, a by-product of sugar production, into a key component for PET plastic.

Manufacturing the new plastic bottle is more environmentally efficient as well.  A life-cycle analysis conducted by Imperial College London indicates the PlantBottle with 30 percent plant-based material reduces carbon emissions by up to 25 percent, compared with petroleum-based PET.

According to the company, another advantage to the PlantBottle is that, unlike other plant-based plastics, it can be processed through existing manufacturing and recycling facilities without contaminating traditional PET. 

Consumers can identify the innovative bottles through on-package messages and in-store point of sale displays.  Web-based communications will also highlight the bottles' environmental benefits.

Coca Cola faces a challenge with its new bottle concept from the recycling industry who have long been concerned about contamination from bio and other types of plastics.  Industry groups are concerned the current recycling system in the US is not equipped to adequately handle bio plastics.

Sonnentor Spices Move to Biodegradable Packaging

Innovia Films’ compostable cellulose-based material, NatureFlex NK, has been chosen by an Austrian producer, Sonnentor, to package its range of herbs and spices.

Sonnentor was founded over 20 years ago in the ‘Waldviertel’ region by Johannes Gutmann.  He wanted to sell locally grown and dried organic herbs and spices with the emphasis on traditional harvesting and refining methods, innovation and Fair Trade principles.  The company has gone from strength to strength and employs 100 people in Austria, with 75% of its product exported.

NatureFlex NK was launched in 2008 and offers not only biodegradability and compostability, but also a moisture barrier approaching that of co-extruded OPP. 

Outlining why Sonnentor chose NatureFlex to package its herbs and spices, Gutmann comments, “Sonnentor’s formula for success is innovative product concepts and high-quality, carefully selected organic ingredients.  This organic way requires innovative solutions for our packaging.  NatureFlex plays an important part in our sustainability and successful future.”

NatureFlex was an obvious solution for the packaging in this application as the film begins life as a natural product – wood - and breaks down at the end of its lifecycle in a home compost bin (or industrial compost environment) within a matter of weeks. 

It also offers advantages for packing and converting such as inherent deadfold and anti-static properties, high gloss and transparency, resistance to grease and oil, good barrier to gases and aromas, print receptive surface and a wide heat-seal range.

NatureFlex films are certified to meet both the European EN13432 and American ASTM D6400 standards for compostable packaging.  The wood-pulp is sourced from managed plantations from referenced suppliers operating Good Forestry principals (FSC or equivalent).