Sainsbury's Launching Milk in Bag Packaging

One of the leading UK supermarket chains Sainbury's is launching milk sold in a recyclable plastic bag pouch in thirty five of its stores beginning tomorrow.

The chain expects to have the bagged milk available in as many as 500 stores within the next year.

According to published reports the alternative milk packaging is expected to reduce milk packaging waste by up to 75 percent.

Environmental advocates believe replacing all milk packaging in the UK with the bagged milk could keep 100,000 tons of plastic waste from landfills.

The milk bags are made of recyclable LDPE plastic and are designed to fit inside a reusable jug which is sold separately. Consumers open the bags with a spike that pierces the bag and forms a no-leak seal. The used milk bags can be returned to Sainbury's stores or recycled with other household plastics.

The big question is how will consumers on the whole react to the packaging?  Various forms of milk packaging are in use in Europe. 

In fact the use of bags for milk isn't entirely new they've been in use in Canada and the EU for nearly a decade.  Despite this fact they have yet to take off in terms of becoming the preferred method of milk packaging.  So this latest push from Sainbury's will be interesting to follow.

Jordans Organic Cereals Packaging

New bio-based plastic packaging for UK-based Jordans Organic Cereals is a major packaging achievement.  The packaging was recognized last month at the 20th DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation and is featured in a piece by Steve Sterling in this month's Packaging World.  Both Jordans Cereals and the packaging's producer Alcan Packaging were recognized at the DuPont Awards. 

The new packaging uses two different types of bio-based films.  The outer layer is made from Innovia's clear NatureFlex film which was reverse printed according to Steve Sterling.  NatureFlex is made from cellulose derived from non-genetically modified wood pulp.  The inner layer is made from Mater-Bi film from Novamont, according to Sterling.  Mater-bi film is made from non-genetically modified cornstarch. 

Alcan says for the first time, consumers can dispose of their cereal pack in a home or industrial compost thanks to the new packaging.  Developed and manufactured by their Dublin, Ireland plant, the bio-based films, as well as the inks and adhesives used in its conversion, have been certified to conform to the EN 13432 composting standard.

This compostable and biodegradable alternative to polypropylene structures and laminated metallic plastic films was launched following three years of research. “Alcan Packaging is always looking at new ways to expand its product offering and this innovative compostable packaging is the embodiment of our continued efforts in research and development,” said Michael Cronin, president, Food Packaging Europe.

The finished pack provides the same look and feel as a heavy-weight plastic film alternative, with a glossy, printable surface and a tactile finish.

Judges at the DuPont Awards said they felt the use of the bio-based films in the company's cereal packaging was inline with its brand identity and message.  They also commented that the use of bio-based films in packaging in the UK was a significant sustainable development as compared to in the U.S. where facilities are still lacking for proper composting of the materials.

Twist Sponges

Twist is a clean fresh fun brand that makes high quality more eco-friendly sponges and cleaning cloths by combining elements of design with eco-consciousness.   TWIST products are 100% biodegradable and the packaging is earth-friendly and recyclable. 

Founded in 2006 by Egil Wigert and Brian Ross, Twist has found early success being carried by Whole Foods Market.

The packaging design is clean and simple just like the products.  A key focus for designer Teresa Forrester was making packaging that allowed consumers to look and feel the Twist products up close to see what they are all about.   Consumers are interested in the new Twist sponges and cloths and wanted to pick them up and examine them before buying the company found.

"We really wanted to do something that was more visually stimulating than what has previously been seen in this arena of products, yet still be eco sensitive," said Forrester.   "The Twist brand is fresh, clean, fun and bright this is reflective in our package design and choice of packaging colors. we also wanted to embrace the color of the sponges themselves and incorporate that into our design."

Keeping with the green desires of the brand the packaging design team made the packaging so consumers could make a little bird feeder or mobile out of it before recycling it.  "For the inside of the bellybands, we printed small bird mobiles and where we could, did a two piece bird feeder," said Forrester.  Twist provides consumers instructions for making birdfeeders at their web site.

Method Refill Pouch Packaging Expanding

San Francisco-based Method is finding success with its innovative packaging configuration for its liquid hand soap refills.  Method's refill pouch is now widely available across the country and according to Method's Katie Molinari will be expanding into other forms of their liquid soaps by March.

The pouch itself is a stock pouch from Winpack International in Hayward, CA.  The pouch was added to the Method lineup to serve as a refill for the teardrop hand soap bottle Karim Rashid designed. 

Method's design team led by Creative Director Stefanie Hermsdorf wanted the pouch to be translucent as opposed to opaque. "We wanted translucent because it showed off the colored liquid inside in the same way that our existing bottles do," said Molinari. 

Method is currently working on expanding their refill pouches.  In March Method will offer pouch refills for its foaming hand wash and also add a refill pouch for its popular "go naked" hand wash to its existing liquid soap refills. 

The company is also working on a redesign of the graphic design for the pouch.  Addressing concerns over readability of some of the white text on its current pouch refills, Method's new pouches will be white with "images of the colored bottle scattered across the front in a free-form mosaic," Molinari said. 

According to Method the refill pouch uses 83% less plastic than a similar PET bottle and in turn needs less energy to produce. "Consumers are responding well to the refill and we encourage our customers to purchase refills when available as they use considerably less plastic than thick PET containers," said Molinari.  Method hand wash refills are currently available at Target and other stores including Home Depot, Schnucks, Gristedes and more

Nokia Reduces Packaging Releases Greener Phone

Finnish cell phone maker Nokia announced this week at the Nokia World conference a new greener phone with reduced green packaging.

The new Nokia 3110 Evolve, is a mobile device with bio-covers made from more than 50% renewable material. The device is presented in a small package made of 60% recycled content and it comes with Nokia's most energy efficient charger yet, using 94% less energy than the Energy Star requirements.

Nokia has been exploring the use of a smaller final packaging solution since early 2005. It designed and rolled out a space saving, compact sales package in spring 2006. This has reduced the amount of packaging materials by 54% compared to the previous solution, and using the same paper-based material inside and out has enhanced the overall recyclability of the packaging.

The smaller packaging size has doubled transportation efficiency with a more than 50% reduction in land and air shipping requirements. During 2006, Nokia shipped 60 million mobile devices in this small package alone, using more than 1,200 fewer trucks than the previous packaging solution.

Target Mirel Bioplastic Gift Cards in All 1600 Stores for Holidays

Target stores are carrying bioplastic gift cards in all 1600 stores for the holiday season.  The cards, available in twelve different holiday designs (see photos) are made from Mirel, a biobased plastic from Cambridge Massachusetts-based Metabolix. 

According to a source, the cards began to appear nationwide on Saturday 12/1 in Target stores.  Metabolix confirmed the news late Monday with a press release.

Sustainable is Good has reported extensively on the Mirel gift cards and the Target relationship.  In July, Target test marketed gift cards made using Mirel in 129 of its stores.

Epicurean Cutting Surfaces

Minnesota-based Epicurean Cutting Surfaces is producing a variety of professional and consumer paper fiber cutting surfaces for in home kitchen use. 

The products are made from Richlite, a material made from layers of paper fiber soaked with phenolic resin and cured to create a solid sheet.  During the production cycle the layers of paper are gradually bonded with each other to create solid, durable sheets.

Epicurean claims its cutting surfaces are ideal because they do not dull knives, are maintenance free, dishwasher safe, durable, environmentally friendly, temperature resistant up to 350, NSF approved and their nonporous surface prohibits bacteria growth.

Epicurean Cutting Surfaces are made with eco select paper from trees harvested under guidelines of the North America Sustainable Forestry Standards.  Epicurean's Lesley Patterson told us the company considers their cutting surfaces to be an "eco-friendly alternative to other options currently on the market."

The cutting surfaces are available in natural and slate colors in two different lines the Kitchen and Chef Series.  The cutting surfaces are sold with no packaging other than an informative product label on the surface.  The minimal presentation works well for Epicurean as consumers are drawn to the cutting surface itself and can examine it directly in store displays.

We had the opportunity to try several Epicurean Cutting Surfaces and found them easy to use.  The cutting surfaces worked well with both forged and ceramic knives and are extremely easy to clean using soap and water.  The cutting boards are designed with a hole or handle (depending on model) for easy hanging/display.

Epicurean cutting surfaces are available at Whole Foods Market, Williams Sonoma and other stores as well as online at Amazon.

NAU Blender Glove

NAU is known for their use of advanced recycled fabrics and natural materials for their modern outdoor clothing products.  Their new Blender Glove is no exception.  Made from Teijin recycled polyester, Merino wool and Pittards goat leather, it is a top choice for those seeking an advanced technical glove. 

NAU markets the Blender Glove as a more sustainable option since it uses recycled polyester fabric instead of virgin polyester (petroleum). 

The glove is designed to be durable while offering stretch as well as water repellent and breathable. 

We found its build quality to be exceptional - the gloves should yield years of use.  The interior Merino wool lining is also a welcome addition.  Breathability is quite good which is a positive in some conditions but may not be desirable in others.  The gloves seem ideal for all applications requiring dexterity and durability in a glove.  Warmth in cold climates may require a more insulated glove.  It should also be noted the glove is relatively lightweight at 6 oz.

The Blender Glove is available directly from NAU.

NOTE:  We contacted Vermont-based Ibex for product information on their Climawool glove, which is similar to the Blender Glove.  Despite repeated attempts at contact we never received a response from Ibex.

Dr. Woods Soap

Several months ago one of our contributors was in New York on a product search and a real gem was uncovered.  Apparently there was this brand of soap models were using during NY Fashion week to ensure fantastic skin.  The soap was from a small natural products brand, Dr. Woods. 

In particular we heard the black soap is relied upon by many for flawless skin.  We had to check it out and when we did were quite impressed.  Not only is the soap exquisite, its inexpensive and comes in easily recycled stock #2 HDPE packaging.

The star of the Dr. Woods soap line is the black soap.  The soap gently exfoliates dead skin skin cells to reveal healthy, radiant skin and is excellent for clearing up blemishes - this explains why the soap is so desirable. 

The company markets their black soap as, "the idea complexion cleanser."  Black soap is made from a process using the skin of a plantain - a natural source of vitamins A&E and iron.  The skin of the plantain is dried and then roasted in a clay oven in order to achieve a particular color, texture and smell.  The roasted plantain skin is mixed with palm oil and palm kernel oil to form the soap.

All Dr. Woods liquid soaps contain organic shea butter which is a wonderful addition making the soaps ultra moisturizing cleansers.

We are particularly impressed with the black soap it works incredibly well and does not dry skin like many other facial soaps do. 

Dr. Woods liquid soap is available in almond, black, peppermint, lavender and tea tree formulations in 8, 16 and 32 oz bottles.  The soaps are available at specialty natural food stores including Whole Foods (Northeast), Fairway Market (NYC) Akins Natural Foods (Oklahoma), Chamberlins Natural Foods (Florida) and others as well as online.

The packaging is all stock #2 HDPE bottles - highly recyclable virtually anywhere in the US. 

dropps Laundry Detergent

Pennsylvania-based Cot'n Wash, Inc. makers of dropps laundry detergent are trying to capitalize on the intense interest in more eco-friendly mainstream laundry detergents.  The makers of dropps are marketing their product as one that saves significant amounts of water as well as plastic.

dropps is unique because it comes in dissolvable "toss-and-go" packs instead of liquid or powder format like many traditional detergents.  The packets are made from a polyvinyl alcohol cast film by Aicello.   

The company is making a push to get consumers to use its product as an eco-friendly alternative to even the concentrated laundry detergents on the market.  Recently concentrated laundry detergents have received a significant amount of attention due to major retailers like Wal-Mart making them a focus of their environmental initiatives.

According to Cot'n Wash, Inc. even 2X concentrated detergents are still 50% water and come in a bottle often not made from recycled plastic.  dropps products have no wasted water the company says as the dosage is pre-measured and all ingredients in the packs are "active".   

The company is also focusing on its packaging with a new clamshell style container made from lightweight recycled PET (RPET) plastic.  The new clamshell packaging is made by Placon. 

According to published reports, in January, Cot'n Wash switched to the clear, RPET clamshells, "because they are made from 100-percent recyclable packaging," says Jonathan Propper, Cot'n Wash president.  The new packaging is a major eco-friendly improvement over their original hanging clamshell packaging made of clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

"Our company is passionate about reducing the waste of both water and plastic, enabling consumers to make a small person contribution in minimizing their own impact on the environment," said Propper.

According to Placon's director of marketing and product development, Laura Stewart, Cot'n Wash selected the packaging for its 20-load and 1-oz trial-size packages from Placon's variety of stock clamshells.

dropps can be purchased at select Target, Wal-Mart, and Whole Foods Market stores or online at Amazon. The products are currently sold in 20-load and trial packaging in fresh scent and fragrance-free varieties.

dropps are biodegradable and NPE and phosphate-free.