| shirley | Date: Thursday, 18 October 2012, 10:02 AM | Message # 1 |
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| Since the late 1980s and early 1990s the phrase going green has become a term to consider. Advances in manufacturing technology has resulted in a dump of toxic compounds that pollute the environment and disrupt our ecosystem.
More recently, countries around the world have become aware of the challenge of ecology. Retailers have been the first to respond to the introduction of environmentally friendly packaging. Go Green philosophy has forced us to rethink even our packaging methods and discover ways more environmentally friendly packaging products. Companies that have adopted ecological packaging systems are making a statement loud and clear to the world. These companies are saying they are concerned about the future of our world and will do little to conserve the planet's resources.
Definition
Eco-friendly packaging is the packaging that uses environmentally friendly materials in their production environment. Most materials are either recycled paper or packaging which is biodegradable.
Biodegradability means that substances can be divided into more basic structures for other living organisms acting on them. Through these chemical reactions, the substance in its original form no longer exists after it was divided into smaller substances that naturally combine with the eco-system.
Eco-friendly packaging is one of the best ethical global trends. Big-Time companies in Europe, Japan, China and the United States now prefer packaging made from recycled materials that are biodegradable. Now that biodegradable packaging has become profitable with new technologies and increased demand, most of these companies are really counting on increasing sales due to their biodegradable packaging change.
Studies show that consumers are willing to pay a little more for packaging that is environmentally friendly. Eco-friendly packaging also adds brand value of a product. This shows that a company is willing to give up some of their profits in order to preserve the planet's resources. This is especially true if the product itself is environmentally friendly. For example, mineral water sold in biodegradable containers creates a stunning brand image. Cosmetics and natural health products also improve its brand image by adopting environmentally friendly packaging.
Some of the most popular methods of environmentally friendly packaging and materials include:
Biodegradable Plastics
Plastic packaging, derived from petrochemicals, has contributed significantly to our environmental crisis. Alternatively, bio-plastics are made from plant sources such as potatoes, wheat or corn. Bio-plastics are recyclable, unlike plastics petrochemicals.
Paper Recycling
The recycled paper is also an option for environmentally friendly packaging, including 100% recycled tables.
Metal
Metal becomes stronger, durable recyclable packaging materials. Some of the more advanced alloys are lightweight and versatile for packaging purposes.
Minimize waste
Overpackaging has becoming overnight no-no in the packaging business. The end result is the conservation of resources and much packaging or packaging of a product than necessary, it is considered absolutely waste of the planet's resources.
Using recyclable reusable packaging
Not only is environmentally friendly packaging made from materials that are biodegradable, but the package itself should be recycled for further use. This is called post-consumer recycled (PCR). More and more companies prefer to use environmentally friendly packaging recycled fibers.
Energy Saving Bio-Friendly Packaging Manufacturers
Packaging that is manufactured with renewable energy, pollution free also gives more preference by consumers. For example: eco-friendly manufacturers that work with wind energy.
More companies are going for Eco-Friendly Packaging
Chalone Vineyard located in Soledad, California was one of the first companies to adopt environmentally friendly packaging in 2002, receiving international awards for their achievements.
Wild Oats started the trend of environmentally friendly packaging for being the first grocery store to use bio-degradable packaging, corn oil instead. The famous chain stores, Wal-Mart, also using bio-degradable packaging made from corn. Nordstorm and Macy began producing shopping bags 100% recyclable April 2008.
In Europe, green packaging was introduced in the cosmetic industry since March 2006. Since then 600 products use environmentally friendly packaging, as reported by Mintel's Global New Products Database.
More and more companies are using paper pulp molds made of recycled cardboard, newspapers and cardboard boxes. This is used as shockproof packaging for packing cameras, appliances, glassware, etc.
The rapid expansion of Bio-degradable Packaging
This new trend in bio-degradable packaging seen in the rapid growth of biodegradable packaging manufacturers, who are struggling to keep up with market demands. Cereplast, a bio-based cosmetics packager, reported a 134% increase in sales for the first quarter of 2008.
Whether real benefits companies report after the adoption of environmentally friendly packaging is not the crucial issue here. The importance lies in joining forces with a good cause, worldwide for the future of our generation and generations to come. These are companies that choose to be kind to the environment and it is consumers who care about the environment to prefer products that are eco-friendly in every way. This is the trend in the future, and those who miss this opportunity can be left behind.
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