Articles
Sustainability? It's In The Bag
You can't always believe what you read, but sometimes "New and Improved" really does mean new and improved. In the world of packaging, we're always on the lookout for new solutions to packaging challenges. How can we create the very best way to store, transport, display, or dispense the products our clients produce? And how can we do that in a way that won't deplete our natural resources---or our budgets?
We're pretty excited about out latest development. It's still in the works, but we're going to let you in on it now and then update you when it's finished. Ready? Ok, it's a pouch. Now that might not sound very exciting, but our new pouch packaging is made from a proprietary, environmentally friendly material that does three things: it protects the package contents as well as plastic, it is extremely easy to work with, and it actually breaks down in the landfill.
That last part is important, because, as we all know, landfill space is limited. Recycling is a wonderful thing, but it does require energy expenditure. A recyclable package is better than a non-recyclable one, but a package that breaks down completely and leaves nothing behind is even better for our environment.
Some packagers are familiar with an existing pouch material called polylactic acid, or PLA. This corn-based material does a fine job of protecting the package contents, it's biodegradable, and it is fairly easy to produce, so why aren't we promoting the benefits of PLA? The reason is this: the factory farming of corn has resulted in the availability of very inexpensive corn products (think high fructose corn syrup, corn-fed beef, and bioethanol) that actually work against our environment. Vast fields of corn may look pretty, but corporate agribusiness is actually extremely unsustainable---economically, socially, nutritionally, and environmentally. (1) This hot topic has been everywhere recently, explored in university studies, political discussions, and all throughout the media. Consumers are more aware than ever that the choices they make really do affect the environment.
Farm policy aside, our new pouch packaging material is great for marketers. It accepts labels and printing, so branding is easy. It can be produced in nearly any size or shape, meaning that it's great for consumer products (especially travel sizes). It protects your product beautifully. And by demonstrating a sensitivity to the consumer's environment, you gain a few extra points.
(1) - National Family Farm Coalition, "King Corn Fact Sheet"
