Sustainable is Good | Where design, lifestyle and packaging meet

Trader Joe's Excessive Packaging?

2009-07-16T06:20:00-04:00

I came across an interesting post on Trader Joe's and their excessive packaging.

We just had a Trader Joe's open recently here in the Providence area and I agree with the author of this post - TJs does tend to package just about everything including fresh produce.

Its actually an interesting trend I've noticed start to expand to more conventional grocery stores in our area. This whole idea of "conveniently" packaged produce items - like a three pack of bell peppers or something.

I've always thought this type of packaging was unnecessary and wasteful but it does seem to be making a resurgence.

In terms of Trader Joe's every time I am in one of their stores I get the feeling they do things "their way" and that is the end of the story.

I like the chain as it offers an interesting alternative to other grocery stores and Whole Foods but you can tell they operate in a very systematic fashion when it comes to their goods. Perhaps that has to do with their Aldi roots?

Picture of single packaged apple via Portland Vegetarian Examiner

Whitelines Swedish Paper

2009-07-14T06:17:00-04:00

Swedish paper company Whitelines recently released a new collection of eco-conscious notebooks and paper.

Their products are known for white lines as opposed to the dark lines found on many more conventional styles of notebooks and paper. The concept is simple - the designer, Olof Hansson believes white "non-conflict" lines on paper are less distracting than dark - making the writing experience more focused and pleasurable.

Whitelines products are ideal for graphic or industrial designer as well as writers.
All notebooks produced by the company are labeled with their CO2 footprint. All products are made in Sweden in a production process they company says causes "very low environmental stress in all parts of the production/logistics chain." Their paper mill does not emit any carbon dioxide.

I've been using a Whitelines notebook for several weeks now and appreciate what an excellent writing pad this is. The notebook is perfect for a designer to carry with them and sketch out ideas while on the bus or train.

Whitelines products are available in the US online and at specialty writing/design supply stores.

Check Mr Bill's FLICKR stream for some writing samples on Whitelines paper

Ever-Green Toilet Paper Finally Eco Friendly Toilet Paper with no Plastic Packaging

2009-07-10T05:49:00-04:00

Finally a company is producing toilet paper sold in a non-plastic bulk package! Ever-Green toilet paper is made from 100% recycled fiber and comes in a recycled fiber paperboard box package.

There are multiple brands of recycled toilet paper available to consumers but nearly all are packaged in packs of 6 or 12 rolls wrapped in plastic - something that has frustrated green consumers tremendously.

The cardboard core is also 100% recycled fiber. No plastic packaging is used in the product, making it the most eco-friendly toilet paper you can buy according to the company.

All packaging & core materials are completely recyclable. When you finish a roll, simply put the core back through the hole into the box packaging; when all rolls are used the entire box becomes recyclable.

Ever-Green 100% recycled toilet paper is soft unlike many other green brands and is whitened without the use of Chlorine. The product is made in the U.S.

Ever-Green is available online from Lets Go Green Biz.

Cap-it Packaging used by Pepsi Recognized for Sustainablity

2009-07-09T06:31:00-04:00

A jury of industry experts at the 66th annual PPC National Paperboard Packaging Competition chose Cap-it, the eco-friendly paperboard multipack from Graphic Packaging International, Inc., as the paperboard package with the most positive impact on product differentiation, merchandising, and sustainability among the 87 competitive entries.

Cap-it was first used last year as packaging for a six pack of 24oz Pepsi bottles.

“We appreciate the industry’s recognition of the Cap-it concept, which we believe can reposition paperboard as a competitive alternative to plastic rings and shrink film,” said John Best, vice president, Product Development, Graphic Packaging International, Inc.

“Cap-it paperboard multipacks demonstrate that designing for sustainability all along the supply chain can deliver more value compared to conventional plastic choices.”

The Cap-It design was introduced in 2008 as a six-pack carrier for 24oz. Pepsi beverage products bottled by Alabama-based Buffalo Rock.

The Cap-it multipack provides structural integrity, billboard and portability while out-performing plastic solutions like rings and shrink film in sustainability and supply chain economics including distribution and warehousing.

The minimal Cap-it design uses less fiber – a renewable and recyclable natural material compared to petroleum-based plastic -- and allows consumers to view the bottled beverages for quality assurance. The billboard is adequately sized for branding and promotional graphics, backside printing, product traceability codes and onserts. The short and long sides of the billboard also adapt more easily to retail shelf space limitations and provide visibly better differentiation than shrink film when multiple brands are displayed side-by-side in small spaces.

Cap-it system economics surpass that of plastic rings or shrink film. The multipack requires only die-cutting and can be shipped flat to improve truck load pack-out. Energy consumption for manufacturing and delivering Cap-it multipacks is measurably lower than the energy used for Hicone plastic rings.

Graphic Packaging’s Cap-it multipacks are available for bottles in a range of sizes from 12oz to 32oz. It will be interesting to see which companies start using Cap-it packaging for their 12oz bottle - which are the most popular size for softdrinks among U.S. consumers.