Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi,

Could somebody/anybody please list a resource to obtain environmentally friendly packaging...and what constitutes this definition.   When I package my apparel products for shipping to customers I would like to have earth friendly packaging, not earth killing and polluting packaging....if there is such a thing?  

recycled tissue paper, recycled paper bags?   I am open to any and all advice, websites, reading material etc. 

thank you,

dianne

I love TigerTaco`s idea of using his product to unpack and repack a box instead of breaking down the box. Maybe you can somehow collect the shipping containers back from your customers? Or reuse boxes instead of buying recycled?

Thank you for a great idea.   But in the beginning I will be shipping products that will fit in the USPS envelopes.   I need environementally friendly `product packaging` for when the customer opens the ugly usps envelope, my apparel products will be wrapped in something pretty.    

Is there such a thing as recycled tissue paper?  or bags with handles?

This may seem small, but I am trying.

p.s.  I could include a note in each shipment reminding people to `be nice to earth and please recycle`

Thanx,

Dianne

Packaging is an important issue.  Doing it right gives your customers a very positive message and helps the environment.  As for ideas, use easily recreated or recycled items that are non-polluting.  Something as simple as your own shredded paper from your own business can work.  The less packaging you have the better. 

 

There are several places on the web for packaging ideas.  Personally, I would start with http://www.treehugger.com.  Look at what others have done that sell products reviewed at that site.  There are some great ideas from around the world there.  The site actually has contests for the best packaging idea.

 

Second, check out how Europeans are dealing with the problem.  They have been doing it much longer than we have.  The fact that Europeans have too much trash, and no where to put it, has forced them to rethink the entire issue.  Many European countries make it the manufactures and/or retailers responsibility to deal with the problem, rather than the consumer.  This could be all of us one day.  One such source for European information is the European Organization for Packaging and the Environment (EUROPEN).  EUROPEN is an industry and trade organization open to any company with an economic interest in packaging and packaged products. (http://www.europen.be/)  There many more sites in the UK and other European countries working on this subject too.

 

There are also several US colleges that are also addressing this issue like the GreenPkg Team at http://www2.bren.ucsb.edu/~green-pkg/.  They not only have a great PDF on the subject but they also have a good link page.  I have included some of their links below:

 

Institute of Packaging Professionals: http://www.iopp.org

Environmental Defense Fund: http://www.environmentaldefense.org/home.cfm

Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov/

Coalition of Northeastern Governors: http://www.coneg.org/

Society of Plastics Industry: http://www.socplas.org/

California Department of Conservation: http://www.consrv.ca.gov/index/

California Integrated Waste Management Board: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/

California Resource Recovery Association: http://www.crra.com/front.html

Northern California Recyling Association: http://www.ncrarecycles.org/

Re-Source America, Inc.: http://www.resourceamerica.com/

IBM Environmental Packaging Design Guide: http://www.p2pays.org/ref/04/03262.pdf

 

I hope this gets you started.  It is really cool that you are concerned!

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Bert at Harvey Software, Inc.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software and Supply Chain Solutions for Internet Retailers

Also a provider of free shipping information and resources at Harvey Software`s Parcel Shipping Blog along with free tracking solutions at TrackingPage.com...

Holy Cow,

Perfect information...I am tackling it right now, 1 website at a time.

I sincerely thank you. 

I belong to another forum, www.mompreneursonline.com   Would it be o.k. if I copy/paste your post and let the ladies over there know.   Most of them have established businesses, but possibly don`t know about these ideas/options.

 

Dianne

Go right ahead.  I am happy to help...

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Bert at Harvey Software, Inc.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software and Supply Chain Solutions for Internet Retailers

Also a provider of free shipping information and resources at Harvey Software`s Parcel Shipping Blog along with free tracking solutions at TrackingPage.com...

In addition to the fantastic resources Bert mentioned, you might be interested in reading about others are doing it.

Certaintees is a great example of a sustainable business model. Check out their FAQS, which discusses packaging and shipping among other things.


Some things to consider when packaging for retail:

• End use: Hoe much of the package will be thrown away? Is there a way to reduce the amount of materials used, and thus the amount of materials that will end up in the waste stream? This is often when a graphic designer can help.
  
  
• Shipping: Is there a way to create a package that takes up less space, and thus requires less energy/fuel to transport?
  
  
• Materials: Is the packaging recyclable, or better yet, biodegradable? Is it made from recycled or reclaimed materials. TerraCycle is the perfect example: they reclaim used soda bottles and package their product right in `em.
  
  
• Materials: Look for FSC-certified paper goods, at least 35% PCW recycled paper goods, etc.
  

Some vendors that carry that eco-conscious materials:

• Eco Products
• TreeCycle
• PaperNuts
  
• Find FSC-certified manufacturers
• Seattle government`s own supply resource page

Good luck!
J.



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Roughstock Studios | Notes From the Rodeo | Newsletter
Strategic communications without the selling of souls.

I think I have it!

www.ecoproducts.com sister site is www.biodegradeablestore.com and I can purchase good ol` brown paper bags that are;

"Our brown paper bags are an excellent environmental choice.  They are 100% biodegradable and unbleached.  With a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled paper, choose our brown paper bags to give your customers."

I will put a pretty logo`d sticker on the bag and Voila....eco-friendly, and pretty.

Plus I emailed some other companies for future larger packaging peanuts/box needs. 

This is great.  I will pass this information on. 

 Dianne `the happy girl`

One thing you can do is make sure the package itself is reusable. Meaning they might use it to keep pens in, or maybe its so nice they keep it as some nice book shelf piece. Aveda sends out some really nice stuff. their candles come in this supper cool craft paper/card board round container thats almost impossible to just throw out. It`s a different approch to recycling, make it simply to nice to toss.

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He who gets greedy like a pig, gets slaughtered like a hog!

Fantastic; don`t forget to inform your customers about your choices, na dlet them know that the packaging can go right into the recycle or compost bin.


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Roughstock Studios | Notes From the Rodeo | Newsletter
Strategic communications without the selling of souls.