Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. has found an innovative way to help consumers protect the environment through its packaging. Flexible film bags of Scotts’ lawn fertilizer educate consumers on how to properly apply the product during lawn-maintenance activities by following the label directions.
Based on input from environmental groups and the company’s own consumer research, Scotts Miracle-Gro, Marysville, OH, has added best-practice application instructions on more than 35 million bags of its Turf Builder brand of fertilizer products. The company, which sells $2 billion of lawn and garden products each year, features the messages on the top of the back panel on its fertilizer bags.
The message “Scotts & Your Environment” appears in green letters to the left of a tree in full bloom, against a sky-blue background. Additional text says, “We care,” along with the company’s commitment to a healthy environment, and “You can make a difference,” with instructions on how to apply the fertilizer in an environmentally healthy way. The messages and instructions appear in both English and Spanish.
These changes highlight a range of refreshed graphics on the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags that support the company’s healthy environment message. Scotts Miracle-Gro didn’t disclose suppliers that worked on the packaging, but said the bags are printed using flexographic, rotogravure, screen, lithographic, and digital printing processes in two to 10 colors.
“Enjoying the benefits of a healthy lawn and protecting the environment go hand-in-hand,” says Rich Martinez, Scotts Miracle-Gro chief environmental officer. “It is our responsibility as the largest provider of consumer lawn and garden products to help educate consumers on stewardship issues.”
