Dozens of those who participated in the Green Packaging survey answered the open-ended questions, one regarding advice for manufacturers and the other on advice directed toward suppliers. In fact, more than half of the 95 qualified participants offered their input on one or both of these questions. Here are some of their responses that, although not used in the feature, are still worth noting.
What steps can manufacturers take to make packaging more environmentally friendly?
"Don't choose the easy way--consumer and environmentally friendly packaging takes more time to develop and test." "Design it right-use lesslaminates and composites." - Purchasing manager at a very large company in India
"Market it as environmentally friendly and state the percentage of recycled materials." --Packager at a small food company in the Northeast
"Lightweight wherever possible and use and promote the use of recycled materials." "Use more reusable bulk shipping containers" What can suppliers do to help environmental packaging efforts?
"Suggest methods to reduce packaging." "Create an infrastructure to accept all materials back from our manufacturing plants." "Develop innovative materials that support recycling and/or reuse." "Identify packaging material alternatives, and organize and sponsor recycling efforts." "Make the return/recycle loop more convenient and economical for consumers." "Look for new uses for recycled packaging to replace some of the more exotic packaging materials now available." "Develop new, lighter packs with the same performance characteristics." "Coordinate recycling efforts to get bulk rates for customers in the local area." "Educate consumers." "Use recycled packaging more in the manufacturing of containers." Source: Packworld.com
See article on green survey: Packagers share thoughts
