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Sustainability--the ultimate tiebreaker

Recently, I spoke to the Contract Packaging Association at its annual conference in Miami, FL.

Pw 6704 Dennis Salazar 28 May08

Some in the audience seemed surprised when I referred to sustainable packaging as the ultimate tiebreaker in today and tomorrow’s business world.

I am sure some of them thought I was overstating sustainability’s importance, and I admit to being rather passionate about “going green.” But my comment was not at all emotional in concept or purpose. Here are some areas to reflect on as you consider whether sustainability should have a place in your contract packaging decision-making.

Who is your competitor?

Today, our primary competitor is not always down the street or across town; it may well be overseas. Many companies around the world are capable of providing the same product or service we do, often at a lower price, thanks to their substantially lower labor cost.

Even though the U.S. dollar is now extremely weak, competitive pressure from overseas remains strong. When the dollar inevitably strengthens, how will we compete if we do so purely on the basis of price?

Is your business secure? 

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