#EarthDayEveryDay Earth Day is a catalyst for real positive change. It contributes to education and outreach by spreading knowledge about environmental challenges. Earth Day unites people worldwide in a common cause, inspiring people to get involved by raising visibility and making environmental goals seem more achievable. More than just talk, Earth Day inspires hands-on action by providing accessible entry points to sustainability. Park cleanups, tree plantings - you name it. These events offer the perfect way for people to take their first steps towards sustainability. School programs, comm ..read more

Plastic revolutionized packaging with its low cost, durability, and versatility. These attributes allowed plastic to become the go-to material for cheap, lightweight packaging that could protect products throughout the entire supply chain. The same properties that make plastic packaging so practical and popular are the core drivers behind its catastrophic environmental, health, and economic impact. Low production costs have enabled a wasteful, disposable mentality. Its durability and versatility mean it lingers for centuries after serving its temporary packaging purpose. Low Cost: Plastic's ..read more

While single-use packaging has dominated recent decades, growing sustainability awareness is bringing refillable systems back into the spotlight. Consumers are increasingly recognizing the many benefits of refilling and reusing. Refill systems are a powerful way to break the make-take-waste economy of disposable products that clutter our landfills. These systems combine reusable containers with separately purchased refills. Reusable containers can be refilled at a bulk store, or purchased as refill packs which use less packaging than the original product. Innovative solutions like compostable ..read more

Recognized for their minimal environmental footprint, durability, and user-friendly features — including reclosable zippers and tear notches — stand-up pouches have become a preferred packaging choice for a huge number of brands. The first stand-up pouch was invented in 1963 by Louis Doyen and was originally designed for packaging fruit juice. The “Doypack” design utilized a U-shaped bottom gusset that allowed the bag to stand upright when filled. In the 1950’s the only film available for flexible packaging was cellophane. The 1960’s saw the introduction of alternatives such as polypropylene ..read more

Almost everything we purchase online or from a store usually comes in some sort of packaging. Whether they are boxes, plastic wrappers, or bags, these packaging materials often end their journey as waste, with a significant portion ending up in landfills. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy framework that aims to shift the responsibility for managing product life cycles from consumers onto the shoulders of the producers themselves. In simpler terms, EPR tells producers, "Hey, you need to think about what happens to your packaging after it's served its purpose. It shouldn't just ..read more

With the average American household receiving a staggering 162 packages in 2022 and global shipments reaching a monumental 356 billion in 2023, the impact of our packaging choices cannot be overstated. Packing tape, often hidden in plain sight, is an integral part of shipping goods to retailers, vendors, and customers. Most packages will have tape, and a significant portion of that tape is plastic. Inconspicuous sources of plastic waste can accumulate significantly over time, contributing to environmental harm if not properly managed. "What most people see in their garbage cans is just the ti ..read more

More than ever before, customers are prioritizing sustainability and actively seeking out products that align with their values. Modern customers form stronger relationships with brands that pay attention to the environmental impacts of their products. “Customers now align themselves with brands that are compatible with their values and priorities.” - Most Consumers Want Sustainable Products and Packaging, Business News Daily This is a powerful shift in consciousness. Choosing sustainable brands empowers individuals to contribute to a healthier planet and feel connected to a community of like ..read more

2024 marks a pivotal point for businesses worldwide. As environmental and social activism continue to take center stage, companies must integrate sustainability into every part of their operations. With the  2025 global plastic targets looming, the choice is clear: adapt or be swept away by the "green tide" of eco-conscious consumers. Over 400 US municipalities have implemented bans or taxes on single-use plastics,  with more on the way. Consumers are voting with their wallets, with recent studies showing that consumers overwhelmingly prioritize a sustainable lifestyle. So, what exa ..read more

Why Sustainable Packaging Matters More Than Ever As the calendar turns to a new year, it's time for businesses to look ahead! Not just in terms of profits and growth, but also in how their operations impact the world around us. In 2024, the importance of sustainable packaging is more pronounced than ever, driven by heightened environmental awareness and a collective call for action against climate change. This shift isn't just about why sustainable packaging is essential for businesses; it's also about shaping the perception and legacy of your brand in a rapidly evolving market. Circularity i ..read more

How do the breakdown processes of plastics and compostable materials differ, and why does it matter? The term "breaking down" is used to describe both the slow degradation of petroleum-based plastics and the biodegradation of compostable products. Adding to this complexity is the issue of greenwashing, such as additives that make plastics degrade faster, misleadingly suggesting a similarity to compostable materials. Understanding the environmental impact and health implications of packaging materials, as well as clarifying these processes and terminology, is key to making informed choices tha ..read more