Organic Processing Vo1.8 #6 - November/December 2011

Trends in Responsible Packaging

The 2011 awards demonstrate the adoption and evolution of sustainable packaging in the organic and natural products industry, as well as the various challenges companies face trying to ensure their packaging reflects the values of the products inside.

A commitment to responsible
packaging must be aligned with the
principles of sustainability and ecolog-
ical design, such as those outlined in
natural capitalism, zero-waste and
triple-bottom-line philosophies.
Whole Foods Market’s transition to
100 percent PCR plastic is driven by
these values. Jeremiah McElwee, exec-
utive whole body coordinator, ex-
plains, “Ultimately, our goal is for our
stores to be as close to zero waste as
quickly as possible, so moving to post-
consumer recycled materials for pack-
aging is just a logical first step. We will
continue to evaluate all viable and en-
vironmentally responsible packaging options as we go forward
and keep pushing toward the most sound options as they become
available.”
Other organic leaders are also pushing toward more sustainable
options. Below are a few of the top eco-packaging trends highlighted
by the Responsible Packaging Award winners.

Is Your Packaging “Certifiably” Green?

Third-party verification is becoming increasingly important and any
claim should align with or exceed the Federal Trade Commission’s
(FTC) Green Guidelines ( http://ftc.gov/bcp/grnrule/guides
980427.htm). With the proliferation of undefined packaging claims
such as “green,” “degradable” and “bio-based,” greenwashing is a sig-
nificant concern for the organic industry and for those companies
truly seeking responsible packaging. Genji Sushi has undergone sev-
eral third-party certifications to ensure that its compostable sushi tray
lives up to its claims. These certifications came from the following
third-party organizations, each addressing different parts of sustain-
able packaging:
• Biogenetics Services ( www.biogeneticservices.com) confirmed that
the packaging contains no GMOs.

• Biodegradable Products Institute ( www.bpiworld.org) certified that
the packaging is designed to disintegrate and biodegrade quickly
and safely when composted in a professionally managed facility.