Metabolix’ field trials investigate bioplastic-producing crops

26-Oct-2009 - Field research on tobacco takes Metabolix one step further in its quest to design non-food crops that produce plastic resins for use in cosmetic and food packaging.

Bioplastics have huge potential but infrastructure needs to catch up

05-Oct-2009 - Bio-based plastic resins are beginning to make their mark on the world of packaging; but, although significant savings are being made on resource use, much still needs to be done to improve end-of-life options.

Weekly comment

Green packaging is more about improving recycling than new materials

29-Sep-2009 - When it comes to environmentally friendly packaging some of the most important savings are being missed through poor recycling options – and this applies to all plastics bio- and fossil fuel-based.

Research aims to boost bioplastics from potatoes

02-Sep-2009 - Corn starch-based Bioplastics have proved increasingly popular for eco-friendly personal care packaging, but now researchers are investigating ways to enhance potato starch for this purpose.

Green packaging event hopes to promote US-Franco trade links

02-Sep-2009 - French companies have a lot to offer the US in terms of green packaging, according to French business development agency Ubifrance.

Material-saving plastic tube awarded Tube of the Year

13-Aug-2009 - A plastic tube incorporating a permanently attached closure, which could save up to 40 per cent in material weight, has been awarded prototype tube of the year.

Taxing new plastic would increase use of recycled material, says chemist

25-Jun-2009 - Taxing virgin PET is one of the best ways to get companies to move over to using recycled material for plastic packaging, according to a green chemist.

Dupont uses packaging award to leverage sustainable business practices

24-Jun-2009 - The company is focusing on its Dupont Awards as a means of helping the personal care industry discover how packaging can be incorporated into a sustainable business strategy.

Thinking outside the box: Refillable packaging opportunities

24-Jun-2009 - Creative ideas for refillable beauty packages have great potential for companies looking to improve their green credentials, says a packaging design expert.

Companies urged to do more as UK unveils new packaging strategy

10-Jun-2009 - A major reduction in packaging, a rethink on how it is measured and a call for greater investment by packing companies to increase recycling are part of a strategy unveiled today by the UK government.

Recyclable perfume bottles, a new move for Valois packaging

04-Jun-2009 - A screw-on pump for perfumes helps consumers recycle the glass bottle after use, according to France-based packaging supplier Valois.

Sustainable packaging is not a priority for brand owners, says survey

29-May-2009 - The vast majority of manufacturers have not tackled the issue of sustainable packaging, according to a survey of brand owners.

Recycling logo for consumer packaging launched in UK

18-Mar-2009 - Major UK supermarkets have signed up to a new recycling logo for consumer packaging, aiming to present how much of the packaging can be recycled and where.

Companies must look out for green packaging traps

27-Feb-2009 - Manufacturers must be wary of the environmental credentials of green packaging materials and avoid using them just for their marketing benefits, says one research group.

Alcan innovation director discusses marrying luxury and sustainability

26-Feb-2009 - Luxury and sustainability may appear irreconcilable but beauty packaging firms are working on ways to combine the two concepts.

Industry won't stray from sustainability despite recession, say beauty packaging leaders

16-Feb-2009 - Sustainability can be expensive but leaders in the beauty packaging industry claim they cannot afford not to go green.

Bathroom energy drain sparks new product ideas

10-Feb-2009 - Above the buzz of conversation at the busy PCD Congress in Paris, CosmeticsDesign.com spoke to Eric Scheid from Henkel to find out how studying the life-cycle of cosmetics can spark green product ideas into life. A shower gel starts life on the factory floor and travels miles to reach consumers but it is in the bathroom where the product does most damage to the environment. Scheid quantifies this damage and explains how waterless soap and new packaging designs can reduce the energy soaked up in the morning wash.

Marketing of green packaging should be avoided, says professor

06-Feb-2009 - Green marketing of sustainable packaging materials can be a boomerang that comes back to hit brands in the face, says professor.

Ecoflation could hit companies hard in the future

10-Dec-2008 - Companies already struggling in the current economic climate will soon have to contend with a new phenomenon, ecoflation, according to a study by ATKearney.

Ethical market will grow despite economic worries, Co-op report

28-Nov-2008 - ‘Values’ will not necessarily be sacrificed for ‘value’ when it comes to ethical purchasing in an economic downturn, according to a recent Co-op report.

Waste reduction urged as demand for recyclables drops

17-Nov-2008 - A push for waste minimisation and the production of high quality marketable recyclables is being promoted by stakeholders as demand and prices for recycled materials the UK drop significantly.

Sustainable cosmetics tops the agenda at industry event

29-Sep-2008 - The Personal Care Products Council is digging into sustainability at the upcoming Science Week event in New Jersey with a dedicated workshop.

Bioplastics firm claims to have married performance and sustainability

18-Sep-2008 - Biodegradable packaging is often criticized for failing to match the quality of petroleum alternatives, but Telles claims to have developed a solution.

Impressions Packaging extends PET bottle range

10-Sep-2008 - Impressions Packaging has extended its range of heavy wall PET bottles to include pearlescent effects that combine eco-friendly qualities with a high end look.