Sustainable Success Snapshots: 10 Companies Leading the Way in Sustainable Sourcing and Packaging

Jeremie Bohbot

PHOENIX, Arizona , August 14, 2012 (Pioneer Packaging ) – As more and more businesses begin to think seriously about the carbon footprint they create, they have many high profile companies to look to as examples of how to put plans into action. Here are 10 great examples, taken from our sustainable packaging blog.

1. Hasbro
Hasbro has been making children’s games and toys for quite some time and takes their place in the world very seriously. They have been using PVC, a type of plastic for packaging for a few decades. PVC or Polyvinyl Chlorine has a low cost of use and has had a long run of popularity. Other materials have risen to the surface that are not as dangerous to the environment and Hasbro has quickly begun the changeover.

2. REI
REI, (Recreational Equipment Inc.), has also started to use sustainable packaging. Although smaller than Hasbro, it is not a matter of how much packaging a company uses; it is a matter of how responsible they choose to be. REI has already committed to using 25% less non-sustainable packaging by the end of 2013. This is a big move that will no doubt inspire others to do the same.

3. Windex
For some time now, Windex has used a large amount of recycled plastic in their bottling. Their new method will use a refillable pouch, allowing consumers to keep the original bottle and refill with the pouch instead. The pouch itself is made from sustainable packaging and this means less impact on the environment.

4. Crate and Barrel
Crate and Barrel has also started using sustainable packaging for their shipping needs. Their shopping bags are made from 100% recycled paper and plastic, while the tissue paper that is used to pack their shipped goods is made from 70% waste and is 100% recyclable.

5. Proctor and Gamble
Proctor and Gamble has improved the packaging that they use for their Olay product line. This covers quite a few products and is going to be a big help in reducing waste plastics in the world.

6. Ford
No one can deny that the automobile industry produces a great deal of metal and plastic that is not recycled. Ford has begun using Soy based chemicals to produce foam that is used in the manufacturing of some of their vehicles. This may even one day replace the foam that fills the seats of many cars.

7. AT&T
AT&T has started using a plastic that is made from sugar cane. This is not the first time that AT&T has experimented with sustainable packaging. They have used vegetable and soy based plastics in the past. They are now on a quest to find the very best sustainable solution.

8. Dunkin’ Donuts
Dunkin’ Donuts has not yet begun to use sustainable packaging, but they are just a few steps away. They recently issued their first inter-company report that will lead to the use of sustainable packaging in the future. Currently in the research and development stage, it will no doubt lead to a large influx within the industry. Dunkin’ Donuts produces a large quantity of paper and plastic that can be recycled and will be improving this effort with the introduction of fully sustainable packaging.

9. Malt-o-Meal
Malt-o-Meal has for years used plastic bags, rather than boxes to cut down on paper waste. Most cereal companies use a plastic bag that is contained within a box. While boxes perhaps make shipping and in-store display easier, Malt-o-Meal is pushing the sustainable envelope by using plastic bags exclusively.

10. SaraLee
SaraLee has announced that they are putting a great deal of energy into finding better ways to package and deliver their products and it is assumed that by the end of 2013, there will be several areas in their operation that have been positively impacted. There is no doubt that this will be built upon a foundation of sustainable packaging.

Although there may be an added cost, these examples of sustainable sourcing give all of us the convenience that we desire while at the same time minimizing the impact upon our home and planet.

About the Author:

Jeff Giedt is the VP and General Manager of Pioneer Packaging in Phoenix, AZ. Pioneer Packaging is a division of the Heritage Pioneer Corporate Group, a leading distributor of packaging materials and equipment with 16 locations across the western U.S. Learn more: http://www.hpcorporategroup.com/

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