Shorewood Packaging, a business of International Paper (IP), recently launched greenchoice™ Environmental Solutions for Packaging and Displays, a new program that helps marketers of a variety of consumer and home entertainment products meet sustainable packaging goals. The program is designed for companies who are just beginning to explore sustainable packaging, in addition to those who already have sustainability initiatives well under way.
Greenchoice includes a comprehensive analysis of current packaging, with recommendations on package design — and the use of alternative materials — to meet sustainable packaging requirements. The greenchoice Green Toolbox helps customers evaluate and make choices in six key areas:
- Paper and paperboard — both virgin and recycled choices that are renewable, recoverable, recyclable, and biodegradable when composted.
- Inks and coatings — such as renewable vegetable oil-based inks and water-based coatings.
- Alternative materials — such as CD/DVD trays made from recyclable paperboard or plant/vegetable-based materials.
- “Green” package and display design — right sizing, fewer pieces, sustainable materials.
- A more conscientious supply chain — ways to minimize a company’s carbon footprint, which is defined as the total weight of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product.
- Third-party programs that link IP’s network of environmental partners to “green” projects like community recycling efforts.
Greenchoice also serves to identify ways to replace less-desirable packaging and display materials with innovative solutions that enhance retail appeal and make supply chains more efficient, yet are made from renewable materials that are recyclable and compostable in municipal composting systems.
All greenchoice sustainable packaging solutions meet the criteria established by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, as well as “The Seven Rs” of sustainable packaging set forth by Wal-Mart in its 2006 Sustainable Packaging Initiative.
“We named the program ‘greenchoice’ because it really is all about options,” says Bob Anstine, vice president of marketing and business development for Shorewood Packaging. “Weighing the costs and benefits of going green involves a series of complex choices, each with a different impact on both the product and the environment. Greenchoice brings order to the complexity of this topic by providing a solid framework to evaluate alternative packaging and display options, measure against sustainability criteria, and ultimately turn ideas into action.”
Shorewood Packaging began introducing greenchoice™ to select customers in a series of presentations that began in November 2006. According to Anstine, there has been strong enthusiasm and support for the program.
“Customers in a variety of packaging categories have become more sustainable by increasing their reliance on renewable paper, paperboard and inks, as well as alternative materials and ‘greener’ package and P.O.P. display design,” he states. “And, they have done so without compromising performance or aesthetics.”
In addition, IP is taking a comprehensive approach to sustainability across all of its paper and packaging products to include forest management, manufacturing, and product stewardship. IP’s new Office of Sustainability coordinates sustainability efforts with customers, public and external stakeholders, and suppliers by providing information, technical support, and strategies for current and emerging environmental issues.
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