Eco-Friendly Boxes and Packaging Materials

When we consider packaging materials, we generally think of large companies. Their methods of manufacturing, packaging and shipping influence the environment on a grand scale. However, being eco-friendly encompasses many aspects of our daily lives and includes many of our everyday household items that use packaging materials. New products are available to help everyone be more conscious of their carbon footprint.

Products made primarily from 80 percent calcium carbonate, which is salvaged from limestone quarries, are replacing packaging materials traditionally made from paper. The remaining 20 percent is non-toxic resin (HDPE) High Density Polyethylene. No trees or water are used in the manufacture of this product. The product is water resistant and can replace traditional coated papers and PVC sheets. Recycle the product according to regular paper or plastic recycling methods. The product can be recycled into other packaging material, or used in building and construction, farming, glass making and steel manufacturing industries.

A carbon-free CD disk case is being made from 100 percent recycled plastic water bottles and FSC or SFI certified paperboard. Additionally, weighing almost half the standard CD case packaging, shipping costs are greatly reduced, along with the company's carbon footprint. The product adheres to the sustainability guidelines of major music recording and merchandisers and distributors. Considering that over four billions pounds of containers enter the environment annually, recycling utilizes less energy to process, eliminating thousands of tons of carbon dioxide annually.

Mobile phones are now being made with plastic housing that is made from recycled plastic water bottles, making it, in turn, 100 percent recyclable. The smaller design of the phones maintains high quality, while utilizing less plastic. Look for packaging and materials included in the box that are made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper and a postage-paid recycled envelope for you to return your old phone for recycling at no cost, further offsetting your carbon footprint.

Packing peanuts, used for many packaging containers, are being treated with additives that accelerate their degradation. Made from 100 percent recycled polystyrene, they require 86 percent less energy to produce. They weigh 64 percent less than paper fillers, further reducing shipping costs and carbon footprints. These green, figure 8 peanuts are collected at over 1,500 locations in the United States, and passed on to an Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR) location through a drop-off or mail-in program. If they are not recycled, the peanuts will biodegrade in less than 5 years in the presence of microorganisms.

References:

SunLyte: Sunlyte Tray – Pre-Offset Carbon Footprint

FP International: Super 8 Loosefill Packing Peanuts