Product Packaging Gets Eco-Chic

Remember when retail product advertising simply centered on the product itself? You know, when a piece of plastic was just a wasteful piece of earth-harmful material and nothing more? Those days are totally over.

Today, retail product advertising often glosses over the actual product, while honing in on the sustainability of the packaging that the product comes in. And it's not just in advertising.

Check this out--a friend of mine nixed my lunch suggestion because the food came with too much packaging. It's also no longer chic to waste massive amounts of sparkly paper to wrap Christmas presents in. Instead, gifts are being wrapped in old newspapers. We're now as eco-friendly about our packaging as we are with the product itself.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. We should care about these things. It is our Earth after all.

But, recently, I found myself chuckling quite a bit while reading a press release for Organicare Beauty products. The release focused somewhat on the loveliness of the skincare line, but mostly centered on the "sophisticated, fashionable and serious" packaging (10/21/08 release) all designed to send a message about the skincare's commitment to the environment.

In fact, the packaging is made using hydropower and wind power in a carbon-neutral facility. And that's not all. According to the Willoughby Design Group, which designed the packaging, it's also Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified with all of the paperboard straight from responsibly managed forests.

My, my, my--we've certainly come a long way, haven't we?

Not so long ago just a handful of folks were piloting the cloth grocery bag movement and now it has completely infiltrated our world. Retail product press releases wax on endlessly about sustainable packaging. And to top it off, our friends (well, mine at least!) won't eat our food if it comes with too much packaging.

Do you know other retail products that are package-centric? What do you think about this incredible focus in the retail world? (I am loving it, although it does make me giggle!) When we do things, boy, do we do them BIG. Care to share your thoughts? Do so here!

 --Heather Strang

Comments

[James]

I like to see people talking about sustainability. =) It is vital! www.lewislp.com is a great source of FSC lumber. I believe we should rally around those promoting these ideals to encourage others to follow suit.