Is eco-friendly packaging worth the battle or just a bunch of bologna?

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are fiercely competing against one another in an attempt to create the first-ever, commercially produced 100% plant-based plastic bottle. The two companies are facing-off for one reason and one reason alone, to be crowned the ultimate, revered example of streamlining eco-friendly business within the packaging industry. Businesses are eager to give consumers what they want, yet the question remains; are we ready to live a greener life, or merely interested in fawning after the idea of one?

The world through emerald colored glasses
Sustainability and the idea of packaging in eco-friendly plastic bottles is prevalent throughout the world today. Whether it was the media or a genuine attack of consciousness that set off the hype of living and packaging according to an earth-friendly code, we’ll never know. But, by this point in time it’s assumed that everyone with a heart gets warm fuzzies and jumps for joy at every chance they have to help the planet. Or at least they act happy, as they nonchalantly pass the display of green plastic bottles.  

Studies say consumers are interested in going green – but do their purchases agree?
Every hot button item has a particular list of qualities that consumers can’t live without and sustainable plastic bottles are no different. Their most enticing characteristics range from less packaging (less use of resin material) and a focus on using renewable resources (ex: corn) in place of nonrenewable resources (ex: petroleum). Sold on recycling as well, the usage of resin from recycled plastic bottles was thought to be a real crowd-pleaser too.

Statistics from a study completed by Perception Research Services supports these arguments by revealing that “36 percent of consumers were likely to choose environmentally friendly packaging” and that packaging that was referred to as “recyclable” or “made from recycled materials” were the most purchased of the sustainable items. Funny that should be the case, because we happen to stock post-consumer resin (PCR) containers, plastic bottles and jars made from recycled PET.  

The 411 on PCR
The truth is; we’re in a bit of a quandary when it comes to selling green plastic bottles, just as many of you are. Our PCR product line is a wonderful testament to sustainable practices. The fact that this material began as plastic bottles that were gathered, broken down, cleaned, dried, formed into pellets to then be formed into a new generation of plastic bottles is remarkable (see the PCR closed loop life cycle graphic).

It sounds like a dream come true for green-minded consumers, right? We thought so, but amidst hordes of interested clients, our eco-friendly line hasn’t blossomed into the bloom it could be just yet.

Misconceptions keep green packaging in the dark
We may not know exactly what goes through the mind of packagers somewhere between visiting our PCR page and the checkout that’s responsible for dampening the flame for eco-friendly packaging, but we’ve got a couple of ideas.

• Price: According to the Perception Research Services study, “67 percent of consumers said they were willing to pay more for green packaging.” Guess what? You don’t have to shell out more dough for a greener stash of plastic bottles. Though PCR plastic bottles are typically priced 10% higher than virgin resins, we’re currently selling stock PET and PCR products at the same price. 

• Appearance: Some say PCR isn’t as pretty as virgin PET. Well, you might as well cry yourself to sleep if you’re going to let a measly beauty critique stand between you and green plastic bottles or jars for your product. In fact, this claim is largely false – take a look at our collection of colored PCR (cobalt and amber) plastic bottles and jars. I bet you couldn’t pick the recycled goods out of a lineup of plastic bottles. 

Like eco-friendly plastic bottles, this conclusion is light on material. Not only for the sake of the pun, but because the solution to the problem is simple, everything hinges on one decision. Are we as an industry ready to commit to sustainable packaging?

Are post-consumer plastic bottles and jars on your must have list? Tell us why or why not?