Top 5 sustainable packaging wins in 2014

Happy Earth Day 2014! Packaging Digest celebrates by examining some of the leading advancements in sustainable packaging so far this year. Have you seen these developments?

1. Kevlar-like nanocrystals strengthen plastic packaging. “Nanocrystals are derived from plants and have similar properties to Kevlar that makes them an ideal candidate for plastic reinforcement,” says Laszlo Horvath, assistant professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

2. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is revving up in America. Alan Blake, PAC NEXT executive director, gives Packaging Digest an exclusive interview on this steaming-hot topic. “In U.S. the debate will continue for and against EPR across industry, NGO's and the 50 U.S. states…stay tuned for further developments.”

3. Critical consumer education on how to recycle packaging continues. Recovery and collection are key to feeding the demand for recycled-content materials.

4. Designers tap into cube-efficient packages, saving costs and space during storage and shipment, which can help reduce overall carbon footprint. Example #1. Example #2.

5. Packagers take a holistic approach. Snoqualmie Winery, Washington's largest certified organic vineyard, walks the talk on its pledge to promoting a sustainable environment. New packaging focuses on improving all components: glass bottle, label, cork and cases.

What developments do you think should have been on this list? Leave a comment below.