Click on the link below to go to the report on the excellent Greener Package web site. Apparently, ’sustainable packaging’ is a live and growing trend. You don’t say? This worries me. The problem, not really addressed, is that most people have not the slightest idea what ’sustainable’ really is or means. The retailers and brand owners will want to continue to sell their products, of course, and so will default to a situation where they provide packaging that LOOKS sustainable – paper, cardboard, glass etc, all of which are great packaging materials but not always the greenest or most sustainable option. Many people argue for unpackaging products, but don’t appreciate that food waste increases. Most people will equate ‘recycled’ with ’sustainable’, which is simply not true.

The most ethical, greenest and sustainable option can only be determined by a packaging expert, NOT by public opinion. (Martin)

A new report from independent market analyst Datamonitor identifies that sustainable packaging is a growing consumer issue that has the potential to benefit numerous stakeholders. At present, U.S. consumers’ interest in packaging is relatively low in general, but with a high proportion of consumers interested in the sustainability aspect of packaging.

via Recession brings sustainability to forefront for consumers | Greener Package.