Choosing the right Eco-friendly container for your product

There are several types of #thermoplastic #polymers available for molding various types of #containers and some of them are labeled as #eco-friendly. However, the question is: are they truly eco-friendly? It's crucial to be aware about the #greenwashing methods employed by numerous "eco-friendly” industries.

What is greenwashing?

Greenwashing refers to the deceptive practice of making unsubstantiated or misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service or company's practices. It involves presenting a false or exaggerated impression of environmental responsibility to mislead consumers into believing that a company or its products are more environmentally friendly than they actually are. Here are some examples:

• Lack of proof or certification: When companies make environmental claims without providing credible evidence or third-party certifications to support those claims.

• Irrelevant claims: This occurs when a product is promoted as "recyclable" but fails to mention that it contains harmful or toxic ingredients or that its production methods are unsustainable.

• Vague or unsubstantiated claims: Companies may use terms like "eco-friendly," "green" or "sustainable" without offering clear definitions or providing verifiable evidence to back up these assertions.

• Misleading branding: Some companies may incorporate terms like "eco," "green" or "eco-friendly" in their brand names or product names to give the impression of environmental friendliness, even if their practices or products do not meet established environmental standards.
  

When selecting a container supplier, it is important to be cautious and not solely rely on claims of eco-friendliness. Requesting official certifications from the supplier is recommended to ensure that the containers meet recognized environmental standards.

Below are some official certifications that you can request from your container supplier:

Eco-friendly Official Certifications

All of these third party labs use extensive materials analysis to prove that your materials meet the eco-friendly established standards for the plastic industry. Greensashing is the reason why these companies exist.

Note: there are several additional labs and certifications available that can prove your materials are eco-friendly.

Examples of eco-friendly containers plastics

What are the good plastics to use?

Bioplastics:

• Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)

• Bio Polybutylene succinate (BioPBS)

• Polylactic Acid (PLA)

• Polyglycolic acid (PGA)

• Poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)

Recycled Plastics:

• Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET)

• Recycled High Density Polythene (rHDPE)

• Recycled Low Density Polythene (rLDPE)

Now, you are better equipped to make an informed choice for your eco-friendly product. By being aware of the practices employed by some companies, you can ensure that the containers you select truly align with your sustainability goals.

Consider reaching out to container suppliers and requesting detailed information about their materials, manufacturing processes and any certifications they hold. Ask for transparency regarding their environmental claims and verify if they have undergone rigorous testing by reputable third-party labs.

By carefully evaluating these factors and selecting containers with recognized eco-friendly certifications, you can have confidence in the sustainability of your product packaging.

Remember, the journey towards sustainability is an ongoing process and staying informed about evolving standards and certifications can further enhance your eco-friendly initiatives. Follow us or suscribe for more posts like this.