What is Sustainable Packaging?

Sustainable Packaging 101 - from an interview with John Delfausse, the vice president of package design at The Estee Lauder Companies...

Definition: Packaging that uses the maximum amount of renewable and recycled materials, but is also sourced, manufactured and transported using renewable energy. (Source: the Sustainable Packaging Coalition)

Materials: There are a range of materials available, including bio-plastics, recycled materials and recyclable packaging. But be careful to not sacrifice performance or add excessive costs, he said.

Challenges: Retaining a "quality" feel - especially for luxury brands - for which a possible solution is to divide packaging into parts that can be separated and sorted for recycling. Also, what about exotic materials that are hard to get?

On Top of It: By being creative and experimenting with different ideas, he noted that brands can come up with innovative solutions - using the Aveda take-back initiative as an example of a successful program.

Curious about sustainable packaging initiatives? See Environmental Leader's article.

Eco-Razzi Reporting Banana's 'Green' Shirts Are, Well, Not So Much

Eco-Razzi reports on all the latest green gossip. We here at Edelbio have to admit we're addicted and regular readers of the blog.

Recently we posted a blog about Banana Republic's new eco-clothing line. We later noticed that Eco-Razzi had done the same. Heres what they had to say:

"Kicking off Monday with a little fashion news, we received a tip that Banana Republic has a new line of “eco-friendly” clothing that’s taking baby steps towards really being green.

Take for instance their new tank tops labeled as “an eco-friendly staple this season“. They are made from 87% cotton, 8% spandex, and 5% organic cotton. A source has revealed to us that these shirts “come in plastic bags that most of the stores just throw away because they can’t recycle.” Are we seeing here a classic case of greenwashing?

I guess it really depends on how you view their efforts. On one hand, BR is incorporating sustainable materials such as organic cotton, soy silk and bamboo that previously were not purchased for any percentage of their clothing empire. On the other, labeling something ‘eco-friendly’, even though 95% of it is not, seems a bit of a reach. Alessandra Brunialti, Banana Republic’s vice president of design for women, had this to say (via The LA Times): 

“A year ago, when we started this, we were trying to be super pure about it — have everything be completely organic,” she said. “And it was all becoming too much to do at once. Then our mantra became ‘One step at a time.’”

The lesson here is do your homework. If you really want to shop green, make sure you take a look at the labels so that what you’re buying actually makes sense for the planet. Something with 5% organics that comes wrapped in plastic might not make the cut." - Michael

Thanks Michael for the insight.

Goings On Around Town: The Face Parlour Launch Party

We've mentioned Face Parlour before, but allow us to re-introduce.

Face Parlour was founded by Lauren Fornes, an esthetician with a goal to "democratize radiant skin." She found her calling after a successful career in luxury marketing and her own personal struggle with adult acne. Lauren loves to help her clients feel and look great, all while knowing the real ingredients in the products. Through the FaceParlour site, she shares her expertise and research with the hope of directing clients to skin care products that are effective, safe, and sustainable.

On April 22nd Face Parlour held a party at Spring in San Francisco for their official launch! Lauren greeted everyone as they walked in through the door. After being greeted by Lauren, guests were free to view the products of Spring, nibble on snacks, drink organic vodkas, and mingle amongst themselves.

Congratulations to Lauren and FaceParlour, we hope to be celebrating many anniversaries with you!

Celeb-Watch: Drew Barrymore, Heidi Klum

Ready for even more celebrity endorsements of eco-products?

Drew Barrymore is a fan of Cheeky Monkey Jewelry. Simon Cardwell's creations are not only beautiful but they are each 100% recycled silver and gold, guaranteed fair-trade, and 10% of the proceeds go to the World Wildlife Fund. Purchase yourself a cute pendant of your favorite endangered species and support the World Conservation Union.

Heidi Klum dresses her adorable children in Childish Clothing, a line of eco-friendly kids clothing. Childish Clothing also carries maternity wear for mom and lots of fun, quirky gifts.

Power to the People: Consumers Demand Sustainably Sourced Goods

From Cosmetics Design:

The consumer quest for truly natural and organic personal care products is having a knock- on effect on manufacturers, pushing the boundaries involved in ethical and sustainable production.

What does this mean exactly?

1. That the processes behind the manufacturing of the products are "green" (i.e., made using power from renewable energy, creating minimal waste) ultimately ensuring that the carbon footprint is kept to a minimum. --Example: British retailer Boots is working to develop natural ingredients from algae grown from the waste and heat of its power station in Nottingham. (Wait...is this ironic?)
2. That the farming techniques for the ingredients are monitored so that there is no threat to the plant or the environment. --About a month ago, a new way to produce solvent-free scented chemicals by using reducing agent sodium borohydride was discovered by scientists at the University of Genova. (Love those Italians!)

The customer is always right, they say, and in this case, it is consumer demands that are driving changes in the industry. Don't stop...demanding. It's a long Journey.