Sustainable Packaging

Hasbro Says Goodbye to PVC Packaging

Picture of Hasbro board games stacked on top of each other. Toy manufacturing giant Hasbro Inc. recently announced its plans to eliminate polyvinyl chloride, a type of plastic better known as PVC, from its toy and game packaging beginning in 2013. Hasbro toys and games include familiar titles such as Mr. Potato head, Monopoly, Play-Doh, Candyland and Transformers. By switching to PVC packaging alternatives, Hasbro is increasing the safety and sustainability of its products.

What Is PVC?

PVC is also known as vinyl, and is a synthetic material used for packaging, toys, as well as bottles, bedding, clothing and construction materials. PVC is extremely durable, yet it is also difficult to break down and biodegrade after disposal. The production of PVC creates dangerous toxins that may affect people's health and safety. For these reasons, many manufacturers and companies are phasing out PVC materials from their production lines.

Alternatives to PVC

Safe packaging materials that can be used instead of PVC include recycled PET (RPET), corrugated cardboard and plant-based plastics.

Hasbro's commitment to eliminating PVC is part of its first corporate responsibility report. Other sustainable packaging initiatives by Hasbro include eliminating wire ties, increasing recycled content and finding new, responsible sources for paper.

Learn more about sustainable packaging options from Heritage Pioneer.

Toyota Designs Vehicles Using Ecological Plastics

Picture of a Toyota dealership sign. We recently discussed Ford's efforts to create more eco-friendly vehicles with its use of sustainable materials, such as recycled plastic bottles and soy-based foam. Toyota is also committed to designing vehicles that have a more positive impact on the environment, increasing its use of Ecological Plastics and other renewably sourced materials for various vehicle parts.

What Are Ecological Plastics?

According to the Toyota website, Ecological Plastics refer to plastic materials that are derived completely from a plant source, or from a combination of petroleum- and plant-based materials. For example, the 2010 Prius and the new Lexus HS 250h feature seat cushions that are made out of foam sourced from castor oil instead of petroleum. The Lexus also uses Ecological Plastics in the luggage-trim upholstery, door scuff plate and tool box area, among other interior parts.

Other Toyota vehicle parts that have been developed using bio-based plastics include trunk liners, headliners and door trims.

By using plant-based materials, Toyota is on its way to reducing the production of virgin petroleum-based plastics that have a negative impact on the environment.

As a provider of sustainable packaging solutions, Heritage Pioneer is always excited to hear about ways in which companies large and small are doing their part to reduce plastic waste. For more information on sustainable packaging solutions, contact us today!

Frustration-Free Packaging Headed for the Retail Shelf

Picture of a woman at a grocery store looking at a food shelf. In 2006, Wal-Mart introduced its Sustainable Packaging Scorecard to push manufacturers and suppliers to use more eco-friendly packaging. In 2008, Amazon launched its Frustration-Free Packaging initiative to help reduce packaging waste as well as customer "wrap rage." Now, Wal-Mart is expanding its sustainable packaging efforts by joining Amazon in the promotion of frustration-free packaging - working to make packaging not only greener, but also easier and safer to open.

Say Goodbye to the Clamshell

Wrap rage is most often associated with the traditional all-plastic clamshell design, which is made to increase tamper resistance and reduce theft, yet is actually the cause of much frustration and many injuries in the United States. Clamshells are difficult to open, and many customers must often use sharp tools in order to finally reach the packaged product. In addition, clamshells are usually made with harmful (and, with the rising cost of oil, expensive) plastic materials such as PVC. By replacing the clamshell with more sustainable, easy-to-open packaging solutions, Wal-Mart and Amazon are helping reduce waste, reduce costs and reduce rage.

Clamshell Packaging Alternatives

For Amazon, finding an alternative to the clamshell is as simple as shipping products in the right-sized recycled corrugated boxes. Packaging for the retail shelf, however, is a little more complicated, since these packages are facing the consumer and must be visually appealing in order to market the product successfully. In addition to corrugated cardboard, clamshell packaging alternatives include blister packaging, which can use recycled PET and recycled paperboard to contain the product. The recycled materials are better for the environment, and the paperboard is easier to open than plastic.

At Heritage Sustainable, we provide a wide range of sustainable packaging solutions. For more information, contact us today!

Compostable Shoes and Clothing in the Works for PUMA

Picture of a Puma shoebox. The past couple of years for PUMA have been big, with the launch of several sustainable products and initiatives that have put the sportswear and footwear giant on the front page of sustainable industry news. So what's next for PUMA?

According to PUMA CEO Franz Koch, the company is now working on plans for creating shoes, T-shirts and bags that are either compostable or recyclable. These products will help significantly reduce waste and raise environmental awareness.

Here's a recap of what PUMA has been up to:

PUMA's Clever Little Bag offers a new way to look at shoe packaging, replacing the traditional shoebox with a reusable bag and helping to dramatically cut down on the use of cardboard.
PUMA's Clever Little Shopper was introduced as an alternative to virgin plastic shopping bags, using materials sourced from 100% cornstarch rather than traditional oil-based plastics. The bag can be dissolved in water or composted after use.
PUMA's Re-Suede Vegan Sneaker is the company's latest sustainable product, made with 100% recycled materials, including rice husks instead of plastic latex.

As a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, the Heritage Pioneer team stays up-to-date on the latest in sustainable news. We enjoy following the new developments introduced by companies worldwide, and sharing these innovations with our customers. Contact us today to learn more about our sustainable packaging products and services that work toward a greener future.

Home Flooring Options Include Recycled Plastic Bottles

Picture of a plastic bottle on a wooden floor. Today's homeowners are continually looking for ways to make their home sustainable without breaking the bank. From simply switching the type of light bulbs they use, to buying energy-efficient appliances, to recycling and composting - there are many different ways to reduce waste in the home. Even the flooring and carpet can be sustainable.

Carpeting and flooring company Mohawk is the largest recycler of plastic bottles for carpets. Its EverStrand® brand is a family of carpet fibers made from recycled plastic bottles. Each year, Mohawk reclaims 3 billion plastic bottles, which are then recycled into PET chips. The chips are extruded into EverStrand® fiber to make soft, beautiful carpets that last. Homeowners can gain peace of mind knowing that the floor beneath their feet is helping reduce waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill - giving them more reason to continue recycling plastic.

Other sustainable flooring options include silk carpets made out of discarded saris, flooring made out of old wine corks, and even tiles covered with leather from car seat scraps. The need to reduce waste has resulted in innovative ways to reuse old materials rather than toss them, contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment.

At Heritage Pioneer, we are committed to providing sustainable packaging solutions that help businesses and consumers go green while cutting costs. We're excited to learn about new ways in which other companies worldwide are helping pave the way toward a greener future. For more information on sustainable packaging solutions, contact us today!