Green Seal launches sustainable packaging advisory group

Its sustainable packaging programme will reward producers that reduce packaging waste, increase the use of recycled content in packaging, and verify the recyclability of packaging materials.


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Sustainable Packaging
 
September 26 2022
 
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Green Seal, a global nonprofit organisation that pioneered the ecolabeling movement, announced that leading industry associations, retailers, and manufacturers have joined its advisory group to provide advice and expertise in the development of Green Seal’s sustainable packaging recognition programme. 

Green Seal’s sustainable packaging program will reward producers that reduce packaging waste, increase the use of recycled content in packaging, and verify the recyclability of packaging materials. By designing a flexible framework based on industry best practices for recyclability and recycled content, Green Seal can help companies meet their goals and commitments and accelerate the transition to sustainable packaging for consumable products in both the household and commercial markets. 

“Waste is a growing global concern and an increasing factor in consumer purchasing decisions,” said Doug Gatlin, CEO of Green Seal. “The members of Green Seal’s sustainable packaging advisory group are helping to shape a programme to shift the industry toward more sustainable solutions and recognise leadership among producers of consumable products.” 

Packaging waste and environmental degradation are urgent and growing challenges. In the U.S., packaging and containers comprised more than 20 per cent of the solid waste sent to landfills in 2018. Even when packaging is placed in recycling bins, mixed materials, labels, adhesives, and other attributes may result in packaging that is not recyclable and contaminates the recycling stream. 

Manufacturers and consumer goods companies worldwide are prioritising efforts to minimise single-use packaging, use more sustainable packaging materials, and reduce consumption of virgin materials after decades of growth. Sustainable packaging addresses these challenges by using content that would otherwise be wasted, avoiding producing more waste, and requiring packaging to be designed with recyclability in mind. Green Seal’s sustainable packaging programme will recognise industry leaders who are taking important steps to reduce environmental pollution and will verify that packaging materials meet criteria for uncompromising performance, safety, and health. 

With the launch of Green Seal’s Sustainable Packaging Advisory Group, Green Seal is also opening a Sustainable Packaging Stakeholder Network.