GreenBlue

Closing the Loop: Road Map for Effective Material Value Recovery

GreenBlue recently released Closing the Loop: Road Map for Effective Material Value Recovery, a new report that examines alternatives to material recovery in the United States. The report provides a detailed analysis of international packaging recovery systems, including successful collection, sorting, and reprocessing technologies and infrastructures, as well as waste management policies that support or limit recycling. Focusing on material recovery in several EU nations, as well as Australia, Ontario, Canada, and rural recycling systems, the report identifies a number of emerging best practices that could be adopted within the United States. This report is the culmination of GreenBlue’s three-year Closing the Loop research project led by Project Manager Liz Shoch and funded by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, with additional support from the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. The report release has been covered in numerous media outlets, including Packaging Digest, Green Retail Decisions, and Food Production Daily. The Road Map for Effective Material Value Recovery is now available for free download.

Packaging

Packaging Recovery Label System Now in Stores

The Packaging Recovery Label System, a voluntary label developed by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition that communicates to consumers how to recycle a package after use, is now officially in the marketplace. Seventh Generation’s limited edition 180 oz. detergent bottle and new 22 oz. pre-wash spray both now carry the label and are available at Target stores. Coming soon will be the label on REI’s Multi-Towels and Novara Bike Tubes, and an announcement of additional label pilot participants. Please visit how2recycle.info for more information on the labeling pilot.

Forest Products

FPWG Update

GreenBlue held its first meeting for founding members of the Forest Products Working Group (FPWG) in Boston at Sappi Fine Paper North America headquarters. Founding members include Avery-Dennison Corporation, Avon Products, Bank of America, Catalyst Paper, Domtar, Havi Global Solutions, Sappi Fine Paper N.A., and Staples. The goal of the meeting was to begin to identify opportunities for innovative thinking to address unmet sustainability needs in the pulp and paper sector. Founding members identified an initial area of interest to guide project work in 2012 that will rely on clear, science-based guidelines for sustainable paper procurement to promote informed decision-making around paper design, procurement, use, and recovery and promote healthier forests.

FPWG membership will open soon, and any company that relies on forest products to meet its business objectives, including paper suppliers, brands, publishing companies, retailers, and building product manufacturers, will be invited to apply for membership. More information about membership, including eligibility requirements and membership dues, will be available within the coming weeks. Please contact Geneva Hodges for more information in the meantime.

Packaging

Essentials of Sustainable Packaging: Hong Kong

The first Essentials of Sustainable Packaging (ESP) course in Asia will take place in Hong Kong February 22-23, 2012 in collaboration with the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC). Registration for this course is via HKPC. In addition, in 2012, the Essentials of Sustainable Packaging will be presented in five main cities in China: Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xiaoman, Shanghai, and Beijing. The schedule is yet to be determined.