2010

Cracking the Environmental Code

The good news is that at BAGS we’re working with more and more companies looking to make a move toward truly environmental packaging. The bad new is that many companies already believe they are using environmental packaging – when they really are not.

What makes cracking the code of environmental packaging so difficult? “It’s actually supposed to be confusing – just enough information for the customer to feel good about the product, but not enough information to support the science.” The reason this environmental spin works so well is because no one, (except freaky packaging suppliers like us) have the time or inclination to spend digging into these questions. You have more important things to deal with – your company, inventory, employees and yes…financial decisions.

We’ve found that many customers have been with the same suppliers for years and trust them. Believe me – I’m not saying these suppliers are trying to be deceptive; they are simply repeating information that has come down the line. They too are sucked into believing everything they hear. It’s like saying a plain old bag – paper or plastic – is environmental because it can be reused. (Yup, it’s one of those environmental words REUSED.) Most bags can be reused…but is that really enough to make them Mother Nature Approved?

The answer is easy – no, it’s not.

Compostable, sustainable, green, biodegradable, degradable, oxo-degradable, recyclable, recycled…all of these terms are being thrown at us from every direction. We are inundated every day on television, radio, email and the web with “green-washing”. These terms have become so interchangeable that unless you truly understand them, are meaningless.

Being one of the leading companies of environmental packaging and having been part of the movement for over 10 years has made BAGS the industry experts. Understanding there are numerous solutions for environmental packaging gives us the edge – we don’t try to fit every company into the same mold. We see each opportunity as unique and start with no preexisting ideas.

Our edge comes from asking our customers questions and listening closely to their answers. Some questions we ask are:

• What do you put in your packaging?
• How does your packaging represent your company?
• What would you like your packaging to do? Protect products, make it easier on customers, use as advertising, strengthen your brand…all of the above?
• What are your ideas about environmental packaging?

This is only the tip of the iceberg. The responses generated by these questions lead to more questions and get us all to the best environmental packaging solution for your company. This could be a quick and easy process – or take a little time. Along the way we’ll explain the bags and what makes them truly environmental – not just a bag.

Remember, there is a lot more involved in packaging than simply buying a bag. It might look easy – but to get the right product, for the right purpose for the right price is not easy. It’s one of the most difficult tasks out there. Your bags are the last impression a customer has of your business – and that final imprint on a customer is just as important as the first.

Let us crack the environmental code for you – it’s what we’re experts at doing! We’ll help you find the perfect solution for your bags. Best of all, you can rest assured that the final product will be Mother Nature Approved.

Talk with you soon...

The Bags Lady

We invite your comments - drop us a note at service@bagsco.com

Click Here to Close this Window