A study published on March 27, 2012 by Cone Communications reported that 80 percent of Americans doubt that companies are addressing the complete environmental impacts of their processes and/or products. What's more, only 44 percent of those surveyed trusted claims made by companies about being 'green'.
69 percent of American consumers at least sometimes, if not routinely, consider the environment when making purchasing decisions. Companies should, therefore, not only have a policy that addresses environmental impact but should be able to conclusively establish that the policy does indeed result in a reduced environmental impact.
The manufacture of consumer products and, specifically, the packaging of same, has long gotten the attention of environmentally conscious consumers. Manufacturers, shippers, distributors and retailers are best served if the packaging is recyclable. Failing that, every effort should be made to ensure that products are brought to market in landfill friendly packaging.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA), "Municipal solid waste landfills (MSWLFs) receive household waste... Solid waste landfills must be designed to protect the environment from contaminants which may be present in the solid waste stream."
Flat bottom box bags are a leading example of landfill friendly packaging. Also known as flat bottom box bags and stand up bags, flat bottom stand bags are the result of a process which involves laminating together multiple layers of scientifically designed film. The bags are moisture and puncture resistant and guard the contents against vapor, odor and, if necessary, ultraviolet light and pests.
Although these bags are normally recyclable, many people don't engage in active recycling, no matter how much they may claim otherwise. However, your brand will be strengthened with consumers who, when making a purchasing decision, consider the environmental impact of a product's entire life cycle because flat barrier bag are landfill friendly packaging. These bags are made with 12 percent less film than other bags of the same size, thereby weighing less and taking up less space.*
The Cone study also found that as many as 77 percent of those surveyed would be willing to boycott companies whose 'green' claims proved to be misleading. The fact that flat bottom stand bags are truly landfill friendly packaging will save your company from that fate.
*As an aside, bags that weigh less cost less per unit to transport, but we digress.
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