I have been working in consumer packaged goods for the past 3 odd years in a number of
capacities. Over this time, I have seen a lot of products in the market that have been
excessively packaged.
Packaging is a necessary evil for consumer products. Without it, these products wouldn't
make it through manufacturing, warehousing, and/or get to us in the tiptop shape we
deserve as consumers. However, there are times when products are unnecessarily packaged
in excess.
On the environmental side, packaging is extremely detrimental. According to Environment
Canada, packaging makes up about half our garbage by volume, and one-third by weight.
For the products we can't reuse or recycle (or even the ones we can), what can we do?
We can either cease our consumption of the product, or if it's something we can't live
without, we can pressure manufacturers to reduce the amount of packaging they use in
making this product.
Trying to lobby internally within a large consumer products company has not worked in the
past for me. I've spoken to people in regulatory affairs, presidents and vice presidents,
about things like reducing packaging. Frequently their answer to me has been "We will do
whatever the consumer demands." Which seems like an easy way out excuse, but it is true. They are more likely to listen to the soccer mom who buys the product regularly, than the
environmental activist who has never purchased the item in the first place. There are many
hotlines provided for consumers to provide feedback and eventually, the product is changed
based on the feedback they receive. Money talks!
What Packaging Probe aims to do is create a dialogue between manufacturers, consumers
concerned about the environment, and package designers in order to reduce the amount of
waste generated. This benefits stakeholders in the following way:
- manufacturers in overall lower costs and greater goodwill
- consumers and the public at large in overall health
- package designers in securing future employment with their innovative ideas.
Before this can happen, however, what does it require from you? Your vigilance and
willingness to participate. Send pictures and any relevant information about products
that have wasteful packaging, and I will post them up here. Similarly, for posted items,
provide your feedback about these products and what you think would improve them. I look
forward to sharing a waste-free future with you.
