Without a doubt, packaging plays a critical role in how a company positions itself in the marketplace and ultimately determines how they’re perceived by consumers.   Global environmental issues are quite often examined by the media and companies are now finding themselves competing to offer green and sustainable consumer packaging to maintain and grow their market share.

It comes as no surprise that a reputable, well known company such as Frito-Lay would seize this opportunity to market their SunChips Compostable Bag.  Sterling Anthony, a consultant specializing in strategic marketing, logistics and packaging addressed several key issues now facing the team at Frito-Lay: The case of the compostable chip package.  At the centre of Frito-Lays’ issues is the marketing communication which clearly identifies SunChips as “compostable.”

Due to the recent rise in consumer demands for sustainable products, manufacturers and marketers are jumping on the latest trend in consumer product marketing to entice customers to buy their products.

However, what most consumers don’t realize is that we are all being subjected to “Greenwashing” – a term describing the act of misleading consumers concerning the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service.  TerraChoice Environmental Marketing, a North American environmental marketing firm, completed a study called “The 7 Sins of Greenwashing” which reported on the environmental claims made on products carried at “big box” stores throughout North America.  View recent 2009 study here: The 7 Sins of Greenwashing Over 2200 products were reviewed at 24 big box stores in North America and surprisingly over 98% of products committed at least one Sin of Greenwashing.  View complete list of Greenwashing Sins: The Seven Sins

This has brought forth widespread doubt in the marketing of products, where consumers want to make the right decision and believe they can rely on their favourite brands to purchase sustainable products. Both the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Competition Bureau of Canada recognize this issue and have voiced their plan to protect consumers by implementing environmental protection actions.

Similar concerns have increased surrounding the validity of degradable, biodegradable and compostable plastic bags.   As we’ve discussed in our blog and in our replies to various media outlets, EPI strongly encourages that we all need to be consciously aware of what type of plastic we’re using, the environmental impact, and the best method of disposal.

With all of the discussion and misrepresentation in not only our industry but also consumer products, EPI is dedicated to educate and inform others about the benefits of oxo-biodegradable technology and to provide information on the biodegradable plastic industry as a whole.   EPI’s website is intended to be used as a resource tool for others to help understand our technology. We have included definitions and scientific research to substantiate the benefits of using oxo-biodegradable additive and the overall environmental effect.