All Good Things Probably Come To An End - Poundland's Neil Ballard Departing

Several years ago I had taken a stand a packaging expo.

Part Junkk.com, part RE:tie, I was 'selling' the notion of designed-in reuse.

Sadly, considering the investment, both financial and in time, no takers.

However, there was one small silver lining, and that was in the form a gentleman (in all senses of the word) and his team who stopped by to chat about what I was up to and pushing.

I thought nothing of it really at the time, beyond enjoying the conversation I had with them.

Until, later, I got a funny little email from him. Paraphrasing, it read:

"Hope you don't mind," he wrote, "but we were so impressed with your concepts, we have decided to put your website URL on the company homepage, and all our packaging."

It marked the start of a great period (check the 'Labels' links to see the back and ongoing story), I hope, for all parties involved in the relationship.

Certainly Junkk.com benefited and still benefits from a significant signing uptake from those who have bought stuff from Poundland and seen the Junkk.com URL on the packaging.

However, sadly, in the course of one of our infrequent catch-up chats recently, I have learned that packaging manager Neil Ballard, the man who made all this possible, is moving on.

And, selfishly, I was also disappointed that he suspected that with him going, so would the mutually-rewarding relationship.

But it was great, fun and great fun while it lasted.

I hope all Poundland shoppers who discovered Junkk.com and were inspired by the profile provided by Neil via the packs have enjoyed what they have found... and will stay on to continue doing so.

But as an era clearly passes, thanks Neil!

COMPETITION - SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING CHALLENGE

COMPETITION

WHEN: Open-ended
WHAT: SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING CHALLENGE
WHAT... MORE?: From the site:

Do you have an idea for a new type of packaging with paper, pulp or cardboard as the material used? Maybe an idea on how we can be smarter at handling packaging? We want you to put your idea to the test in our Sustainable Packaging challenge, the first open innovation challenge in the Wood for Sweden arena.

Several large companies in the paper and packaging industry in Sweden are supporting the challenge and they want to hear your ideas. The best ideas are presented to a jury and will be given the opportunity to be presented to the market. If your idea wins, it will enter the development process and you might one day see it in regular use.

Although Swedish-based, we have been assured the contest is open to anyone and everyone no matter where they live, and the commitment to creating an English language version now confirms this.

HOW MUCH: Free! Just as we like it*
URL: http://idemotorn.se/english
COMMENTS: *Note the FAQ/rules, especially bearing in mind IP issues. This will be open-source, so any patents, etc will be forfeit. There is a chance of winning an iPad, but a great idea can of course lead to a lot more than that.

REUSEDviaRE:tie - Age Issues

Just popped this on the RE:tie blog.

And noticed that it has 'languished' somewhat of late, in terms of me writing anything and, hence, folk reading.

So excuse porting (in the name of reuse) over here, which is a bit more active.

Still relevant I hope:)

http://retiedinknots.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/category-age-issues.html

Can stand the competition...

... plus bottles, jars, cartons, etc.

On matters triple bottom line, I noticed this story and asked for the Press Release (much too lazy to rejig much as it doesn't need it). Seems some can make green out of, well... green:

‘Innocent’ named as most admired brand for its environmental approach to packaging

Packaging professionals have named ‘Innocent’ their most admired brand for its environmental approach to packaging according to a new survey released today.

The survey, put together by packaging trade show specialist’s easyFairs, questioned 289 packaging professionals, asking them a number of questions, of which one was to openly name a brand that they really admired for its green packaging approach. In response 10% suggested the ‘Innocent’ brand, followed by ‘Marks & Spencer’ (7%) and ‘Kenco’ (5%).

Matt Benyon, managing director at easyFairs UK and Ireland comments: “Innocent have made tremendous steps over the last few years in making their packaging better for the environment, from using food grade recycled plastic in their bottles, to making their cartons from 100% Forest Stewardship Council certified material. They also have a very strong sustainable packaging policy in place.”

He continues: “What impresses me most, is that we asked all those surveyed to name any brand they like, so to have 10% come back saying ‘Innocent’ is quite amazing, and just shows how Innocent get things right in not only the green packaging side of things, but conveying their green message across to its peers and consumers. A lot of companies are doing great things out there, just they don’t tell us, which is a real shame.”

Indeed, over a quarter (27%) surveyed, admitted that they were doing lots when it comes to environmental packaging but not shouting about it.

However, when asked what is driving their packaging decisions at the moment, top of the list was cost, with a huge 69% stating this. Over half (58%) also said that the tougher economic climate means they are less likely to introduce more environmentally sound packaging unless it saves them money as well.

This shows that there is still a battle between keeping costs to a minimum and improving environmental performance of packaging for most professionals working in the industry.

Matt explains: “Our survey showed that 46% are interested in greener materials, but it’s paying that bit extra for these materials that is the problem. It’s that catch 22, companies need to keep costs down, but also understand the importance of having a proactive approach to environmental packaging. At the moment too many companies are still afraid to take that risk to switch to a greener solution, unless it costs them less, which in most cases is unlikely. We all know that Innocent is not the cheapest of products on the market, but it has educated the market place on environmental issues and how purchasing their products can help, which is why they have become so successful.”

Without a doubt, and issues that many professionals identify and agree with. For example over a third (35%) said that it is the brand owner’s responsibility to educate consumers on the positive effect that environmental packaging has. 75% of those surveyed also admitted that it is the customer who is driving them to improve their green packaging and 66% said that their environmental performance was important to their consumers of their products. It’s just delivering at a cost that works for them.

Matt comments: “I do think we’ve come along way, and packaging professionals are doing a lot more than they ever have done compared to previous years to meet the ‘green’ demand from consumers. For example, we asked our respondents to be truly frank, and rate on a scale whether they could be doing any more to reduce the environment impact of their packaging, where 10 meant they couldn’t be doing anything more. 65% wrote down either 7 or above, which is very promising.”

Elsewhere the survey also showed that the toy industry is the most guilty of over-packaging, with 26% thinking this. Whilst 61% thought that the cosmetics/perfumery/toiletries industries were the most innovative when it comes to packaging.

Now this is all very interesting, given Junkk.com's ongoing efforts to promote RE:tie, especially given the latter's latest research to show that there are ways that consumer can be delivered eco-innovation that also translates into sales. Extra and/or sucking share from competitors.

By sheer coincidence, Innocent, or at least one of its founders, has cropped up today with a competition we have been invited to enter: BBC's 'Be Your Own Boss'

Now, I have entered too (sadly Innocent have shown no interest in RE:tie, despite its obvious relevance to their brand and environmental commitments, so no point rehashing that route. Luckily, Yoda-like, 'there is another') so if, in sharing this you enter and kick me off... at least put in a good word!

EASYFAIRS PACKAGING 2012 BIRMINGHAM BIG PACKAGING DEBATE - A Review

Sadly, I missed this year's ECOpack.

More specifically, I am sad to have missed a few of the seminars, as frankly it was getting a bit wearing tramping endless corridors year on year past booths screaming 'Green' when what was on the shelves didn't really seem that way and, worse, 'innovative' when I'd seen it all before.

However, family flu and fatherhood duties prevailed.

So the best I could manage was this video:

http://www.packtv.co.uk/2012/03/easyfairs-packaging-2012-birmingham-big-packaging-debate/

All things considered, not bad. Certainly I'm up 120miles' worth of LPG, £8 parking, most of a day and a few overpriced coffees.

The (roughly 1 hr) debate is carved up into 5 chunks.

And the basic theme, I'd guess (though halfway though a spanner is thrown) is the elusive icon that is 'Sustainability' in, given the event, packaging.

Though a few areas of environmental philosophy did get dragged along for the ride too.

The panellists were spread across a broad swathe of relevant industry bases:

Kevin Vyse - Chairman, and a fair one, with a broad knowledge base

Dominic Box - Research, and voice of the public (ish)

Tom Heap - Journalist

Prof Rob Holdaway - Design guru but also 'eco' advocate

Stuart Ledrum - Sainsbury's, voice of retail and hence the spotlighted packaging 'baddie'

Dr. John Willaims - NNFCC - Scientist and voice of the state(ish)

I don't propose to here go into a blow by blow. Watch yourself if you have that spare 60 mins. A high-ish powered group and so of potential value.

I just have a few observations.

Top of the tree was how little they seemed to really be sure of, and hence have to offer by the end.

It was interesting, if inevitable, how quickly where each made their money from guided their answers.

But I was truly struck by disconnects. The major one being that between industry, media and the consumer, in what is desired, offered and appreciated.

But also pure pragmatism. For all the fine words, few seemed able to square the circle between growing economies, making profits... and reducing impacts, especially with consumer waste. Which is, after all, what packaging ultimately ends up as. Eco-monics seldom results in improved eco-logy. Seldom, but not impossible.

So, again, I was disappointed to see a lot of talking being talked, but less walking going on, or even looking likely.

It was interesting that Dr. Williams mentioned (I think in that last panel) all the mixed messages there are, but he also was the one to acknowledge how much is still heaped on the hapless consumer.

Dominic Box was perhaps more often the one to try and raise the consumer's real motivations, but it was a shame not to hear end-benefit mentioned. Also Kevin Vyse did raise poor old Joe Public really not being too connected with inter-industry obsessions.

In fact all mitigation was pretty much focused on one re: recycling. I don't think reuse got a single look in.

Tom Heap seemed to rather revel in playing the cynic, and stirring the others up. His vocal trashing of the word 'sustainability' as having any value at all was a treat for any student of body language.

There was also a fair bit on labelling, and what it can or can't do, or indeed what the public makes of it.

I have to say some seemed rather wedded to the notion, perhaps with contracts in place to measure such stuff, but I was more with those who thought the consumer really could give a fig, even if they were comprehensive, accurate or placed in large enough type. Rather a hefty wadge of quango obsession and media PR-to-news down the pan there, I'd hazard.

Bio-plastics were touched on, but really not in more detail than most arguments any interested will be aware of. Not that it doesn't need talking about, as too often I feel these are trotted out as the saviours of packaging by those seeking icons, when in fact the cradle to grave aspects are far more complex and worthy of challenge.

So... I found it a useful hour of my time. However, mainly to have confirmed that there are a lot of folk making a lot of money talking, and possibly about all the wrong things.

Or with the wrong people too often.

And I have some research to prove it.

Amazing what lateral thinking can do

The son of a good friend has kindly emailed me an ingenious second use of the strip from a cap.

Now, who would have thought that not only could this little component inspire another way to be used... but two.

Lightweight Commentary

I do science me.

Often, badly, along with my woeful maths, but bear with me.

I was about to pop these two fellows in the wheelie when I noticed something.

Accepting the left one holds 75cl and the other 70cl, the former weighed in at 550gm, whereas the latter was 320gm.

That... is quite a difference, and I presume a clear example of lightweighting.

What I can't testify to is the relative in-transit breakage levels, but as an example of what can do the same job for a lot less, and consequent freight energy savings, that seems significant.

COMPETITION - myplasticidea.co.uk

A great lead kindly provided by Junkeeter Anita of Writing Services:

COMPETITION

WHEN: Entry D/L Jan 22 2011
WHAT: From their blurb:

This competition is aimed at creatives and students of all ages who are resident in the UK. Using Priplak polypropylene you are asked to create a product, an innovative packaging solution or a promotional incentive. Part of the brief is to think about re-usability, durability, multi-usage and multi-functional.

The designs may be an innovative solution to an existing product or common everyday item, but will be judged on creativity, originality, and functionality, cost effectiveness and use of the material.

WHAT... MORE?:

There will be three categories: My Plastic ‘Packaging’ Idea, My Plastic ‘Product’ Idea and My Plastic ‘Incentive/Promotional’ Idea. First prize for each category is £500 cash and the overall winner will receive an additional £500. Shortlisted finalists will get showcased at an exhibition in May in front of potential clients. In addition, the organisers will be scanning all entries looking for potential opportunities for products or incentives to be developed to market on a royalty arrangement basis.

HOW MUCH: My fave... no mention of money!
URL: http://www.myplasticidea.co.uk/
COMMENTS: Possibly somewhat restricted by having to focus on reuse (and sussing out the plastic specified in the brief), we will for sure be having a go here. But if you do enter via us telling you... and win... make sure to give us a mention at least:)

Ok, so your arteries are still clogged...

And the salt is seizing up your heart.

But this works (a bit better) environmentally:

http://www.kfc.com/packaging/lineup.asp

Have to love that first word!

The future's bright, the future's not looking too green

The latest Pentaward winners - Hat tip: Lovely Package

There's talking the talk. But it will always be 'money rules' first.

A new day, a new opportunity. Though I might have forgone any pussy-footing.

When food packaging can reduce climate change gases

Reduction of any consumable will inevitably reduce GHGs.

However, in a consumer society there are pragmatic constraints and limits, and they need to be worked towards.

Other mitigations can include recycling, and it is clear there are many issues surrounding this that can be improved from all sides, though I'd say the public is the only one doing their darndest in the face of some epic finger-pointing distractions from bottom-line driven business and quango-ridden, target-obsessed authorities. About the only binding feature would seem to be bonus-structures.

I had not before heard of Morrisons' Keep It Fresh test and packaging laboratory, and will try and track it down. Some of the insights are already surprising: 'We have found, for example, that wrapping peppers in plastic has no impact on freshness or quality so we have stopped doing it. But wrapping cucumbers in recyclable plastic - a target for anti-packaging campaigners - means they last five times as long.'. My question would be more along the lines of 'why on earth had you then gone to the cost and expense of wrapping those peppers, for so long, until now???'. Ignoring history seems to be a feature of senior types in the news at the moment.

The 'Great Taste Less Waste' campaign is also to be lauded, though I hope the sticker labelling will be clear to an already confused public assaulted by various initiatives.

And for those who do still end up with packaging material, especially plastics, they'd prefer not to throw away, might I direct you to http://www.Junkk.com, which tries to help with reuse ideas. There's even a competition running currently which is trying to motivate through reward... a bit of a novelty in many quarters.

Morrisons may even be inspired to hook up with such a low cost-high benefit initiative.

Though the last time we tried, with them, they said their foyer need to be kept clear of distracting promotions such as sharing the joys of reuse, as customers 'didn't like it'. Ironically the day that rejection email came in was the same our local store felt a conservatory company was actually indeed worthy of the space in question.

There's talking the talk. But it will always be 'money rules' first.

I really hope a PR, and maybe even the author reads this.

Junkk washes greener?

I've shared them, and the story, before, but in the spirit of positivity and 'as one door closes...' I think it's worth doing so again.

You're looking at the Junkk.com 'brochure'.

Roughly lifesize, this little... very little... piece of printing was the result of an encounter with a passionate environmentalist, and has turned into one of our more successful promotional tools, especially in combo with the Vac:Sac (I get stopped and asked what it's all about... and produce a card. And, if I am lucky, the recipient does turn it into a passport-sized picture frame - mine is in its 4th year protecting the boys' images - that is also a wallet-borne promo for Junkk.com in everyone's pocket... especially when presenting said picture of loved ones and then, hopefully, asked about the frame).

Anyhoo, the first flyer outing was not so successful, an A5 card, and I paid the price. I was at some show and this bloke barrelled up waving it and demanded... 'Is this made from recycled paper!!!!?' Erk. I didn't know. I doubted it. As I had to get it done fast, and cheap. Not the ideal environment for the, um, ideal environment to be specified, waited for... or afforded. Especially when trying to share a whole stand of lovely reuse ideas to a bunch of folk now much more interested in this piece of paper being waved about.

So I determined to resolve this to avoid such confrontations. Hence the pocket picture frame came to be. And, months later, the guy did re-appear, and did again raise his voice, and ire, in challenge.

Only this time, mid-flow I quietly and politely (well, as you can) interrupted and said 'It's better than recyclable... it's reusable, which is even higher on the 're-hierarchy', and better for the planet'. The appreciation of the audience for this solution felt good. Oddly, the man in question seemed even angrier, but left, muttering. Can't please everyone, all of the time.

I was minded of the opportunities of aspects of this when reading a fellow eco-blogger's post the other day...

Ecover packaging - is it really recyclable? (where facilities exist, perhaps)

The key here is in the bracket, as a brand or retailer, while still a major part of the process, is still very much at the hands of our fragmented recycling collection and processing systems around the UK.

You can do all you can (as such as ecover and Innocent I truly believe are trying to do), but at the end of the day... not all that is green can be black or white. Or, in this case, make recyclable as easily in one county, or even town, as another (witness ours, where a great home kerbside/public space skip, segregated waste collection combo is being scrapped in favour of a single green wheelie that sends all your waste in a black plastic bag to a remote MRF to, one fears, produce box-ticking but possibly less than industry-desired recyclate. Hardly great for my kids' futures, and hence a real enviROI eyebrow-cranking target for me).

Far be it from me to 'defend' a brand that uses plastic, or indeed any other packaging, but I do tend to accept more than others that, in a modern, consumerist, growing population, time-poor, work-from-home separated, etc, etc, society, that some has to be inevitable, for logistics alone, and for the environment even, especially with protection issues. Hence I am more interested in and devote my time to uses, or rather resues, more than bans, though reductions in unnecessary areas are of course desirable.

And ecover, bless 'em, could hardly do more, though much of what they do get up to can get shared in a way that does bring them under perhaps more scrutiny than others. A higher standard and all that. But in a world where making things green often does add a cost penalty, and a cost penalty can lead to poorer competitiveness, especially on the shelves, so much of their CSR, from green-roofed factories to the actual contents of their products, does suggest going as an extra a mile (well, kilometer... they are based in Belgium I think) as is possible in a credit-crunchy era. Especially when I suspect all most now want, or are having to weigh up between pocket and planet, is whiter whites for the least money, rather than just the greenest ones.

But these things do need discussing, and debating, so I felt the urge to try at least to point out one area that was eyebrow cranked by one (the author), not answered by another (the ecover PR lady) but actually was in part addressed already(ecover and Junkk.com).

I won't repeat my reply (actually two now) as it's in the thread on the link, but I hope it shows a real attempt to see the merits of what can often two very polarised views - that of manufacturer and campaigner - and try to navigate to a positive compromise that can satisfy some (if not all), and lead to dialogues that can make for better future solutions.

Now, where is Tesco's number?

COMPETITION - I think my workload just went up:)

Big news!

And, to some who follow this blog, possibly something you, or your clients, might be interested in, keen on helping with and/or taking part in.

Junkk.com has been approached to take part in/and help with a forthcoming insert regarding plastics and packaging, in a major national quality daily.

Sponsorship/advertising is not my forte, but it really seems a good, low cost, high value opportunity to reach a decent sized audience in a good, if you'll forgive the double entendre, 'environment'. And considering the prestige of the paper and its association with green initiatives, a great way to get the brand out there in an ethically positive way. Possibly a great chance to help cover any investment with increased sales, beyond any CSR, PR benefits alone.

We are also really reaching out to a broad cross section with our PR efforts, especially in the educational arena, from Blue Peter to the Scouts.

Here's a few bits more blurb from the insert creators, Lysonsdown, as sold to me, to hopefully help explain my role and or sweeten the prospects to any who see merit in taking part!

Information about World of Plastics

It’s coinciding with an education supplement day, and as polymers are now part of the National Curriculum, as Prof MacDonald goes round schools with lectures called Plastic Fantastic and the Science Museum has an exhibit running called Plasticity, it would be great to do a reused plastics competition with Junkk.com

It may either be judged by me, or photos could be posted online to attract people to the website to vote for their favourites.

There could be three categories to separate the wacky, aesthetic or futuristic ones from the practical ones. Or maybe its simpler to have one competition with 2 runners up. It would be fantastic to get Blue Peter to let the winner demonstrate how to make their winning prize on TV as it’s totally fitting with ‘Here’s one I made earlier’.

It would be fabulous for this competition to grow into an annual event. It would come with its own trophy ready designed! {I have offered}

An example of this is on a publication carried out called Teleprescence in January.

If any company is in any way keen to develop a reuse role more in advance of or on the back of this, I'd be happy to make the necessary introduction. Let's not forget that such as ecover have uploaded their entire range to the site, plus ideas, and are finding that the additional values of this quirky 'extra' are going down well with green-minded consumers. More so in these credit-crunchy times. Also Poundland have seen value in being associated with Junkk.com in this way.

I looking forward to that chance that something positive, and mutually-rewarding for all, may result. I cannot speak for the overall content (there may be critiques of the role of plastic of course), but I am simply keen to be proactive of the possibilities of what there is the public can engage with now, and maybe inspire more for the future to help all involved.

As we are also now much further advanced with our RE:tie re:evolutionary cap/closure design, if there may be renewed interest that could be drummed up internally in any organisations we've chatted to so far that would be great, especially as we might well see this featured as a designed-in re:use suggestion to help mitigate plastic packaging impacts, whilst offering a win-win-win... to all involved.

Consumers get a freebie (we'd suggest) and a sense of 'green goodness, the planet suffers a little less in the bin/landfill, Govt., LAs & quangos like WRAP smile more on everything from reduced plastic use (through redesignation more than lightweighting) to less litter, and brands not only get CSR and PR opps, but a component that can have many sales and marketing applications.

For me.... I now need to get back in my shed designing... and on my Mac creating! A clone or 36 hr days would help (though I see I might not meet new EU rules there).

Addendum 1 - Things gather pace. It looks like we may now have the 'sweetener' of a prize which, IMHO, always helps things along. Not to mention being in line with our end-benefit, rewards-based mantra. Onward & upward!

And for everything else there's RE:use..

Tesco tells shoppers: too much packaging? Leave it with us

oooh - 01 Apr 09, 9:06am

Erm, why can't Tesco just sell goods with less packaging in the first place?

Very good point. Maybe... lots of lovely boxes... to be ticked, and bonuses to be made, from the EU to quangos down, when the recycling rates go up?

I have always wondered why supermarkets go to all the extra expense of the excess packaging when... if it is not necessary. I am aware of some reasons, and a few make sense. Food waste from damage being one... and significant. Also life without an element of design would be a bit boring. And there are bigger enviROI-minus targets to fry first, frankly.

But, for the rest...there's always reuse (more so if designed-in)! Try http://www.Junkk.com

I love the smell of box-ticking in the afternoon!

Major UK retailers and brands agreed to introduce on-pack recycling labelling system

Once you read that, best make add at the front 'Some...'

I love the smell of box-ticking in the afternoon!

It will be interesting to see how national brands end up coordinating with local authority variations. Especially as this 'non compulsory' scheme is 'encouraged' hither and thither.

I, for one, look forward to yet more info crammed on my pack side, but do wonder if the missus and kids will be too inspired as they stand, binside, getting to grips with bits that are 'widely recycled', and doubt rather whether they will be scooting off on a case by case basis to 'check local recycling'. Actually our local bods do at least take plastics, at least in the swimming pool carpark skip, and we just heave it all in there, from PEP to HDPE to lord knows what.

Well, at least the bits we don't reuse on Junkk.com or pop in our RE:box weekly kerbside boxes- soon to be ditched in favour of a big green wheelie taking everything in a big black plastic bag two counties across to be turned into recyclate tonnages that most recyclers won't take due to quality compromises, but still 'count' for EU targets - will now be better directed.

I cannot wait for the multi-million campaign to create 'awareness' for all this, driving up rates and helping with the bonuses of all (well, most: the consumer is still out of this loop) involved.

Just hope the planet and our kids' futures will benefit as much as the box tickers.

Ain't green grand?

The RE:tie - a reminder

Some may be familiar with our RE:tie concept that we are trying to market.

It has been, is, and doubtless will be a roller-coaster ride, especially as we try and assault business whose main defence against the credit crunch is to hunker down and retreat behind comfort zones rather than aggressively reach out, seek and/or embrace new ideas and USPs to ride the wave, defend and even capture new markets.

Which can be frustrating.

All I can do is direct such folk at such as this: Shoppers: Green packaging is a purchase tiebreaker

I think this rather says it all.... no more, but no less than what we claim... and offer: a tie-breaker (that word is familiar)

I merely also note, in the piece and the bar chart, that the RE:tie ALSO adds to functionality in the ease of opening and reusability areas too.... to repeat... ON TOP. I could maintain that adds to perceived quality as well.

I also happen to believe that RE:tie can talk a language shoppers can and will understand, and much more than many current 'green' initiatives pumped out by the FMCG industry, laden with jargon.

'...packaging first needs to provide value by satisfying their comfort and convenience needs. Succeed there, and shoppers just might support your efforts at green packaging—and, the studies suggest, perhaps be willing to pay a little more for it.'

Lipsmakingacetastingmotivating...planetsaving...moneymaking...

Pepsi to get new-look packaging in 2009

A new 'look', eh? That'll sort things.

I'd like to pitch a substantive design evolution (for one range at least) that will cost them nothing if they are changing packaging anyway, that will confer not only only tangible end-benefits to their customers (and hence a competitive USP), but also genuine CSR and hence PR advantages, too.

Anyone know someone in that organisation who might care about green (planet) as well as green (profits) and has the authority to make a difference if it also makes commercial sense?

Story telling

Good news to be had here: Wrappers' delight

However, I am not so sure this is the best description of a publicly-funded quango: (Wrap), a private company that helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more.

And, while true, whether this description of how our money gets spent tells the whole story: 'Lots of major brand owners are becoming converts to this,' Skelton says. He cites Heinz, which has created new lightweight can lids'

Nice jugs... or a big boob?

When I was an avid ad-man I was involved (at the very end) of many a new product launch.

By my point all was sorted, save the bit that told the consumer what the thing was, how it worked and why they could not now live without it.

All this was in the creative brief, which had the key points, but also usually came supported by telephone directories of other guff such as customer research and consumer trial data.

You don't make a massive investment in a brand new product, requiring all sorts of new kit, and then advertise it, requiring all sorts of munny, without first making sure it works.

Or... possibly... not.

Wal-Mart’s New Milk Jug Cuts Costs, Customers Cry Over Spilt Milk

Interesting to see how this new 'eco-inovation' is shaping up.

New ‘Green’ Milk Jugs Not Cutting it with Consumers

Buddy, can you spare a lime?

Crunch-hit consumers restricted by price of green products, report says

Well, there's a thing.

After my initial 'Well, d'uh!', there are a few interesting aspects to note.

'.... widespread dissatisfaction over the variety of green products offered by retailers,' is one I was not aware of.

'...shoppers on average paid 45% more for environmentally friendly and fair trade goods.' is one that amazed me.

'Shoppers said they are only willing to pay a premium of about 20% for greener products.' made me think there are a lot of folk with a lot of money.

"Consumers want to make sustainable choices, but are hampered by unclear messages. Confusion, coupled with high prices, leads to a lack of trust...'' comes as no surprise.

While 'More than 6 in 10 consumers questioned said reducing the amount of packaging on products was the most important action retailers and consumer goods companies could take to help the environment' makes me wonder why Junkk.com and RE:tie are proving real challenges to get across with the business community.

I really am starting to think the marketers and business brains in this country would would miss an opportunity even if it folded itself in neat notes in their wallets.