Sustainable Packaging Defined

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) developed what is arguably one of the most comprehensive definitions of sustainable packaging. According to the SPC, sustainable packaging:

• is beneficial, safe and healthy for individuals and communities throughout its life cycle;
• meets market criteria for both performance and cost;
• is sourced, manufactured, transported, and recycled using renewable energy;
• optimizes the use of renewable or recycled source materials;
• is manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices;
• is made from materials healthy throughout the life cycle;
• is physically designed to optimize materials and energy; and
• is effectively recovered and utilized in biological and/or industrial closed loop cycles.