As an increasing number of companies begin to more carefully consider their global environmental impacts, we see at least four logistical areas of business enter the discussion: materials, packaging, manufacturing, and shipping.
Since I discuss raw materials and ingredients pretty frequently, I’m just going to summarize this piece quickly: organically grown, renewably-sourced raw materials have the greatest potential to work in harmony with creation’s sustainable provision for us. Agrochemicals, GMOs, and such do not. For a great overview, check out this video.
But what about the other three logistical matters? For today, let’s discuss packaging, using the example of personal care product packaging in general and Miessence in particular.
I’m always a bit shocked by the many product brands claiming “natural” and “green” but then come in non-recyclable or toxic packaging – and often in extra boxes wrapped in cellophane!
Miessence’s founding director and product formulator, Narelle Chenery, spent extensive time researching appropriate packaging for her range of certified organic products.
After examining glass, Narelle learned that it has an extremely high end-to-end cost. Although plastic is not a perfect solution either, more energy and resources are required to make glass packaging than it does to make plastic. For more details, see the “read more” link below.
However, not surprisingly, the right sort of plastic is critical. Many plastics contain bisphenol A, a chemical produced in the production of polycarbonate plastics, associated with endocrine disruption, and linked to asthma. Because not all plastics are created equal, Miessence uses non-leaching, fully-recyclable polypropylene, a more environmentally-friendly form of plastic.
What about the new bio-plastics, made from plants? Unfortunately, these are almost always made from GMO corn, which is something Miessence cannot in good conscience support. If you are not yet aware of the long-term environmental dangers of GMO crops, check out The Future of Food – or for info on their more immediate health dangers, check out Genetic Roulette.
So for now, vacuum-pumped, non-leaching plastic keeps Narelle’s freshly made (every month), certified organic products in their potent condition. Since Miessence uses no preservatives, the 100% active ingredients could suffer accelerated oxidation if repeatedly exposed to air. The polypropylene packaging ensures that every last drop of your product is 100% pure, 100% active and 100% fresh, while also being 100% fully recyclable once empty.
And Narelle is always on the lookout for viable ways to reduce environmental packaging burdens even further. Her goal is to someday have compostable packaging that functions well enough to both protect and fully dispense (i.e., not waste) its precious contents.
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