Mars is testing the packaging indicator tool for eco-design

A new tool launched by sustainable business experts, Envirowise, looks set to help companies in the Midlands reduce the environmental impact and costs of packaging.

The Envirowise packaging indicator tool for eco-design, piloted by Mars Chocolate, enables businesses to compare the environmental profile of their own packaging designs to identify where improvements can be made.

A recent survey conducted on behalf of the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN) revealed that 82 per cent of people were concerned by the impact of packaging, and Envirowise believes there has never been a better time for businesses to switch to greener packaging to improve their environmental credentials and cut costs.

Matt Boulter of the European Packaging Sustainability team at Mars Chocolate says:

“Mars is fundamentally committed to sustainability and we needed an effective tool with the right level of detail to use when considering a new packaging design or re-design. This tool, designed by Envirowise, has proved extremely useful in our product development process.”

Envirowise eco-design specialist, Jenni Rosser, comments:

“Packaging has been challenged on environmental grounds for a number of years and the industry has responded, not only by putting significant resources into recycling schemes, but also by continuing to reduce the use of resources in packaging.

“However, there is always room for improvement and, particularly in today’s economic climate, businesses stand to benefit not only in environmental terms but also financially by looking at how they can reduce unnecessary packaging.”

To help companies get the most out of the new tool, Envirowise has filmed a special instructional podcast. Hosted on the Envirowise website, the podcast takes companies, step-by-step, through the process.

The new packaging tool can be accessed at www.envirowise.gov.uk/pack-in