A Global Language for Packaging and Sustainability

Green Biz - More than 30 companies are testing out a packaging sustainability measurement system that one group hopes becomes a worldwide standard.  The system was developed through the Consumer Goods Forum's Global Packaging Project (GPP), and includes a list of 52 indicators (and how to measure them) like weight, recycling rates, virgin content and shelf life. The basics of the system and common packaging principles are explained in the GPP's first report, "A Global Language for Packaging and Sustainability," which was developed with input from more than 80 manufacturers, retailers, trade associations and packaging industry stakeholders.

The indicators are divided into three main sections: Environmental (material waste, recycling/composting/reuse rates, recycled or renewable content), economic (total cost of packaging, packaged product wastage) and social (packaged product shelf life, product safety, responsible workplace practices).


Hoping that as many companies as possible adopt and spread the word about the measurement system, the GPP has also released a document (PDF) listing every indicator along with each one's definition, metric, what to measure and what not to measure. Entries for life cycle indicators like global warming potential, cumulative energy demand and toxicity include additional information on why they are important to measure and what effects on humans and the environment they have.

The next step of the project is to test out the system, and 36 companies including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Walmart, SC Johnson, General Mills, Target and Colgate-Palmolive have agreed to use it to answer questions about the sustainability of different packaging choices. The results of the pilot projects will be compiled and released at the end of this year.