"Eco-Packaging" Finalist: Austin Natural Soap
by Sean Fisher, Cincinnati, Ohio on 04. 3.06
Sometimes a product should be recognized for what it doesn't have rather than what it does have. Jessica Wood's entry, Austin Natural Soap, struck us with its simplicity and, in particular, with what it is missing - unnecessary packaging. Instead of most commercial soap which comes packaged in layers of plastic (and often packaged in another plastic bag to boot), Austin Natural Soap's only packaging is a singular paper sleeve. This allows for less resources being used and much easier recycling while still functioning how packaging should - giving brand recognition, product info and giving you the uncontrollable urge to buy it. Thanks, Jessica!
Lots and lots of soap makers use this wrapping format. Is Austin Natural's different or better...is it made of recycled paper? Hemp?
Yeah, I see many natural soaps whose packaging looks exactly like that one-it's nothing new or phenomenal.
well, if no one else entered those soaps into the contest, they couldn't pick them as finalists, could they? :-)
Not only that, but Whole Foods (in Austin, at least) sells these soaps in bulk. One sleeve per 18-inch-long bar and you cut off as much as you want and pay by weight. However, they give you a plastic zip bag for your purchase, so that may not be a net gain.
We've been packaging our soaps like this for 12 years, and our paper is recycled made from 100% de-inked post consumer waste! We've got bulk soap loaves too. Check it out .http://www.awildsoapbar.com
Wow, aparently the 'Post an intelligent and civil comment' you have to hit to enter your comment was too subtle!
Just because it's not a new idea doesn't mean it doesn't have any merit.
Thanks for choosing to package this way so you have less packaging waste and way to go on being a finalist, Jessica!
Good concepts, less packaging = less post consumer waste. Victoria's Natural Soap has been packaging bars of soap with these "cigar band" wrappers for 15+ years. We also recycle our packing materials when shipping to cut down on waste, and encourage our customers to do the same. We pour our soap in recycled oak molds, and recycle/donate our soap scraps using various methods.
We believe all companies can do their part by evaluating processing and packing, then making the positive changes that will benefit both the environment and customer awareness.
Good concepts, less packaging = less post consumer waste. Victoria's Natural Soap has been packaging bars of soap with these "cigar band" wrappers for 15+ years. We also recycle our packing materials when shipping to cut down on waste, and encourage our customers to do the same. We pour our soap in recycled oak molds, and recycle/donate our soap scraps using various methods.
We believe all companies can do their part by evaluating processing and packing, then making the positive changes that will benefit both the environment and customer awareness.