go to Open2.net go to OU homepage go to BBC homepage
go to homepage
go to introduction go to introduction
go to your waste - your choice
 go to your waste- your choice
go to choosing how you shop
go to choosing how you shop

shopping bag logo
waste icon
waste title
BBC logo
go to the open university's technology site
divider

According to many surveys, consumers want to buy environmentally responsible goods, and they want them packed in "environmentally friendly" packaging; some even say they are prepared to pay more. However, there is little clear guidance on what is good or bad in environmental terms.

For example, is packaging that is refillable, easy-to-recycle, or biodegradable better than packaging that is non-refillable, difficult-to-recycle or inert?

From our experience and research over twenty five years, we believe the answer is that none of these properties determine environmental impact. A "good" pack is one that protects its contents and performs all the other functions expected of it (eg being easy to open, carry clear instructions for use, and help market the goods) with the minimum use of resources throughout its lifespan.
  page 1 go to page 2 go to page 3 go to page 4 go to page 5 go to page 6 go to page 7 go to page 8 go to page 9 go to page 10
go to homepage go to energy go to food go to transport go to waste calculate your own eco-impacts! go to messages go to OU courses go to site map