Momentum builds for sustainable packaging

摘要

Continued cost pressure due to high oil prices, mandates from retailers to minimize packaging, a noticeable rise in the public's desire for greater sustainability, and a surge in government regulation-these are combining to make sustainablernpackaging more attractive than ever.rnGovernment regulations deserve special scrutiny, as they've lately become one of the top change agents behind the trend toward sustainability. Case in point is the European Union, which is recognized for its leadership in all things environmental. The European packaging community is generally ahead of the rest of the world in terms of sustainability, thanks in large measure to the role played by government mandates.rnNow China is getting into the act. Recent reports out of China describe what may be the most far-reaching packaging and recycling measures ever undertaken by a single government. Not only will this proposed new legislation bring about change in China, but its impact-and opportunity-will likely be felt worldwide.