When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
While there are lots of opportunities for plastics manufacturers to develop sustainable and green packaging, consumer perception can be the biggest challenge in marketing the packaging, according to a pair of stories written by Heather Caliendo for PlasticsToday.
Caliendo wrote about some of the findings of a 2011 survey of 1,000 respondents:
• A recent study stated shoppers are interested in choosing eco-friendly packaging, according to Perception Research Services. Significantly more shoppers state they like to choose eco-friendly packaging compared to 2010 (36% vs 28%). Half of the shoppers polled said they would be willing to pay more for this type of packaging, which was especially true of shoppers under the age of 40.• More than half (59%) of the study stated that seeing environmental claims on packaging encourages the consumers to buy more of that brand.• Shoppers are becoming more skeptical of behaviors and motives of manufacturers in this area, as more state that companies are increasingly self-serving (enhance reputation; realize profit gains) and show less concern for the environment.• The study also pointed out that consumers notice recycling claims more than being aware of products that are produced with less material.
Caliendo also spoke with several industry experts about their strategies to move sustainable packaging forward. Dennis Salazar is president and co-founder of Salazar Packaging, Inc., and has his own blog. He advocates that educating consumers is key but it will take time.
“There is a segment of the population that is so ‘anti-plastic’ that they would not accept any form of plastic packaging product and is extremely skeptical of any green claims we may make,” according to Salazar.
Packaging consultant JoAnn Hines told Caliendo that one important way for an industry to educate the public is to start with kids. They need to properly understand how recycling material can be turned into other products, as well as how composting truly works, she said.
Salazar also noted to Caliendo that avoiding greenwashing — or misleading claims regarding environmental practices — is important to the future of sustainable packaging. He provided one example about the term “biodegradable”: How the product degrades, and under what conditions, are details that are often left out of green marketing campaigns.
Mark Brigden, technical director at Biopac, told Caliendo that package design can have a big impact on how the packaging is received. For example, he said that it was important to clearly tell the consumer that Biopac’s new cup was environmentally responsible, so they printed “I’m a green cup” in bold letters on the cup itself.
Regarding design, Salazar also told Caliendo that he believes that:
[…] the goal should not just be about minimizing packaging by making thinner bottles, using less resin, eliminating redundant layers of packaging, and so on, but it is important to look at reusability as the first and most desirable design objective.
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