Sustainable packaging is making the transition from niche to mainstream as manufacturers come under pressure to go green. Reflecting the development of the green trend, the organizers set aside an entire hall to bio-based packaging at the recent Interpack trade show in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Looking to the future, many commentators expect sustainable packaging to take up even more floor space.

Speaking at Interpack, Andy Sweetman, market development manager of Innovia films, said in a few years we could see a similar trade show devoted solely to bio-based packaging. And looking specifically at the beauty market, Mintel analyst Nica Lewis told CosmeticsDesign.com, "Environmentally friendly packaging is the next big area for development."

Rapid expansion
Green packaging has already made an impact on the industry and is currently one of the fastest-growing ethical trends.

More than 600 beauty products have been launched with eco-friendly packaging claims since March 2006 in Europe alone, according to figures drawn from Mintel's Global New Products Database.

Posted by  Skin Inc.

Friday was an important day for everyone, and I’m not speaking of religious circles. Friday was Earth Day 2011. And whether you think about it or not, or you care about it or not, I believe we are lucky to have people out there who do care enough to do what’s best for our planet. We need it to survive, after all.

Earth Day started in 1970, the idea of a then U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson. The massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, Calif. the year before spurred his enthusiasm for becoming an activist in the fight to clean up our water and air.