Wed, January 04, 2012 - 2:48:59
Sweet Success! Ecover Introduces 100% PlantPlastic Bottles Packaging Made from Sugar Cane
Long Beach, CA. January 4, 2012 – Every day is Earth Day at Ecover. Thirty-one years ago, this pioneering company was the first to produce phosphate free detergents which was just the beginning of innovation at Ecover. Today, this company not only creates effective ecological cleaning products, but Ecover has again proven to be a leader in sustainability with the introduction of 100% PlantPlastic™ bottles which is a breakthrough in green packaging that’s 100% renewable, reusable and recyclable.
PlantPlastic is an amazing new material made purely from sugarcane. Ecover spent three years investigating this alternate packaging solution (which doesn’t include labels and caps) for their sustainable cleaning products because, says Ecover Marketing Manager Kipling Wagner, “Like many people, we’re deeply concerned about the problems associated with crude oil and petroleum-based plastics. We’re thrilled to be in the process of switching the majority of Ecover packaging to PlantPlastic. Some other well-known brands are thinking of following our lead, which is great news,” continues Ms. Wagner. “Even if other companies initially only use a small percentage of this renewable plastic, we’re still helping to effect positive change on a broader scale.”
Ecover isn’t the only one excited about this new solution for replacing plastic packaging. In Europe, where Ecover has been a household staple for years, the PlantPlastic bottle has recently won the Oscar De L’Emballage in Paris, France, an Oscar for innovative environmental packaging.
Alchemy: Changing Sugarcane into PlantPlastic
Ecover’s latest advance comes in the context of a long history of providing consumers with effective ecological cleaning products. As noted in Chemical and Engineering News, Ecover was the first company to introduce phosphate-free detergents, which laid the groundwork for a whole new market segment similar to what is happening now with the introduction of PlantPlastic.
The simple and sustainable process to create PlantPlastic involves fermenting and distilling sugar to produce ethanol. Dehydrating the plant-based ethanol creates ethylene, which is polymerized into PlantPlastic.
To fully support the commitment to sustainability, sugarcane for Ecover packaging is grown and harvested in harmony with the natural environment. As a result, the nearby Amazonian rainforests remain unaffected. They also use a production process so efficient that an entire year’s worth of Ecover packaging can be “grown” on just 37 acres.
For over three decades, consumers have trusted Ecover products for supremely effective, ecological cleaning solutions that leave their homes sparkling and their planet healthy. Now, with the introduction of the amazing new PlantPlastic bottles, Ecover is extending its “minimal impact on the environment” commitment, and vision of a sustainable world, even further into the future.
Other Sustainable Practices
Ecover builds sustainability into every facet of production and distribution. The factories – with cathedral-like ceilings made from fast-growing sustainable woods—are a glorious testament to this commitment. Not only are they constructed with recycled or renewable materials, but they use far less energy and water than typical manufacturing facilities. The machines have energy efficient motors; lights go off automatically when not in use; and energy comes from a mix of renewable sources.
To enhance sustainable distribution, Ecover built a second ecological factory in Boulogne-sur-Mer, Northern France – close to the UK where Ecover products are in high demand. This helps reduce transportation impact. Ecover is equally vigilant about ingredient sourcing and suppliers who are screened to comply with strict Ecover specifications.
In these ways and more, Ecover fulfills its progressive environmental policy.
About Ecover
Since 1980, Ecover has integrated sustainability into every aspect of the company. From the super ecological cleaning products, to the state-of-the-art clean-running factories, to PlantPlastic packaging, it’s how we do business.
You might not think that doing simple household chores with sustainable cleaning products can help to change the world – but it can. Our goal is to make a healthy and sustainable lifestyle easy so bring Ecover home and see your way clean to a bright future.
To learn more about Ecover, visit our website, blog, Facebook page and Twitter profile.
PRESS CONTACT INFO:
Robin Phillips
Creative Concepts
866.475.5191 x711
rphillips@creative-concepts.co
