Diamond Earns Highest Possible Score in P&G’s New Environmental Sustainability Scorecard Analysis Tool

The Procter & Gamble Company today announced that its environmental sustainability scorecard analysis tool would be made freely available for use by any company. The Excel-based tool enables companies to measure and interpret key environmental sustainability metrics across their supply chains and identify progress as well as opportunities for improvement. By providing this tool for free, P&G hopes to enable other companies to more purposefully focus on improving their environmental footprint without investing in the development of analysis software. The scorecard and analysis tool are available here.

“We’re taking every step we can to help others make their supply chain more sustainable,” said Larry Loftus, Director of Purchases Capability & Strategy and lead designer of P&G’s scorecard. “We believe we have a useful process and tools, and we want others to benefit from that.”

The Scorecard Analysis Tool is the latest publicly available component of P&G’s Supply Chain Environmental Sustainability Scorecard (supplier scorecard), which was designed to improve the environmental footprint of P&G’s supply chain, fuel innovation, and encourage suppliers to make environmental improvements in their own supply chains. The scorecard measures absolute or intensity improvements in nine key metrics including energy use, water use, waste disposal and greenhouse gas emissions on a year-to-year basis. It also assesses P&G’s external business partners’ sustainability innovation ideas and promotes collaboration. Its results affect a supplier’s rating, which can impact future business with P&G.

The scorecard is just one aspect of a robust, productivity-driving sustainability effort across P&G that the Company estimates has led to nearly $1 billion in bottom-line operational savings from reductions in energy, water, waste and CO2 at its own facilities over the past ten years. P&G has encouraged others to adopt or adapt the scorecard for their needs since its launch in 2010.

The scorecard has also resulted in improvements and increased innovation and collaboration within its supplier network. Some specific changes it has catalyzed P&G and its suppliers to make include deleting plastic windows on a brand’s cartons, reducing manufacturing scrap waste, replacing petroleum-based materials with certified Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) material, and identifying opportunities to more efficiently transport products and reduce the quantity of trucks used.

Diamond Packaging was recognized as one of only 17 companies that earned the highest possible score. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Report: Packaging Consumers Keen to Go Green

In the most recent research conducted by Perception Research Services, shoppers demonstrate that they are interested in choosing environmentally-friendly packaging. Significantly more shoppers state they would like to choose environmentally friendly packaging compared to 2010 (36% vs 28%), with fully half still willing to pay more (despite the economy). This is especially true of younger (under 40) shoppers. Over half (59%) of our sample state that seeing environmental claims on packaging positively impacts their behavior (to either buy more of the brands they usually do, or switch to others).

Ironically, while shoppers continue to notice environmental claims at a high level (roughly half state seeing more of them in the past 6 months, just as in 2010), they are increasingly frustrated by the information provided. Significantly more report there isn't enough environmental information (26% vs 20%), that they are confused by all the different environmental claims (20% vs 12%), and that they don't know which packages are best for the environment (22% vs 17%). more

From Biodegradable to Recyclable: Packaging Choices for Beauty Brands

It’s a given that today’s consumers have grown to expect eco-friendly packaging to envelop their sustainably sourced beauty products. And, in an increasing amount of countries, it’s becoming a requirement. “Consumers in India, Japan and Taiwan have strict regulations and bans on plastics and other pollutants compared to other regions of the world due to the limited space and challenges they have been confronted with from the impacts of pollution,” says Patti Aragoni of Green Bag Company, an eco-conscious bag and packaging supplier based in San Francisco. Moreover, many European countries—notably Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany and Austria—have eco-conscious behavior deeply rooted into their culture, and consumers expect the disposability of their products to be simple and environmentally responsible.

However, a brand should keep in mind that there are many ways to promote a green message through packaging: It can be composted or biodegradable; it can be tossed in the recycling bin; or it can be refilled or reused. A savvy brand owner will carefully weigh the benefits of each kind of green packaging solution when implementing changes. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Commits to Buy Renewable Energy Through 2017

Diamond Packaging, The City of Austin, Texas, Southern Oregon University, the Bank of Georgetown (DC and MD), Stevens Pass, and Sandy Alexander are the first to sign the Renewable Energy Markets Association (REMA) “5 Year Renewable Energy Pledge.” The national program recognizes organizations that make a long-term commitment to voluntarily purchase renewable energy for at least the next five years. The official REMA-led program launch is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership, Center for Resource Solutions, and the founding companies, organizations, and municipalities.

“Voluntary purchases of renewable energy contribute significantly to our nation’s renewable energy infrastructure and deployment of new renewable generation,” said Jay Carlis, REMA President. “In 2009 alone, U.S. consumers voluntarily purchased over 30 million megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy above and beyond government mandates, but more can be done. With federal renewable energy policy fading away, long-term demand for green power from voluntary customers can step in to catalyze renewable energy development in the absence of federal policy drivers. That’s what the Pledge seeks to stimulate.” more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Video Clip from National Paperboard Competition Now Available

A video clip of a PPC judge commenting on Diamond Packaging's award-winning 2011 Centennial Calendar is now available at: http://www.diamondpackaging.com/multimedia/diamond-calendar-jim.wmv.

Diamond earned five awards in the 68th Annual National Paperboard Packaging Competition, including Gold and Eco Excellence Awards for its calendar. This year's centennial-themed calendar is the company's most ambitious to date, featuring twelve layouts: one for each decade that Diamond has been in business along with a futurevision layout and a 9-11 tribute. Each decade depicts memorable moments from that time period supporting Diamond's message that “We Were There”. The distinguished calendar cover protects the piece, which also serves as a capabilities book.

The calendar was decorated with the latest in package printing technologies, including specialty coatings (emboss, pearl, textured, soft touch), MiraFoil® environmentally-friendly coating, Cast and Cure holographic effects, foil stamping, and multi-level embossing.

Diamond introduced several of its new specialty coatings (DiamondEmboss, DiamondPearl, DiamondTexture, and DiamondTouch) on the cover and several of its layouts. The goal was to produce unique decorative effects through an in-line process without requiring a separate stamping or embossing pass, thereby reducing material and energy usage.

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Five Awards In National Paperboard Competition

Diamond Packaging earned five awards in the 68th Annual National Paperboard Packaging Competition, the industry’s premier showcase for carton manufacturers involved in the concept, design, print, performance, and shelf appeal of paperboard packaging. Awards were announced at the PPC's Fall Meeting & Leadership Conference at Disney World.

The competition, sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) and judged by industry leaders and designers, is a celebration of the industry and its creative potential. It is also an affirmation of paperboard as the clear and intelligent choice for packaging in today’s eco-conscious world.

Entries in the General category were evaluated on three criteria. First was an examination of the package itself, taking into consideration the entry’s development objectives, materials, and design, printing, and converting processes. The second measured the package’s impact on production, manufacturing, distribution, storage and warehousing; economics (material substitutions, cost reduction, line efficiency); and brand enhancement and marketing. Finally, the package’s impact on the retail store shelf was considered.

This year's Eco category entries were evaluated on a carton's use of paperboard—or how paperboard replaced a less-sustainable substrate—to create an eco-friendly package. Environmental stewardship, material and energy savings, and clean production processes were also assessed.

Competing against entries from around the country, Diamond received recognition by winning two Gold Awards and three Excellence Awards. more

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Packaging

Diamond Introduces Green Chic™ Sustainable Packaging

Diamond Packaging today announced its new Green Chic™ packaging, a significant advance in the field of sustainable packaging design. Upscale or luxury brands can now support environmental concerns without sacrificing identity.

As a natural evolution of Diamond’s greenbox initiative, the company is applying its tradition of innovation to green packaging design. Diamond's new Green Chic™ packaging delivers “Beauty without Compromise” by capturing the essence of luxury brands through more sustainable converting methods.

Green Chic™ incorporates multiple technologies, all applied inline:

TruCOLOR™ expanded color gamut (ECG)

Specialty coatings

Effects and decorations (e.g., MiraFoil™ metallic coating, Cast and Cure holographic effects)

In addition, all components are manufactured using 100% renewable wind energy.

Diamond's new “Four Seasons” carton series demonstrates these technologies in beauty-inspired packaging representing each of the four seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter). All of the samples were created utilizing its unique Synergy (tapered tuck and seal end) structure. The cartons also incorporate a QR code which, when scanned, directs users to Diamond's green website. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Designing for a Greener Future

Since the inception of Earth Day in 1970, consumer interest in the environment has grown to include concerns about packaged goods. Join sustainability experts from Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever as they provide up-to-date insights into how large packaged goods and food service companies are approaching package design and sustainability. Discussion points in this 60-minute webinar include new sustainable packaging materials and package-design initiatives, as well as the processes, advancements, and regulatory issues affecting the package design industry. Plus, they’ll each discuss their company’s green initiatives and how that translates to their bottom lines. In just one hour, you’ll uncover dynamic, new strategies that protect people, the planet, and profits. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
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Diamond Wins P&G Corporate Supplier Excellence Award

The Procter & Gamble Company recognized Diamond Packaging as one of its top performing external business partners during an awards ceremony last night at its Business Partner Recognition Dinner. The objective of the annual event is to recognize and celebrate those key contributors who have demonstrated partner excellence. This year about 80 supplier and agency partners were represented at the awards dinner.

“We have tremendous partnerships with our external business partners around the world,” said Bob McDonald, P&G’s chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer. “These partnerships are powerful because they are focused on a common purpose &emdash to touch and improve people's everyday lives.”

Diamond received P&G’s Corporate Supplier Excellence Award for performing consistently at high levels within P&G's internal performance management system. more

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New packaging recovery label system to debut in 2012

Sustainability nonprofit GreenBlue has released a new report, "Labeling for Package Recovery," and has announced details for a 2012 national pilot of the new Packaging Recovery Label System, a voluntary label developed by the organization’s Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) to communicate to consumers how to recycle a package after its use.

Among the companies that have agreed to implement the label on select packaging nationwide starting in 2012 are ConAgra Foods, Costco Wholesale, Microsoft, REI, and Seventh Generation.

The goals of the labeling system are to reduce confusion for consumers with clear instructions on how to recycle a package after its use, and to develop a consistent, accurate labeling system for companies that adheres to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) “Green Guides” and uses nationally accurate recyclability data. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

GreenBlue® Reports on Sustainability of Decorative Processes on Paperboard

GreenBlue®, a non-profit organization developed to equip businesses with the science and resources to make products more sustainable, has recently released a suite of reports that provides technical guidance on how to design packaging to be compatible with common recovery methods. Separate reports have been developed for aluminum, steel, glass and paper packaging.

Closing the Loop: Design for Recovery Guidelines for Paper Packaging (the Guidelines) provides information that is necessary to assess the potential recyclability of a new type of package before it is released into the marketplace. According to GreenBlue® Project Leader Elizabeth Shoch, “The goal of the Closing the Loop project is to improve the overall recovery of packaging materials, primarily by connecting two parts of the supply chain that rarely interact: packaging designers and recyclers. The hope is that if designers are aware of the impact they have on packaging recovery, they may change their practices and design with the end in mind.”

Shoch further explained that specifically for paper packaging, the Guidelines’ primary purpose was to examine the various treatments that are applied to paper packaging, assess their purpose in packaging and try to determine how each treatment impacts the recycling or composting process – the two beneficial end-of-life options for paper packaging in the US. “To our knowledge,” said Shoch, “this information has not been previously collected anywhere.” more

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Diamond Packaging Wins Three Awards in 2011 Gold Ink Awards Competition

Diamond Packaging won three awards in the 2011 Gold Ink Awards competition, the industry’s most prestigious print competition.

Competing against more than 1,000 entries from around the world, Diamond won recognition for packaging produced for Coty's Beyoncé Heat and McGraw Silver fragrances, and for its own 2011 Centennial Calendar. Winning pieces were chosen based on print quality, technical difficulty, and overall visual effect.

Diamond created striking new packaging for Beyoncé Heat, a sensual, sexy, and sophisticated fragrance that embodies the soul of Beyoncé's persona.

The overall presentation imparts unusual depth and distinction through innovative design, material selection, UV gloss spot coating, foil stamping, embossing, and debossing. more

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Diamond Case Study Featured in Brand Packaging Magazine

A new case study on the recent launch of the Gillette Fusion® ProGlide™ shaving system will be featured in the August edition of Brand Packaging magazine.

The article, titled "Innovative Designs, Sustainable Results", details how Gillette and Diamond Packaging collaborated on using the latest materials and decorative techniques to create packaging that met cost objectives yet still delivered a high premium appearance. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Highest Honor For Its Centennial Calendar

Diamond Packaging won its first ever Benny Award in the 62nd annual Premier Print Awards competition, the graphic arts industry’s largest and most prestigious worldwide printing competition. Printing Industries of America (PIA) hosts the Premier Print Awards, which recognizes the creation and production of superior print communications. The event promotes excellence in printing and rewards companies and individuals who produce the very best in print media. Of the more than 3,200 entries received, Diamond’s entries were chosen for exemplifying the highest standards in the printing industry.

Diamond won the coveted Benny Award for its Diamond 2011 Centennial Calendar, and in recognition will receive the “Benny”, a bronze statuette of Benjamin Franklin. The Benny is awarded to the most outstanding entry in each category. To win, an entry must be flawless. Given this high standard, the judges do not always award a Benny in every category.

Diamond also won Certificates of Merit for the Beiersdorf Mini Gift Set and for the Diamond 2011 Centennial Calendar. The total represents the highest number of awards Diamond has ever won in this competition.

“We are thrilled to have won the Benny Award,” said Karla Fichter, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Packaging. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the industry as a company that produces best-in-class packaging.” more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Seven Awards In 2010 FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition

Diamond Packaging won seven awards in the 2010 FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition, the industry's premier showcase for foil stamping and embossing designs and techniques. Awards were announced last month at the IADD•FSEA Odyssey in Nashville, TN.

The competition, which is sponsored by the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA), recognizes creativity and superior execution of designs that reflect positively on the industry as a whole. Entries are judged on several criteria including design, execution, and level of difficulty. Winning an award is a mark of excellence in the packaging field and recognition of superior achievement.

Competing against hundreds of entries from around the country, Diamond earned recognition by winning two Gold Leaf awards, four Silver Leaf awards, and one Bronze Leaf award. The total represents the highest number of awards Diamond has ever won in this competition.

Diamond won a Gold Leaf award in the category of “Most Difficult Application of Foil Stamping/Embossing on a Folding Carton” for packaging created for Coty's Beyoncé Heat, a sensual, sexy, and sophisticated fragrance that embodies the soul of Beyoncé's persona. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Global Packaging Alliance Holds Annual Meeting in Hong Kong

The Global Packaging Alliance (GPA) recently held its annual meeting in Hong Kong, providing an ideal forum for its members to review industry trends and the latest developments in packaging innovation and sustainability. The group also focused on ways to further support international brands in growth markets.

GPA members opened the meeting by discussing packaging trends in their respective markets and sharing the latest developments in their packaging operations, including equipment investments, technical advancements, process improvements, new materials, and operating data for benchmarking.

The agenda also included a review of market developments in the Middle East and India with the possibility of adding a company to the GPA’s current network in these regions. With this in mind, the next GPA annual conference is scheduled to take place in India in early 2012. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Marks 100th Anniversary with Purchase of Second Custom-Configured Speedmaster XL 105 UV Press

Just in time for its 2011 centennial celebration, Diamond Packaging, a high-end printing and packaging company based in Rochester, N.Y., has installed its second state-of-the-art, 8-color Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 105 in a special double coating configuration with initial flexo dispersion coater, four modular deliveries, and full interdeck UV capability.

The company, which acquired its first Speedmaster XL 105 LYY-8+LYYL one year ago in a bid to attract additional package decorating business, has seen the market for complex, high-end work with inline finishing and specialty coatings take off over the past 12 months, as customers learned that Diamond had gained the capability to perform an impressive range of high-gloss applications with dispersion or other coatings, in addition to metallic, pearlescent and other special effects. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Paperboard Packaging to Benefit from Recyclable Logo

The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) has introduced a recyclable logo to be used on paperboard packaging now that it is recycled in the majority of American communities.

According to recent guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), something can only be advertised as recyclable if it can be done so easily by the majority of consumers.

PPC has said that paperboard packaging is now being collected for recycling in over 60 percent of communities in the US, which the FTC has said represents a substantial majority. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Produces Centennial-Themed Calendar

Diamond Packaging continues its annual tradition of producing a corporate calendar, a popular promotional item given to customers and suppliers.

This year's centennial-themed calendar is the company's most ambitious to date, featuring twelve layouts: one for each decade that Diamond has been in business along with a futurevision layout and a 9-11 tribute. Each decade depicts memorable moments from that time period supporting Diamond's message that “We Were There”. The distinguished calendar cover protects the piece, which also serves as a capabilities book.

The calendar was decorated with the latest in package printing technologies, including specialty coatings (emboss, glitter, pearl, textured, soft touch), MiraFoil™ environmentally-friendly coating, Cast and Cure holographic effects, foil stamping, and multi-level embossing. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

FTC Proposes Revised Green Guides

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed revisions to the guidance that it gives marketers to help them avoid making misleading environmental claims. The proposed changes are designed to update the Guides and make them easier for companies to understand and use.

The changes to the “Green Guides” include new guidance on marketers’ use of product certifications and seals of approval, “renewable energy” claims, “renewable materials” claims, and “carbon offset” claims. The FTC is seeking public comments on the proposed changes until December 10, 2010, after which it will decide which changes to make final.

Read the article that appears on PackagingDigest.com.

Read the Green Guides Summary of Proposal.

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging