In an Australian and industry first, B Corp and global sustainable packaging enterprise BioPak has launched its new Environmental Impact Label designed to increase transparency, accountability and BioPak’s commitment to combating industry wide greenwashing.
In partnership with environmental impact calculation software Pickler, the new tool uses clear and accurate data to outline the ‘eco-costs’ associated with each BioPak product (calculated per carton) and aims to make sustainable decision-making as easy as possible for customers.
BioPak explains the concept of ‘eco-costs’ places a monetary value on the environmental costs of a product. It goes beyond simply measuring carbon emissions, using four key categories: impact on climate change, impact in nature, impact on human health and impact on material scarcity. This is not to be confused as a hidden fee or added cost and has no impact on price point.
“Vague sustainability claims are no longer good enough,” said BioPak CEO Gary Smith. “There’s a growing demand for impact data to substantiate claims, based on scientific evidence.
“We are proud to partner with Pickler and their world-class software to show in-depth details about the environmental costs to make, transport and facilitate end-of-life solutions for that particular product. With credible calculations, we can make informed business decisions and pinpoint the areas with the highest impact. It also empowers our customers, allowing them to compare our product range and report on their business impact, too.”
Pickler co-founder Koen de Beer commended BioPak on its leadership and commitment to transparency.
“Our purpose and goal is to easily calculate the environmental footprint of packaging and we are delighted to partner with BioPak to help the team get one step closer towards a world without waste,” he said.
“Our hope is that BioPak can set a precedent and example of what is possible, encouraging other businesses to drive change in the Australian market, and on a global scale, and to step forward and see a more sustainable way of doing business.”
According to Pickler, only 2% of packaging manufacturers and resellers have proof to support their sustainability claims, highlighting an industry that’s rife with greenwashing. A recent survey shows that 75 percent of organisations have made clear sustainable-packaging commitments – but fewer than 30 percent are well prepared to meet regional requirements, much less internal aspirations.
The new environmental impact feature is available on every BioPak product page where customers can click through to a detailed report that includes the product’s Carbon Footprint, Eco-costs, Eco-Score and a detailed Life Cycle Assessment.
