ABSTRACT
If the packaging industry is to be socially responsible, it must explicitly consider environmental impacts when making packaging design decisions. Environmental issues are complex, and their effects can be contradictory. If a package can be reused in its original application, it can be very effective at waste reduction by eliminating disposal requirements for several cycles. Multimaterial packages are, in general, less suited to recycling than single-material packages. All plastic containers would be preferred to combinations of plastic with paper and/or aluminum. The existence of markets for recycled materials is a key part of any recycling operation. The packaging industry has an obligation to increase its use of recycled materials. The industry must do more than to just passively permit the use of recycled materials. While the packaging industry is only a very small part of this problem, any changes the industry makes to conserve fuel are likely to have positive effects.
