Packaging

This website has been developed to help users of packaging save money through changes that reduce packaging waste and the environmental burdens of packaging.

The focus of this site is on waste prevention. Packaging comprises an estimated 20–30% of household and business waste in Oregon. The manufacture, transportation, and disposal of packaging all have the potential to impact the environment.

Packaging is also a major expense for many Oregon businesses. Some have found opportunities to save money through packaging changes. See "Case Studies" for examples.

Here’s an introduction to our site:

• About this site
  Explains what waste prevention is, and why this web site was developed.
• Best practices
  Profiling a variety of techniques for packaging waste reduction.
• Case studies
  Featured businesses in Oregon and elsewhere that are saving thousands – sometimes even millions – of dollars every year through packaging improvements.
• Checklists and evaluation tools
  Resources to evaluate existing and proposed packaging.
• Other resources
  Includes information on domestic and international packaging regulations, life cycle analysis, and “green marketing” claims, as well as links to other sites.

[print version]