Lately I’ve gotten quite involved in the green movement. One of my clients, Salazar Packaging, Inc., just introduced a line of 100% recycled corrugated boxes. Whatever your business, pay attention to the eco-conscious. As environmental issues continue to grow in importance, they will influence products, services, and branding in a big way. I recently asked Dennis Salazar a few questions about the firm’s Globe Guard boxes. His perspective on sustainability should be of interest to small business owners and marketing personnel.

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1. How did you become interested in sustainable packaging?

My wife, Lenora and I have always shared a concern for the environment and combined we have over forty years of experience in the packaging industry. When we started our own packaging business, almost a year and a half ago, we saw an opportunity to combine these two important parts of our lives when we started receiving calls from people in search of “green” packaging solutions. That is when we realized we had the industry knowledge and relationships to not only provide sustainable solutions to our customers but also to actually help develop them with the group of industry leading manufacturers we represent.

2. What exactly are Globe Guard boxes? How are they different?

The typical RSC style box that almost everyone uses contains between 25 and 35% recycled content. Globe Guard boxes are 100% post consumer waste, recycled content and of course they are recyclable so their life cycle is theoretically continual and waste is eliminated.

3. Why should companies use Globe Guard boxes?

We created and offer this product line for anyone who is concerned about the environment and the image their company communicates to the people with whom they do business. The common complaint from people looking for this type of solution was that 100% recycled boxes were difficult to find, were not in stock, had long lead times and were often outrageously priced. Globe Guard boxes are probably not for everyone but for those who want or need them, we have made them available and
affordable with our custom and stocking program.

4. How does the cost compare to regular corrugated boxes? Do customers expect them to cost more … Or less?

The price perception on this type of product is all over the board, no pun intended. Most who have researched it have concluded that 100% recycled content boxes are substantially more expensive. A few people we have talked to are convinced that these boxes should be less expensive than “standard” boxes. The fact is that we have made them very competitive and affordable and we expect the price to possibly even lower over time as the forces of the market work. Corrugated box pricing is all about volume and as our volume grows, we are confident people will be able to afford to do the right environmental thing, if they choose to.

5. What has the response been so far?

The initial response has been very positive and it confirms what we believed, that the market is ready for this product and service.

6. Lots of large companies have Green initiatives underway. Do you think this is a fad or a long term trend?

I recently had an opportunity to address a group of packaging industry leaders and I know a few were probably surprised by my adamant position that this is an irreversible trend that is here to stay. I provided many reasons for this belief but the primary two are that it is generational and consumers want it. As the large CPG manufacturers continue to make substantial relational and financial investments in this direction, the activity and interest in green can only grow in response.