Google Chromebook Goes Green: New Laptop Packaging Made From Blend of Sustainable Plant Fibers

Google has long been known as one of the world’s most innovative companies and they are once again raising the bar for packaging of high-end consumer electronic goods by choosing to launch the latest edition of the Chromebook laptop in a custom designed plant fiber tray.  Google partnered with Be Green Packaging to develop and ultimately manufacture the tray in the company’s state of the art production facilities.

This past year, Be Green Packaging had major R&D breakthroughs which led to the introduction of zero degree draft angle technology, making it possible to execute complex designs that the tech industry had been demanding.

“The new technology that Be Green has exclusively developed opens the door to a whole range of design capabilities that allow us to take tree-free, plant fiber packaging into new markets and areas.  In every sense, this is the future of packaging.” stated Robert Richman, Be Green’s President of Manufacturing.

Be Green’s proprietary plant fiber blend offers a number of benefits over traditional forms of packaging such as paperboard and plastic.  The fibers Be Green works with are rapidly renewable, abundant and grow like weeds in many parts of the world, unlike trees, which take years to develop and mature and are being cut down faster than they can be replenished.  Unlike plastic, no petrochemicals are used in the manufacturing of Be Green’s plant fiber blend.  Furthermore, the company holds seven eco-social certifications from some of the world’s most respected, independent organizations such as the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, the Non-GMO Project, the Biodegradable Products Institute and the USDA Biobased Product Program, among others.

As a founding principle of the company, Be Green Packaging’s current business model has been shaped in thought and practice by adherence to the triple bottom line philosophy.  “Embracing the environment and social equity in addition to profitability is part of our overarching goal of being a truly holistic, sustainable enterprise,” said Ron Blitzer, CEO, of the company’s ideals.  “Our commitment to getting our products, facilities and operations independently certified is helping us lead the industry in terms of accountability and transparency and forward-thinking companies like Google recognize and appreciate that.”

Google’s new Chromebook laptop has begun shipping from online retailers worldwide and will be hitting retail shelves in the coming weeks and months.

*No sustainability claims are yet being made for the new Google Chromebook packaging and it is currently undergoing testing for a potential Cradle to Cradle Bronze certification, although nothing has yet been awarded.  All sustainability claims are made only for Be Green Packaging’s plant fiber blend which is used in all Be Green Packaging products.

Whole Planet Foundation Thailand Trip: Day Three

Day Three

The Whole Planet Foundation journey through Thailand continues into the third day, and although we have received a brief message from Be Green CEO Ron Blitzer that the group is en route on a 3 hour car ride to Alter Eco’s rice production paddies, we have no idea of their whereabouts or activities.

Since the group is off-grid for the time being, let’s get acquainted with the different members participating on this excursion. The experience has revealed that the different companies represented on the trip are also triple bottom line businesses that share a passion for environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and innovative products.  Accompanying the Whole Planet Foundation and Be Green on the trip to Thailand are members from Seventh Generation, Hint Water, Hain Celestial Group, and Izze Sparkling Juices, among others.   A common thread connecting these forward thinking companies with the WPF is that they all share its philanthropic ideals and strive towards producing natural, sustainable products that create a pollution-free environment and encourage a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.

Seventh Generation is the nation’s leading brand of household and personal care products that help protect human health and the environment.  Their products offer a healthy solution for the air, surfaces, fabrics, pet, and people within the home and for the community.

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/

Hint Water, started in Northern California by Kara Golden, uses pure spring water and adds a splash of natural flavor to create a healthy alternative to sodas, juices, and other sweetened drinks. Hint focuses on great tasting food and healthy living.

http://www.drinkhint.com/

Genji Sushi is dedicated to the finest quality all-natural sushi and Japanese-inspired cuisine in a grab‐and‐go style. Its sushi bars are located within 138 Whole Foods Market locations in 18 states and the District of Columbia, as well as the U.K. At each location, skilled chefs prepare a variety of fresh items on‐site, including raw, cooked, vegetarian and vegan-friendly sushi and sides. The company mission is to contribute towards healthier food consumption habits on a global level.

http://www.genjiweb.com

Hain Celestial Group produces natural food and personal care products in both America and Europe and is committed to helping consumers lead a healthy lifestyle. Hain continues to implement environmentally sound business practices through quality, innovation, and value.

http://www.hain-celestial.com/

Izze Beverage Company based in Boulder, Colorado uses natural fruit juice and sparkling water with no refined sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavors.  In addition to supporting the Whole Planet Foundation, Izze also focuses it social efforts on the Global Education Fund, further emphasizing the need to focus on our children and future.

http://www.izze.com/

Be Green Packaging Joins Whole Planet Foundation Trip to Visit Microfinance Recipients in Thailand: Day 1

With operations in 50 countries and over $224 million dollars donated since its inception in 2005, the Whole Planet Foundation is a major force for positive social change worldwide.  The WPF works with a global network of microfinance lending institutions by offering them grants, which are then disbursed to the local communities in which they operate.  These grants allow the local microfinance offices to offer what are known as microloans — typically on the order of about $100 — to members of the community.  Although a small amount by Western standards, it can be life changing for poverty stricken individuals in developing countries.  The efforts of the WPF, in conjunction with its worldwide partners, have positively influenced the lives of thousands of families and individuals, allowing them to rise to a new standard of living, which often includes access to education and other essential needs.

Every year the WPF invites some of its largest annual contributors to travel to a selected destination where they are working with microcredit lenders.  The trip is a chance for companies and individuals donating to the WPF to see the change their contributions are making firsthand. This year, the WPF invited the group to Thailand, where they will be visiting with the communities and recipients of their donations.

Be Green Packaging’s CEO Ron Blitzer joined the group for the second time following his trip to Brazil with the WPF last year.  As a founding member of the Whole Planet Foundation’s ‘Change for Change’ fund, Be Green Packaging has been involved with the organization for many years.  A long-term supporter, Blitzer was interested in seeing what kind of impact the company’s donations were having on people’s lives, this time in Southeast Asia.

Days 1-2

After arriving in Bangkok the night before, the group started the day off touring the Grand Palace where their guide educated them on the history of Thailand, it’s people and their rich culture.  They travelled through the city on some of Bangkok’s many rivers where they got a firsthand glimpse into some of the more impoverished shanty towns existing on the banks of the polluted waterways.

After a bit more sightseeing to help them adjust to the local culture, in Blitzer’s words “The real adventure began” as they boarded an all-night train to Surin to visit with the Small Enterprise Development group and microloan recipients in the field.

meeting with local microfinance coordinators

The group arrived at the Chamuang Village Bank house in Surin around 10am after a long, bumpy train ride.  The weather was typical of equatorial regions — hot and humid.  The local bank put together a presentation for the group covering their activities and programs in the area.

locals display their wares in the village of Chamuang

Chamuang is located near Tramuang in Surin province.  It is a small village consisting of roughly 650 people who make string beads, key rings and other souvenirs as their main livelihood.  The community welcomed the WPF team and the village Chief, Mr. Sonsok, spoke to the group through an interpreter.  The community leaders served a traditional lunch of rice, veggies, fruits and tea.

Blitzer and the group observed the very real effects of the microfinance efforts in the community — the people seemed happy and content and the children all had smiles on their faces as they played with the guests and among themselves.  The houses in the village were small with wood and steel siding and you could see the general prosperity the villagers enjoyed with cars and satellite dishes accompanying their homes.

locals making silk

After the visit to Chamung, the WPF group was off to another village where the locals made woven silk fabrics.  This community had been involved in microfinance programs for the past 17 years and it showed — they spun beautiful silks and gave the group a tour to see how the material was harvested from silk worms and woven into the finished goods.

The long day ended with elephant rides (yes, elephant rides) and quality time spent time with the residents of the local community.

getting ready for elephant rides

Stay tuned for more details of the trip as it unfolds.