DECATUR, Ind., March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent Spartan Press Release announcing a change in egg packaging presented some inaccuracies that we are simply compelled to rebut. The subtitle claim, "Cartons made of molded fiber are environmentally friendly" is suspect, given the results of an actual third party Life Cycle study on the issue. As the egg packaging supplier to Spartan Stores for the last 30 years, we believe these claims were not actually developed by Spartan, but were supplied to them by an outside source.
Claim: Fiber cartons are "100% recyclable"
Fact: This product does contain recycled material, scrap market paper, which is a positive. However, we are unaware of any significant molded pulp collection programs that would lead to using this material again. It is very unlikely that this is 100% post-consumer paper. In fact, it is our understanding that the fibers used in molded pulp packaging are actually considered a contaminant in much of the recycled paper industry. In addition, any food contaminated paper products are not accepted in any paper recycling programs. As an example, the Los Angeles Blue Bin program clearly omits molded pulp egg cartons in the list of paper and cardboard related materials that are accepted for recycling.
Claim: "100% biodegradable"
Fact: Very misleading...There is proof from the University of Arizona Garbage Project that pulp and paper products do not degrade in modern landfills. This unqualified statement of attribute would be considered unacceptable under the FTC's Green Marketing Guidelines. Most egg cartons will end up in a landfill where they are entombed and will not degrade.
Claim: "Creates less CO2 emission"
Fact: The claim that fewer CO2 emissions occur through using reclaimed material instead of virgin material is valid. However, the Spartan press release leaves the impression that the CO2 emissions are lower than those emitted by polystyrene carton production. A Life Cycle analysis comparing molded pulp and polystyrene foam, performed by Franklin Associates, LTD of Prairie Village, Kansas, confirms that Greenhouse gas emissions are significantly lower for a 40% recycled content foam material (like a green foam egg carton) than a one dozen pulp carton! In fact, the LCI results indicate that recycled content foam cartons consume significantly lower energy than its pulp alternative. This includes raw material extraction, production, and shipping of the finished product. This LCI study assumed 100% post consumer content material for molded pulp (which, in reality is highly unlike...molded products generally use scrap paper, not true post consumer paper) and foam egg cartons with 40% recycled content material.
Claim: "Cushions the egg"
Fact: Molded pulp is more rigid than its foam alternative...foam polystyrene was developed to cushion eggs as an alternative material to molded pulp in the late 60's and is cushioning by design.
Claim: "Molded fiber egg cartons absorb moisture"
Fact: This is actually true and is a detriment as pulp may lose its strength under high moisture environments and climates. Pulp cartons that contain a damaged egg are unsightly and, perhaps, unsanitary.
Claim: "Molded fiber cartons are much better for the environment and offer consumers a 'green' alternative to plastic"
Fact: Again, the Life Cycle Inventory, performed to evaluate molded pulp versus foam polystyrene, resulted in a different conclusion...a science based conclusion that recycled content foam cartons offer a lighter overall environmental footprint than molded pulp egg packaging.
Conclusion: Based on the evidence above, it is our conclusion that the decision to convert to molded pulp egg packaging does not lead to positive environmental results. In fact, this change has resulted in heavier shipping loads that may translate to less quantities shipped per load of eggs. Also, more travel distance from carton manufacturing facility to the egg supplier has been added to the program, adding CO2 emissions. And lastly, U.S. jobs have been forsaken to support a Canadian supplier.
Many retailers remain supportive of foam egg packaging. One example is Wal-Mart, who ushered in the sustainability movement in this country. After a thorough review of pulp and foam egg packaging, they have chosen foam egg cartons for over half of their business!
About Dolco Packaging
Dolco Packaging was founded in 1966 to manufacture and sell polystyrene foam egg cartons, meat trays and similar products for perishable foods. The company is now a nationwide supplier of foam products for the food industry and more. We're known for quality, service and for meeting the expectations of our customers.
For more information, contact plaughlin@dolco.net. Decatur, Indiana
SOURCE Dolco Packaging
