By Gemma Childe on 16th Feb 2012
Innocent, the smoothie firm, has been voted the best brand for its environmentally friendly packaging according to a recent survey.
The study was compiled by easyFairs, the packaging trade show specialist, which asked 289 packaging professionals to name a brand that they really admired for its green packaging.
Innocent, which believes in a strong sustainable packaging policy, was voted by 10 per cent, swiftly followed by Marks & Spencer (7 per cent) and Kenco (5 per cent).
The company uses food grade recycled plastic in its bottles while cartons are made from 100 per cent Forest Stewardship Council certified material.
Matt Benyon, managing director at easyFairs UK, said: "What impresses me most is that we asked all those surveyed to name any brand they like, so to have 10 per cent come back saying 'Innocent' is quite amazing.
"It shows how Innocent get things right in not only the green packaging side of things, but conveying their green message across to its peers and consumers. A lot of companies are doing great things out there, just they don't tell us, which is a real shame."
The toy industry is the most over-packaged, according to 26 per cent of respondents, while 61 per cent thought that the cosmetics, perfumery and toiletries industries were the most innovative.
More than a quarter of those surveyed admitted that they were doing lots for environmental packaging but not advertising the fact and 69 per cent said cost was the issue for driving packaging decisions at the moment.
There is still a battle, however, between keeping costs to a minimum and improving environmental performance of packaging for most professionals working in the industry –the tougher economic climate means businesses are less likely to introduce sustainable packaging unless it saves them money as well.