The EcoPak, an all-paperboard jar developed by American manufacturer Chicago Paper Tube & Can Co., earned top honors in Green Packaging at the 10th Annual International Package Design Awards. The longest-running package design awards in the beauty industry, the IPDAs recognize outstanding innovations in cosmetic, fragrance, personal-care, skin-care and sustainable packaging.
Introduced in summer of 2008, EcoPak is an all-paperboard solution for directly packaging shea butters and balms, solid perfume and other oil-based products in a completely biodegradable and recyclable container. Made from up to 90% recycled materials (and available with more than 80% post-consumer content), EcoPak boasts a unique construction that ends the dependence on plastic, metal and glass components traditionally used as primary-packaging materials.
"Glass and plastic are the default direct-packaging solutions for personal-care products," said John Dudlak, President of Chicago Paper Tube. "EcoPak was developed in response to clients who asked for a simple yet elegant way to package their products in a more environmentally friendly fashion. We are now working on a similar package that would be able to safely contain water-based products, which I believe is the next logical step for the development of this product line."
While sustainability is EcoPak's strongest attribute, its broad range of finishes also makes it one of the most versatile containers on the market. It can easily be styled with a premium appearance for cosmetic and personal-care products or outfitted with a natural look for organic branding. EcoPak containers can be fashioned in nearly any style offered by Chicago Paper Tube's eco-friendly Rolled Edge and Natural collections. It can be sized to accommodate virtually any volume of product and is available custom-printed with FSC-certified papers and soy-based inks.
EcoPak has been recognized with a Noteworthy Accomplishment Award by the 21st DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation in 2009.