IKEA Assembles a Future Without Plastic Packaging

Good News Notes: “Thanks to tiny pieces and convoluted instructions, putting together a bookshelf from IKEA can be a maddening experience. But there’s a payoff: What’s stressful is stylish—and also sustainable. The Swedish retailer has been a champion of the environment for years. In 2018, for instance, it announced plans to use only renewable and recycled materials…

Enzymes and wood biomolecules, a winning combo for sustainable packaging

Good News Notes: “A biotechnology company hidden among the forests of southern Finland thinks trees can help sustainability in Europe to become deep-rooted. Sustainable multi-purpose products Researchers at Metgen Oy are mixing enzymes and biomolecules from wood and bark to replace raw oil-based materials. Some of these renewable biomaterials have already been developed and used in different…

Aldi UK removes plastic packaging from wooden toy range

Good News Notes: “The UK branch of discount supermarket chain Aldi has eliminated plastic packaging from its entire wooden toy range as part of its sustainability efforts. The retailer’s Specialbuy range, launched on 31 October, includes 26 different items such as wooden medical carts and pirate ships. Aldi’s wooden toy range was originally launched in…

Poll reveals desire for compostable packaging

Good News Notes: “Apoll commissioned by compostable packaging supplier Tipa has revealed 78 per cent of Australian adults believe the most effective solution to the plastic waste crisis is compostable packaging, not recycling. Some nine-in-ten (89 per cent) of survey respondents are said to be concerned about the plastic waste generated from packaging, and a…

Microsoft made a wireless mouse out of recycled ocean plastic

Good News Notes: “Alongside a fresh lineup of Surface systems, Microsoft announced a new mouse at its fall hardware event. The name gives away the reason why it’s interesting. It’s called the Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse. The shell is made with 20 percent recycled ocean plastic, which is created from waste that has been recovered from oceans and waterways…

Echo redesigns new Smarties range with 100% plastic free materials

Good News Notes: “Smarties’ plastic free commitments helped broaden Echo’s creative process to think outside the box while maintaining the playfulness of the brand and making it a learning experience for kids. “Following the launch of Smarties music creator in 2020, a physical and digitally interactive toy that enables children to create their own tunes,…