Sustainable Spice

spicesustainable

A design concept re-thinking the ways spices are grown, harvested, transported, and packaged. From Organic and Fair Trade farms to re-cyclable and biodegradable packaging.

Intro to Sustainable Design & Development // Jayna Sinn

Executive Summary .................. 3

A Little History ........................ 7

Overview ................................. 9

The Competition ...................... 11

Laws & Regulations ................ 13

Methodology ........................... 15 Design Solution Refill Pod ............... 19 Bulk Bag ................ 21

Energy ................................... 23

Environment .......................... 25

Measuring Success ..................27

Resources ............................... 29

Executive Summary.......................................................... Food packaging is regulated by the FDA, and labels such as Organic, Fair-Trade, and GMO-free must meet strict regulations.

The guidelines we follow for creating sustainble spice packaging is based on the framework set by the Sustainable Packaing Coalition. It lists eight key points that must be met in order to qualify.

Design solutions have been laid out for the refill pod and bulk sack. A visual aid has been rendered to accompany the description of the materials, shape, size, and other details.

Sustainable spice is the development of a cleaner, greener, and less-wasteful approach to spice packaging.

Spices are typically purchased in small plastic containers which are mainly thrown into the trash instead of being recycled. The new design focuses on lighter, biodegradable refills and bulk purchases.

Most other spice companies are taking steps to become more environmentally friendly and some have set the bar quite high. We must understand the competion in order to learn from their success.

Energy use is a primary focus of the sustainbility goals. This is where we can reduce environmental impact by reducing energy use in the factory and in transportation. The use of renewable energy is a way to meet our energy needs without burdening the planet.

The environment is the sole reason for working toward sustainability. To preserve natural resources and take care of the earth we look at different facets of our process from extraction, manufacture, transportation, to the product’s end of life.

3 // Sustainable Spice

Food packaging is regulated by the FDA, and labels such as Organic, Fair-Trade, and GMO-free must meet strict regulations.






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Sustainability Sustainability is a balance between financial, human, and environmental issues. It is about living your values while acting with responsibility, integrity, and generosity. It is about participating in a community of discussion, dialogue and action – because no person or company is an island and everything is interconnected.



Sustainable Spice // 4

7 of the world’s 10 most commonly used spices

have strong antibacterial properties:

onion

garlic

hot peppers

bay leaf

cinnamon

cloves

thyme

AN ANCIESpices have been used by humans for thousands of years, since about 50,000 BC. In 2,000 BC, the spice trade emerged in the Middle East and parts of Asia. It stimulated world trade and was the primary factor for global exploration during the times of Columbus. We consume spices to this day, with massive growth just within the last 30 years.

600% more chili pepper, 300% more cumin, and 1,600% more ginger.

As compared to the 1970s, Americans now consume

The Egyptians knew that spices could prevent decay. They were even used in mummification.

Pirates preserved wild game for sea travel by smoking it and rubbing it with allspice.

The Romans used red cumin and coriander.

A Little History..........................................................


NT TRADE.............................................................

AN ANCIE..........................................................


The way spices get from the plant to the pantry has changed quite a bit over the centuries. Instead of large sacks bursting with spices, today’s spice comes in tiny containers in measured amounts. This may reduce wasted spice, but does add exponential waste from the packaging.

Spice packaging needs an update. We are marketing to busy consumers who don’t have time to think about the logistics of their spices. The process of purchasing spices should be simple and easy, and our goal is to provide that. Our spices are only the highest quality: organic and Fair Trade certified.

NT TRADE.............................................................


.......................................................... Overview

Spice packaging is at an interesting point in time in that consumers seem sharply divided in to two arenas: some consumers are buying from bulk spices and reusing their own containers, while others purchase countless tiny plastic jars that are thrown in to the garbage without being recycled at all.

Biodegradable packaging is a solution for buyers not concerned with recycling, so rather than a plastic jar thrown away and shipped off to a landfill, a biodegradable container will be. We encourage buyers to toss the container in their garden or compost pile.

We aim to provide simple packaging solutions for a simple product. Spice should not be complicated, we want to focus on eco-friendly materials that can be recycled or are biodegradable, lessening the impact on the earth’s natural systems. This packaging is created to hold only organic spice that has been sustainably farmed and harvested.

Food packaging is regulated by the FDA, and labels such as Organic, Fair-Trade, and GMO-free must meet strict regulations.








We understand that biodegradable packaging is not always allowed a chance to break down and often being compressed into a mass of trash with no soil or bacteria. But the same way plastics may escape the landfill and sit in the forest or city, or circulate around the ocean; this container will be at an advantage and can break down quite fast. It takes months to break down, rather than hundreds of years compared to plastic. Our idea is to provide the average consumer with an easy solution – refill pods that can be easily purchased in measured amounts. The top can be snipped off with a knife or scissors, and the spice

poured into the consumer’s container of choice. This allows for reuse of previously purchased containers. This refill system is a lead-in to our line of bulk spices, which will lead to greater cost savings and less packaging waste as well as simpler transportation. Customers who may not have had exposure to the concept of bulk spices will find that, through their trust of our brand, it is a better idea after all.

.......................................................... Spice packaging is at an interesting point in time in that consumers seem sharply divided in to two arenas: some consumers are buying from bulk spices and reusing their own containers, while others purchase countless tiny plastic jars that are thrown in to the garbage without being recycled at all.

Biodegradable packaging is a solution for buyers not concerned with recycling, so rather than a plastic jar thrown away and shipped off to a landfill, a biodegradable container will be. We encourage buyers to toss the container in their garden or compost pile.

We aim to provide simple packaging solutions for a simple product. Spice should not be complicated, we want to focus on eco-friendly materials that can be recycled or are biodegradable, lessening the impact on the earth’s natural systems. This packaging is created to hold only organic spice that has been sustainably farmed and harvested.


............................................................. We understand that biodegradable packaging is not always allowed a chance to break down and often being compressed into a mass of trash with no soil or bacteria. But the same way plastics may escape the landfill and sit in the forest or city, or circulate around the ocean; this container will be at an advantage and can break down quite fast. It takes months to break down, rather than hundreds of years compared to plastic. Our idea is to provide the average consumer with an easy solution – refill pods that can be easily purchased in measured amounts. The top can be snipped off with a knife or scissors, and the spice

poured into the consumer’s container of choice. This allows for reuse of previously purchased containers. This refill system is a lead-in to our line of bulk spices, which will lead to greater cost savings and less packaging waste as well as simpler transportation. Customers who may not have had exposure to the concept of bulk spices will find that, through their trust of our brand, it is a better idea after all.

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The Competition.......................................................... .............................................................

In a study of the purchase of spices in a store setting, customers were observed at a major big box store; Walmart. The spice aisle environment was dominated by plastic containers, with two small shelves of glass containers. The customers chose only the plastic, which may be driven by the cost. Plastic is cheaper, and the size is smaller. Also the spices chosen had a simple label, and many were a mixed spice, such as lemon-pepper. This might indicate that consumers value convenience over appearance and quality.

ObservationMcCormick is one of the largest spice companies in the US.

Using 2005 as a base, they have established a goals to reduce the use of electricity by 15% by the end of 2010 and reduce the amount of solid waste transported to landfills or incinerators by 10%.

They work with the American Spice Trade Association and the Indian Spices Board to develop training programs for farmers.

They have a dedicated team that works with joint ventures, strategic alliances, and other suppliers, training them in the latest supply chain activities and completing audits of their facilities to ensure compliance to US FDA GMP regulations.


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Top Spice Companies(in the United States)

1 McCormick2 Frontier

3 Spice Supreme4 Spice Hunter5 House of Spices6 Morton & Bassett

A big influence in sustainable methods has been Frontier Natural Products Co-op. They’re devoted to doing great things: in 2010, 67% of total pounds purchased in their culinary and aromatherapy products were from sustainable sources.

Their farmers wanted to grow organic but didn’t know how, so the company took it upon themselves to research it!

Addressing core sustainability criteria, Frontier’s Well Earth certification program requires vendors to provide a statement of ethical production. Well Earth is stringent on multiple compliance factors including federal, state, and local labor laws, environmental laws including use and disposal of chemicals, wastes, conservation of endangered or threatened species, air and water quality, and resource use.

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OrganicOrganic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.


Laws & Regulations.......................................................... The USDA Organic seal can only be used if accredited by the National Organic Program (NOP). It means that 95% of the ingredients must be organic, while the remaining 5% must be non-GMO.

Biodegradable, Recyclable, & CompostableMust be sustantiated by reliable scientific evidence, and not be deceptive to extent of each, as laid on by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Packaging LabelThe Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has Food Labeling and Nutrition guideline that must be present on food packaging: List of ingredients Nutrition facts ‘Best if used by’ date Instructions for handling & preparation Contact information for the company


............................................................. The Good Trade Program is a business model developed by Mountain Rose Herbs where the growers get full negotiation rights for the products they grow, and they in turn dictate what prices the company will pay for goods, and not the other way around. When the growers set the price, we can all be assured that farming families and workers receive the financial security they feel is necessary to continue their agricultural heritage that we all rely upon for our very survival.

The Fair Trade certification model is designed and audited to ensure equitable trade practices at every level of the supply chain. To earn a license from Fair Trade to use the Fair Trade Certified™ label on their products, companies must buy from certified farms and organizations, pay Fair Trade prices and premiums and submit to a rigorous supply chain audits. This process entails a high level of transparency and traceability in their global supply chains.


This project uses the guidelines set by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.

oneIs beneficial, safe & healthy for individuals and communities throughout its life cycle?

twoDoes it meet market criteria for both performance and cost?

All the packaging is produced in a factory run by clean, renewable energy. The creation process uses clean, low-impact processes. The refill packs are biodegradable as is the bulk spice sack. The alternative plastic containers are recyclable.

The packaging is designed to compete with established brands. The refill packs are not a replacement for regular spice purchases, rather an introduction to purchasing bulk spices.

Methodology..........................................................

It is a framework for understanding activities directed toward improving packaging, and has been widely adopted throughout the packaging industry.


threeIs sourced, manufactured, transported, and recycled using renewable energy?

Spice is purchased from Fair Trade farmers, though they may be transported by cargo ships which use bunker fuel. The factory is run by renewable energy, mainly solar. The packaged spice is shipped via hybrid or electric trucks. The refill containers and bulk sacks biodegrade, and the plastic bulk container is sent back to the company to be refilled.

fourDoes it optimize the use of renewable or recycled source materials?

The refill container is made from AgroResin, which is made from any plant matter. The bulk sack is woven from Hemp which can be sourced locally from small farms. The plastic bulk container is made from recycled plastic and can be sent back to the factory to be reused and refilled.

fiveIs manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices?

Fair Trade has set high goals which we try to achieve in the packaging section. The resources used to make the refill pods and bulk sacks are from 100% recycled paper and plastic, plant matter which is often simply waste, and hemp from local sources.

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sixIs made from materials healthy in all probable end of life scenarios?The biodegradable packaging will break down harmlessly, though the plastic container will not. But if kept in the closed loop system is can be recycled endlessly.

sevenIs physically designed to optimize materials and energy?

The refill container made from AgroResin uses plant matter which is often waste, designed in a small, easy to ship package that breaks down easily. The bulk spice sack is woven from Hemp which can be grown in the US, used to sell spice at the store, and break down easily once used. The plastic container is ideally part of a system that will be reused indefinitely.

eightIs e�ectively recovered and utilized in biological and/or industrial closed loop cycles?

Yes, the materials were chosen to fit into different systems. It allows room for adpatation within the market as well as evolution to a system that allows for endless recycling.

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front view

top view

- - - - - - -cut here

Information on the refills may be provided by an information tag on the shelf using 100% recycled paper.

This design’s inpiration comes directly from nature - the milkweed pod. It transports precious cargo, and once its primary use is finished it will become food for another living organism. This shape is reminiscent of a pod, enclosed all around. The material will only open once cut, and like the milkweed pod will never close again.

A flat bottom is easy to stock on store shelves.

The triangle shape transports e�ciently with little wasted space.

3 simple sizes

Packaging Solution - the refill pod..........................................................

These pods allow the customer to refill spice into their own containers at home.


“The raw materials of AgroResin® are replenished

every few months or annually instead of 100 million years

as in the case of fossil fuels.”

............................................................. the garbage (the landfill) it stands a much better chance of decomposing quickly, and also won’t release any harmful chemicals.

AgroResin is a packaging material made from cellulosic fibers – plant matter. What this means is that the material can be created from any plant, providing amazing flexibility in sourcing the resources to create the packaging. Local plant biomass, often a waste product, can be utilized instead of being burned or dumped in a landfill. Landfill diversion is an important concept to us. The AgroResin, after it’s primary use as a container to transport spices, is biodegradable.

We encourage customers to toss this package in their back yard, either in their garden or compost. Another recommendation is commercial composting, yet even if it does get thrown in

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Burlap made from Jute: Jute provides a livelihood for millions of people, mainly small villages in India.

Burlap made from Hemp:Farmers who grow hemp claim it’s a great rotation crop and can be substituted for almost any harvest. It grows without requiring pesticides and is good at aerating the soil. Can be grown locally in the US.

Packaging Solution - the bulk sack..........................................................

When planting a lawn on a di�cult slope or where seeds may be washed or blown away, cover ground after seeding with burlap and tack it down.

ReuseWhen utilizing something in its original form, often with little or no change.

............................................................. A secondary option for stores that prefer a different packaging is plastic containers with screw tops. The containers are made from 100% recycled polypropylene plastic, and are to be sent back to our factory after use. They will be cleaned and refilled. It can also be recycled. The labels are printed on 100% recycled paper with bio-based inks.

The bulk spices will be transported in a burlap sack. Burlap is a tough woven material, flexible and resistant to mildew. Labeling is printed directly on the sack using a bio based ink. The store may display the spices by lining up open sacks like a marketplace, inspiring curiosity and a feeling of the exotic with the customers. It invites questions and a feeling of tradition passed through generations.


Energy.......................................................... .............................................................

Renewable Resources Naturally replenished energy which uses non-extinguishable resources such as wind, sun, rain, tides, geothermal heat.

TransportationIdeally all semis used in transporting the shipments will be hybrids, or all electric. The shipping of spice from overseas must be on a cargo ship which uses dirty bunker fuel. New shipping methods using cleaner energy will be used once available.

Powering the FactoryThe primary energy source will be renewable solar energy, powered by Primestar solar panels that are less e�cient than conventional panels, but are cheaper to produce. The panels will mimic leaves on the roof and sunny exterior walls.

Secondary power will come from wind energy stored in battery banks. If energy runs low, the factory will power down to a conservative energy mode.


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Cut transportation delivery miles by working toward alternative shipping methods biodiesel or vegetable oil fuel hybrid or electric trucks trains smaller shipments

Built to LEED standard

Upgrade to more e�cient lighting

More e�cient electronics &

appliances, such as

computers/fridge

Install energy e�cient heating &

cooling system, Energy-Star

approved

All power comes from solar panels,

making the factory generally

self-su�cient

Zero-waste company

Chemical-free pest management

* based on the guiding principles

of Mountain Rose Herbs

Factory Goals


Environment..........................................................

ManufactureUse solar power to run machines in the factory. AgroResin techniques are used to form packaging for refills. The hemp sacks are sourced from a local supplier using Fair Trade regulations. The plastic bulk containers are formed in the factory using 100% recycled material. The shipments are packed in boxes and pallets made from 100% recycled materials which may vary depending on what is available.

Extraction Plant matter for AgroResin Use plant waste from local sources, weekly pick-up or drop-off Plant matter for Bio-Ink Locally sourced if possible Hemp fibers Local farmers and workers to make sacks/create jobs Thread to sew sacks Use hemp fiber Polypropylene Use 100% recycled plastic Spices Organic and Fair Trade


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TransportationUse a renewable energy source such as biodiesel/electricity for the delivery trucks. Reduce amount of shipments to lower transportation total, saving energy and money. Spice containers are bundled tightly and wasted space is minimized by e�cient package designs.

End of LifeThe empty refill containers as well as bulk burlap sacks can be composted commerciallyor at home. The refill containers should not be reused, but the burlap sacks can be repurposed for countless other uses. Empty plastic bulk containers can be returned to the factory to be cleaned and refilled for a small discount off next order, or may be recycled at local recycling facility. The spices will ideally be used up completely, but are also biodegradable.


Measuring Success............................................................. off with a knife or scissors, and the spice poured into the consumer’s container of choice. This allows for reuse of previously purchased containers. This refill system is a lead-in to our line of bulk spices, which will lead to greater cost savings and less packaging waste as well as simpler transportation.

Customers who may not have had exposure to the concept of bulk spices will find that, through their trust of our brand, it is a better idea after all.

The force that drives us is the philosphy of sustainability, for which we will continue to change and grow to best support people, the economy, and the planet.

uccess will happen in multiple ways. The first quanitifiable results will be measured against the SPC’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines. Once those conditions have been met, the goal moves forward to influencing the consumer. Our long-term goal is to provide a bridge for consumers to move from purchasing refills to purchasing from bulk. This allows a move from a ‘good’ solution to a great solution. Our idea is to provide the average consumer with an easy solution – refill pods that can be easily purchased in measured amounts. The top can be snipped

S


Augustine, Ann. “Ethics Propel Frontier Well Earth Botanical Sourcing”. March 2011. http://www.greenmarketproducers.com/ethics-propels-frontier-well-earth-botanical-sourcing

Bullis, Kevin. “GE to Build Large Solar Factory in U.S.”. April 2011. http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/energy/tags/primestar/

CalsidyRose. Graph Paper. [Online] Available http://www.flickr.com/photos/calsidyrose/4562203394, May 2011.

FDA. “Food Ingredients and Packaging Terms”. May 2010. http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/ucm064228.ht

FTC. “GUIDES FOR THE USE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MARKETING CLAIMS”. May 2011. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/grnrule/guides980427.htm#260.7

Green Life Staff. “Reuse Vs. Recycle”. May 2011. http://agreenliving.net/reuse-vs-recycle

Grenidea. “AgroResin”. May 2011. http://www.grenidea.com/agroresin-products.asp.

Harris, Mark. “Why Consumers Are Buying Organic Spices”. May 2001.http://www.organicconsumers.org/Organic/spicesgood.cf

Jarrow, Gail. “What’s So Hot About Spices?” April 2011. http://www.highlightskids.com/Science/Stories/SS0300_hotSpices.asp

Jedlicka, Wendy. Packaging Sustainability. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2009.

KarenWise. Spices. [Online] Available http://www.flickr.com/photos/karenwise/4442510322, May 2011.

Kellogg, Josh. Star [Anise] Burst. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kelloggphotography/411038315/

Resources.......................................................... McCormick. “Global Sourcing”. April 2011.http://www.mccormickcorporation.com/Sitecore/content/Sites/USA/Corporate/Content/HomePage/Sustainability/Global-Sourcing/Operational.aspx

Morris, Susy. “Sage Wisdom”. [Online] Availablehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/chiotsrun/4124506237, November 2009.

Mountain Rose Herbs. “The Guiding Principles That Inspire Mountain Rose Herbs”. May 2011. http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/about/guiding.html

NOP. “Accreditation and Certification”. May 2011. http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateN&navID=NationalOrganicProgram&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPAccreditationandCertification&description=Accreditation%20and%20Certification&acct=nopgeninfo

NYP Corporation. “Burlap: From Jute to Hessian”. May 2011. http://nyp-corp.com/jute-to-burlap

Sheppard, Laurel. “Industrial Hemp.” May 2011.http://www.madehow.com/Volume-6/Industrial-Hemp.html

SteamDave. Spices. [Online] Available http://www.flickr.com/photos/steamdave/2445824034, May 2011.

White, Janoah. “FDA Regulations for Food Packaging”. May 2011.http://www.ehow.com/about_5127067_fda-regulations-food-packaging.html

Augustine, Ann. “Ethics Propel Frontier Well Earth Botanical Sourcing”. March 2011. http://www.greenmarketproducers.com/ethics-propels-frontier-well-earth-botanical-sourcing

Bullis, Kevin. “GE to Build Large Solar Factory in U.S.”. April 2011. http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/energy/tags/primestar/

CalsidyRose. Graph Paper. [Online] Available http://www.flickr.com/photos/calsidyrose/4562203394, May 2011.

FDA. “Food Ingredients and Packaging Terms”. May 2010. http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/ucm064228.ht

FTC. “GUIDES FOR THE USE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MARKETING CLAIMS”. May 2011. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/grnrule/guides980427.htm#260.7

Green Life Staff. “Reuse Vs. Recycle”. May 2011. http://agreenliving.net/reuse-vs-recycle

Grenidea. “AgroResin”. May 2011. http://www.grenidea.com/agroresin-products.asp.

Harris, Mark. “Why Consumers Are Buying Organic Spices”. May 2001.http://www.organicconsumers.org/Organic/spicesgood.cf

Jarrow, Gail. “What’s So Hot About Spices?” April 2011. http://www.highlightskids.com/Science/Stories/SS0300_hotSpices.asp

Jedlicka, Wendy. Packaging Sustainability. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2009.

KarenWise. Spices. [Online] Available http://www.flickr.com/photos/karenwise/4442510322, May 2011.

Kellogg, Josh. Star [Anise] Burst. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kelloggphotography/411038315/


........................................................... McCormick. “Global Sourcing”. April 2011.http://www.mccormickcorporation.com/Sitecore/content/Sites/USA/Corporate/Content/HomePage/Sustainability/Global-Sourcing/Operational.aspx

Morris, Susy. “Sage Wisdom”. [Online] Availablehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/chiotsrun/4124506237, November 2009.

Mountain Rose Herbs. “The Guiding Principles That Inspire Mountain Rose Herbs”. May 2011. http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/about/guiding.html

NOP. “Accreditation and Certification”. May 2011. http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateN&navID=NationalOrganicProgram&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPAccreditationandCertification&description=Accreditation%20and%20Certification&acct=nopgeninfo

NYP Corporation. “Burlap: From Jute to Hessian”. May 2011. http://nyp-corp.com/jute-to-burlap

Sheppard, Laurel. “Industrial Hemp.” May 2011.http://www.madehow.com/Volume-6/Industrial-Hemp.html

SteamDave. Spices. [Online] Available http://www.flickr.com/photos/steamdave/2445824034, May 2011.

White, Janoah. “FDA Regulations for Food Packaging”. May 2011.http://www.ehow.com/about_5127067_fda-regulations-food-packaging.html

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Sustainable Spice

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