Colbert Packaging Receives Governor’s Illinois Sustainable Technology Award

LAKE FOREST, Ill.—Colbert Packaging Corp., a leading manufacturer of folding cartons, rigid paper boxes, and paperboard specialty products, has been presented with the Illinois Sustainable Technology Award from Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and the Waste Management and Research Center, a division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Colbert’s BlisterGuard and EnviroGuard packaging solutions were recognized for their role in protecting the environment and boosting the economy. Colbert was one of two companies to receive this year’s award, now in its 21st consecutive year.

“These [award winners] are leading the way in finding and using new ways to reduce waste and protect the environment. They have made an ongoing commitment to prevent pollution that, in the long run, will make their employees and our communities healthier,” said Gov. Blagojevich.

The Sustainable Technology Award recognizes novel technologies and processes that lead to significant waste reduction, waste elimination or environmental impact. Colbert’s BlisterGuard and EnviroGuard packaging solutions meet these requirements in several ways. Serving as a replacement to the plastic clamshell commonly used for retail display, the Colbert products reduce or eliminate the use of petroleum-based plastics. BlisterGuard is made using 76 percent paperboard material and 24 percent thermoformed plastic, while EnviroGuard is made entirely of paperboard containing recycled and post-consumer content fibers. Both solutions provide ample space for manufacturers’ product branding, and graphics are printed using soy-based inks.

The traditional clamshell is easily pilfered, causes safety hazards to consumers during package opening, and cannot easily be recycled. BlisterGuard and EnviroGuard can only be quickly opened using a pair of scissors, which enables retailers to deter theft and consumers to safely open their purchase at home. BlisterGuard and EnviroGuard are both recyclable by consumers.

BlisterGuard and EnviroGuard, on the market since 2005, benefit the State of Illinois with pollution reduction through recycling and sustainability through the use of paperboard. Because manufacturers and retailers across the country are realizing the benefits of using these innovative packaging solutions, BlisterGuard and EnviroGuard are also enabling waste reduction and resource sustainability at a national level. The products continue to be recognized for their ability to meet, and oftentimes to exceed, expectations for environmentally friendly packaging.

“Sustainable packaging requirements established by visionary retailers over the past couple of years have become one of today’s best and ‘greenest’ business practices—and BlisterGuard and EnviroGuard are answering the call,” said Jim Hamilton, president of Colbert Packaging. “We are honored to accept this award, which reinforces our efforts to develop packaging solutions that preserve the world around us. However, as businesses and consumers continue to adopt ‘green’ solutions, we’re pleased to know that it’s ultimately the environment that wins.”