Plastic Free July 2022: Why It Matters for Companies to Lead this Change

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (JULY 13, 2022)--What does it take to achieve a plastic-free world? For years now, individuals and nonprofit organizations have been fighting to curb the inevitable increase of plastic waste in landfills and oceans, but have achieved little so far. The reason? Consumers and private citizens can’t do it alone. The world needs companies to step up and lead the revolution.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a total of 14.5 million tons of plastics were created by the containers and packaging industry in 2018. These come in the form of plastic bags, sacks, wraps, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and jars, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) natural bottles, among many others. One can only expect that these numbers have grown significantly since then–especially with the pandemic forcing most to have products delivered to their homes instead of buying them themselves (an option that, in the past, has given people the option to use reusable bags to carry their goods).

Certified B Company, Eco Lips, is a company that understands the world’s plastic problem all too well, and one that is dedicated to finding innovative solutions to counter. As the creator of the original organic lip balm, Eco Lips believes in the power of natural, organic ingredients over products that are petroleum-based or loaded with chemicals like other brands. This, of course, extends to their packaging.

In 2021, Eco Lips introduced the world to Plant Pod®, its exclusive plant-based, 100% plastic-free packaging that functions exactly like a plastic lip balm tube. As the first of its kind, Plant Pod® made headlines when Eco Lips launched it. Today, in celebration of Plastic Free July, the brand calls on other companies to follow their footsteps and look for new ways to cut out plastic usage.

“It took us years to find a plastic-free tube that wouldn’t disappoint consumers on functionality. We launched a push-up paper tube years ago but it was a little messy to use and consumers didn’t love it.,” shares Steve Shriver, founder and CEO of Eco Lips. “We’re always looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly, and this Plant Pod innovation was the perfect solution. Along with producing organic products and using more sustainable packaging, our production facility runs on renewable energy, but we believe these are not enough. We all need to step up our game towards sustainability and circularity.”

Eco Lips is a Certified B Corporations whose lip balms are USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Leaping Bunny Certified, and Fair Trade Certified™. The brand was founded on the premise of making the best certified organic lip balm, which gives consumers the ultimate soothing and moisturizing experience without harming the environment. Eco Lips products are available in the U.S. via their website and in over 12,000 stores nationwide. To know more about them, visit www.ecolips.com.

About Eco Lips

Founded in 2003, Eco Lips is the original organic lip balm. They manufacture the best USDA organic and Fair Trade Certified™ lip care products FOR the world. Eco Lips products are also Non-GMO Project Verified, Leaping Bunny Certified, and gluten free. Their 86,700 sq ft manufacturing facility located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is powered with 100% renewable energy. Eco Lips is a certified B Corporation focused on the triple bottom line - people, planet, and profit. With the recent purchase of Simply Soothing, makers of Bug Soother bug repellent, Eco Lips continues to be focused on creating effective and sustainable personal care products and being true innovators in the market. Private Label and Contract Manufacturing are also available.