Apple goes green on iPhone 3G packaging

Apple is pushing its green initiatives with the iPhone 3G's packaging, using potato-starch based products and avoiding plastics altogether. According to Italian webnews site setteB.IT, the Dutch blog Bright is reporting that PaperFoam, a paper-based packaging company that specializes in carbon friendly packaging, will supply packing materials for the iPhone 3G. PaperFoam emphasizes lower carbon dioxide emissions (compared to plastics), 100-percent recyclable materials and low product weight. PaperFoam uses an injection-moulding technology utilizing a mixture of starch and water inside a mould to custom fit the item.

The move may help Apple's green efforts, which recently took a hit in Greepeace's rankings. While Apple was praised for products that met or exceeded the Energy Star 4.0 standard, Greenpeace gave it a fail in all other forms of energy efficiency, as well as in its e-waste policies.

Greenpeace has criticized Apple, saying that Apple's iPhone is not in keeping with CEO Steve Jobs' promise to green the company. PaperFoam's packaging, in combination with Apple's cellphone recycling program may turn the tide in rankings by environment watchdogs.