The SPC (Sustainable Packaging Coalition) published a multi-page definition of Green Sustainable Packaging. Summarizing its definition, SPC said that sustainable packaging:

• Is beneficial, safe and healthy for individuals and communities throughout its life cycle.
• Meets market criteria for performance and cost.
• Is sourced, manufactured, transported and recycled using renewable energy.
• Maximizes the use of renewable or recycled source materials.
• Is manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices.
• Is made from materials healthy in all probable end-of-life scenarios.
• Is physically designed to optimize materials and energy.
• Is effectively recovered and utilized in biological and/or industrial cradle-to-cradle cycles.