Apple rocks at building iPhones but should ask Ziploc about green packaging

Apple Computer, Inc. knows a thing or two when it comes to marketing hi tech products like iPhones, iPods and Macbooks but sometimes the company falls short when it comes to packaging. The boxes it ships products in are certainly glamorous and chic, and they’re meant to convey a sense of luxurious quality to its customers who generally are willing to pay a premium price for the Apple brand name.

While that may make sense for something as expensive as an iPhone or Macbook, it doesn’t make sense at all to package a single printed code inside a box together with an intro pamphlet and a few stickers. Come on Apple, you talk about a commitment to reducing your carbon footprint, and packing products efficiently is a low-hanging fruit!

Of all products it could promote with excessive packaging, Apple chose MobileMe, a service that keeps e-mail, contacts and calendars in sync across different devices. There isn’t even any additional software to install, it’s all part of the Mac OS and various supported devices.

A staffer at Treehugger caught on to Apple’s indulgent packaging and posted a few photos.

In contrast with Apple, sandwich bag maker Ziploc is pushing a new type of bag it’s calling Ziploc Evolve. The company claims its new, greener line of bags use 25% less plastic, and are manufactured using 50% wind power. It goes even further though, shipping those bags in 100% recycled paperboard carton.

Now that sounds like progress. Granted, Apple and Ziploc have different customer segments, but both have to package their products and Ziploc seems to be taking that piece more seriously. In the case of MobileMe, Apple could even dispense with packaging entirely and just communicate the information electronically. It already has a nice setup tutorial available online.

Apple’s heart seems to be in the right place. It’s removing toxic chemicals like polyvinyl chloride and brominated flame retardants from many of its products including iPods and the iPhone 3G. It’s also recycling materials, 21 million pounds of e-waste in 2007.

Just don’t forget the easy gains Apple, even while you’re focused on “loftier” goals.