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The bag blog is an open exchange of ideas on sustainable packaging, green initiatives and the earth in general. Pull up a chair, have a read and have a say.

Bad Boxing

 

We’re not talking about the Heavyweight championship, though all the pointless packaging in cereal boxes can really weigh you down.

Speaking of heavy ideas: if you took all the cereal boxes produced in the US and piled them up, do you know how many Great Pyramids you could build? Or how many Olympic sized swimming pools it would take to hold the amount of waste water produced to keep up with that box-travaganza?

You will after you watch our new video! Check it out:

Can’t believe it? Check our math.

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  • Yfranchett

    I had never given it much thought. But this is incredible. Keep up the great work. Love the cereal too. Especially the Blueberry Muffins.

  • Wlw

    I found it interesting the other day as I was shopping for food. I was comparing prices on cereal. Oddly enough, the Malt O Meal in the bag was more expensive than the double bagged Malto O Meal in a box. It was exactly the same cereal too. Why is that??

  • Penuthead

    Never really thought about this. Definitely makes me stop and think. Extra benefit I love your cereals and the coupons too!

  • guest

    My husband eat what ever is in the big orange bags. I am a daibetic and can’t eat it.

  • Rsccomputer2

    I would like their bags alot more if they had ZIP ZIpper’s on the top of them. Sometimes they don’t get closed good enough and they cereal gets stale..Think about it MAlt-O-Meal.. I love all your cereals by the way!!! My son eats cereal almost every night for a snack!! Thanks for helping our enviroment with your fuel savings, recycling, and saving on paper waste. THANKS!!

  • Vmetjr

    Havent tried the Blueberry Muffin yet, never even heard of it. Will have to check the store.

  • Vmetjr

    Love all the cereals I have tried in a bag and loved them all. I agree though, there are sometimes problems with the inner liner and or the zipper. Steal some idea’s and try the frosted mini-wheats with the fruit filling.

  • Picaresque

    Howdy; Rsccomputer2 has ir right. Resealable bags would definitely make the bags (already a significantly more efficient storage shape) a great deal more user-friendly and thus substantially more likely to be actually used for the intended purpose AND more likely that consumers would re-purchase in the future.

  • Picaresque

    Ooh, Ooh; Coupons, too!

  • Xev rules, foo!

    I agree. Having a plastic bag of cereal within a cardboard box is over packaging but, the box being made from paper products will bio degrade much much faster in a landfill than a plastic bag.
    So which is truly better? A paper box with a plastic bag or just a plastic bag?
    In my opinion its Malt-O-Meal’s bagged product because when youre finished you only throw out the bag. Not the bag & the box.
    Why not go a step further. Make the bag biodegradable. Sun Chips did it but they stopped using them because customers complained the bags were too noisy…sigh. You wouldn’t have that problem here since most people pour their cereal in a bowl and eat it rather than munch it out of the bag and even if you do I’d much rather live with a noisy bag than a never ending landfill in my back yard.

  • Roger

    would’nt have it any other way. the bag is the only way to go

  • Eveparks59

    this is such a great idea for so many reasons.Istarted buying malt-o-meal cereal because you get more cereal for the money.I can’t taste the difference between there cereal and there competitors. I have more room in my cabinet for other things I need.It’s lower in price. And there helping the planet.I love there cereal. if we want our kids andgrand kids to have a better,safer planet,then I saywe should do our parts to help.SO I SAY LETS HELP DO OUR PART TO SAVE THE PLANET AND BUY MORE MALT-O-MEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Magda

    I agree 100% with Xev’s comment. Having a bag and a box is overkill. Having the plastic bag alone would suffice but plastic as we know it is NOT bio degradeable, therefore not environmentally friendly. The solution is to make them bio degradeable and that would solve a multitude of problems and waste!

  • Bcameron8

    I agree with other posters. We should all be doing our part. Why does a bottle of aspirin come in a box you just toss out? Making the bags biodegradable is a great idea. But at least MOM has taken a step other companies haven’t. Love your cereal & really appreciate the coupons.

  • A8ngelhart

    There is no doubt that a bag without a box is a win-win situation. I also think there should be a way to keep the cereal fresh after it is opened. I personally don’t care for the zip top bags. I do however like the idea of a tape on the side of the bag similiar to that found of fresh salad mix packages. Once I open the salad and store the remainder back in the fridge, I am able to pull the tape up and seal the bag. I think that would be a better way to “seal” your opened package. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone that believes that the cereal companies should get rid of the boxes would write to the company and tell them so! I think as consumers we should do our part and speak up. I intend to do so. Won’t you all join me on a massive letter inundation to our cereal makers to rid our planet of unnecessary waste? Malt-O-Meal is a great product, thank you for helping our earth for future generations.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Rosanne-Day/100000360874285 Rosanne Day

    PLEASE GET RID OF UNNECASARY PACKAGING. iT IS A WASTE OF PAPER ETC.

  • Santamichael

    How about using a bag clip? 

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Gwen-Davenport/100000214377787 Gwen Davenport

    I totally agree with “Xev rules, foo!” below!  I couldn’t have said it better! We should all bypass the box, but we need more Companys to go to the biodegradable plastic bags. 

    Love your product!

  • Erica75043

    Make the bags biodegradable!

  • PoorRichard

    I don’t have a problem with just having cereal in a bag and getting rid of the waste of a box. My family likes the cereal and it is usually cheaper that the name brand box cereal. I am however, a little sick of hearing how WE must ”save the planet” by changing our lives and usually at an expense to us, while the rest of the world is burning tires and trash in the streets, chugging out tons of smoke from their factories, polluting water supplys, using the dreaded standard light bulb instead of the much more expensive CFL that we are being forced to use. Please don’t misunderstand me, I don’t like waste and I do think that alot of extra packaging is unnessary. I would just like to see the savings passed on to me and my wallet and not be made to feel like I am the policeman of the planet. 

  • Varionj

    Has anyone tried pop corn mixed with your cereal? ….adds amazing taste to whatever you are eating!! …..no additives, and ….saves money too!

  • Iacountrygirl71

    I definitely agree to using bags as we need to save the trees for many reasons.  I would like to see the comparison between bags and boxes just for the knowledge.  Better yet make to bags recyclable.  

  • Wgunzler

    Keep doing, what ya doing.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Julie-Hunter-Caver-Burdine/100001562095990 Julie Hunter Caver Burdine

    i agree with this concept, mainly because of the bag in the box, however i’m sure other companies will say the box protects their product, which is a joke. we all know there are crumbles in the bottom of the bag in the box 

  • Webbtheodorebaker

    Obviously, the bag must be constructed of a tightly woven paper facsimile which would, at end result, continue to save forests and environmental pollution.  

  • RedVet40

     The problem with resealable bags or zip tops is the kids never get them closed…neither does my husband. I found a solution to the problem by purchasing reusable Tupperware storage containers. Fits back into my cupboards like the boxes would, keeps moisture and bugs out, and the freshness in. Look into getting some sort of reusable containers, and just refill them. Love the idea of less waste and less trips to the recycle bin.

  • Peggy

    Bags the way to go.  And I agree with others, lets take it that  extra step and make the bags biodegradable.  It’s definitely a win win! 

  • John Magnusson

    Interesting question.  If you are running this big campaign against the box, and supporting your idea that bags are better. than why did just go into my local Macey’s grocery store last week and see all of the Malt-O-Meal cereals in boxes stacked to the ceiling in a huge display at the front of the store?

    Thanks,
    John M

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1771686561 Jacqueline ‘Hamel’ O’Malley

    With 8 people eating cereal every day, I don’t worry about it going stale,  We usually have 4-6 boxes-bags open at one time, I transfer the cereal into cereal containers and they sit on top of the fridge, saving counter/cabinet space and keeping them fresh at the same time. I would prefer to buy malt-o-meal than any other cereal as it is the best buy for the money.  I too would rather have a recylcable package as I recycle everything and think everyone should.

  • Jimvel

    Love the bag, not the box. Can you please supply more stores with Blueberry Muffin; they’re our favorite, but hard to find.

  • Stormyjean2002

    love the video… I agree with xev rules about using a bio bag.. I don’t care if it makes noise.. should be eating something if your worried someone else will hear you eating it…. sneaking??? What coupons.. I want some! 

  • Prockish2

    Interesting! Makes good sense. 

  • Margaret Bunker

    After seeing that video, I’m glad I like Malt O Meal cereals.  We need to do more to improve our planet, and cut down on all kinds of waste. We need to plants trees not cut them down.  We are killing our planet. We need to think before we do anything. There are consequences to our actions we are distorying our planet and the furtures of our kids and grandkids and the next generations…  So the next time you turn on a liht when it light outside or cut a tree down or start your car to o 2 blocks think of the future your family will not have. 

  • guest

    Why not, instead of having companies put a sealable top on the bag, just buy a reuseable plastic container to store cereal?  They have an airtight seal and we don’t require cereal companies to use more energy to put a seal on a bag that we plan to throw away.  I think my mom has tupperware that is probably 40 years old…now that’s reuseable or “green”.

  • Renobill001

    I agree bags are a better choice for packaging cereal and many other consumer products.  But why then does Malt-O-Meal sell Corn Bursts in a box in the Reno NV area when all the other MOM products on my grocer’s shelf are in bags?

  • Household Deals

    And what about the plastics that your bag in – it isn’t even a natural product and just goes into the landfill?  I can, at least, recycle my cardboard box.  And what about the smaller boxes that Malt-O-Meal is making available? 
    If you really want to do something, use compostable bags like Sunchips uses (or used, I don’t eat chips so I don’t know if it is still being used, but I remember the marketing and being impressed with the idea).

  • lovelandfam

    Ok–so I get what you are saying–but why did i see just this last week–a whole bunch of Malt-O Meal Cereal in boxes?  I thought it was weird. Just kind of goes against everything you are saying here.  Please explain yourselves. 

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks Rosanne! We agree. :) And we’re always exploring new ways to make our bags even more earth-friendly, so we hear you! 

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Hi ‘Household’, thanks for weighing in! We love a good discussion on the blog. Malt-O-Meal does make a few “trial” boxes because get this: according to recent stats, over 70% of consumers won’t buy cereal that only comes in bags with no box. We still want those consumers to enjoy our tasty cereals and find out what they’re missing (other than a big old box)! Also, some retailers won’t carry bags because of how they stock their shelves. We want them to think outside the box, too. (Bag pun, I mean bad pun, I know!) That said, we’re all about finding even better ways of providing great cereal, so we’re always looking into even more earth-friendly bag options for the future. Just don’t forget that all along, the same plastic bag is ALSO inside each and every cereal box. And even though all the additional packaging that’s added on by way of boxing those bags might be recyclable, a lot of people don’t discern what they throw out versus what’s recycled. So we’re doing what we think is really important: starting out with a lot less waste right from the start.

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thank YOU, Rsccomputer2. :) And check it out: the bags DO zip closed! There’s a Zip-Pak® resealable freshness zipper at the top of the bag because we hear you about freshness. Nothing worse than stale cereal. Thanks to you and your son for loving the cereals!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks Bcameron8, good point about the aspirin bottle. I hadn’t thought of that one yet but another great example of unnecessary boxing. We’ll keep working on being even more earth-friendly. 

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    We hear you; that’s our thought too. It shouldn’t cost more to do something for the earth. Passing the savings on to loyal consumers is a big reason we Bag The Box. Why spend money creating extra packaging and then charge you for it? Thanks for your feedback and for weighing in on this discussion.

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Aw thanks, you’re making us blush. :)  

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Hiya, Renobill. Great question! Malt-O-Meal makes a few boxes for two reasons: we’ve learned that around 70% of shoppers don’t even consider buying cereal in only a bag. We’d still like them to realize how tasty Malt-O-Meal’s cereals are and hope it’ll help them reconsider. Also some stores won’t carry cereal that’s not sold in a box because they’ve got limitations on shelf space…we still want their shoppers to have the option to buy Malt-O-Meal for it’s less spendy great taste and hope they’ll start buying it in bags, too. Thanks again! 

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks Peggy! Always looking at ways to be even more earth-friendly. Less packaging and less production waste is just the beginning. :)  

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Yay, I’m glad you love the Blueberry Muffin Tops! Mmm….sorry they’ve been hard to find. You can check the store locator for stores that keep them in stock near you: http://www.econsumeraffairs.com/mom/ProductLocator.htm 

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Good thinking, RedVet. I like the Tupperware solution. Thanks for supporting bags. :)  

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Hmm, that IS interesting. Ounce for ounce, Malt-O-Meal bags and the Malt-O-Meal trial boxes (bags in disguise to encourage consumers who need a little nudge toward bags to give them a try!) retail at the same price. Was the amount of cereal inside the same? The other thing that might have been happening at your store was a special promotion for the particular product that was in the box, or the boxed products, and sometimes promotions in store temporarily affect prices. Thanks for asking!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    You can check the Malt-O-Meal store locator to find some Blueberry Muffin Tops near you: http://www.econsumeraffairs.com/mom/ProductLocator.htm

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks Margaret! 

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks for asking–GREAT question. So here’s the scoop: stats tell us that 70% of shoppers don’t even consider cereal that’s only in bags, instead of bags inside boxes. We get it–it’s out of the comfort zone for some people, but we’d like to get more of these shoppers to realize that cereal in bags isn’t anything to be afraid of. So, we sell a few trial boxes (basically bags in a box disguise!) to help those box-loyal consumers discover the super tasty cereal inside and consider buying it in just a bag next time, without all that extra, unnecessary packaging. Also, some stores don’t even want to carry cereal only in bags without boxes, because of how they arrange their shelves. We don’t want their customers to be deprived of M-O-M goodness, either.

    Think of it as a transitional box, to make that leap a little easier for some of the box-shoppers who aren’t as quick to understand that bags without boxes are pretty great. :)

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    We love recylcing too, and we partner with TerraCycle so that there’s somewhere our bags can go to become another usable product. Check it out! http://www.BagTheBox.com/Terracycle

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Hey John, great question and I just posted a response to “lovelandfm” a little further up the page. Here’s what I said, since it’s a very good topic for discussion:

    “So here’s the scoop: stats tell us that 70% of shoppers don’t even consider cereal that’s only in bags, instead of bags inside boxes. We get it–it’s out of the comfort zone for some people, but we’d like to get more of these shoppers to realize that cereal in bags isn’t anything to be afraid of. So, we sell a few trial boxes (basically bags in a box disguise!) to help those box-loyal consumers discover the super tasty cereal inside and consider buying it in just a bag next time, without all that extra, unnecessary packaging. Also, some stores don’t even want to carry cereal only in bags without boxes, because of how they arrange their shelves. We don’t want their customers to be deprived of M-O-M goodness, either.”

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    There’s some interesting comparison detail over on the “Check the Facts” page of this site, and some recycling opportunities outlined on the TerraCycle page, too. Thanks for your feedback and we’re also working to make the bags even more earth friendly! 

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks Gwen. We don’t disagree. We’re always looking for better ways to be even more earth friendly. 

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks for weighing in, Erica! We’re always looking for better ways to make the bags even more earth friendly. This is just the beginning. Meanwhile, check out our partners at TerraCycle to see what our bags (and other products) can become once recycled! http://www.BagTheBox.com/Terracycle

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Go, A8nglehart, go! We love it, this is the kind of movement we’re hoping to be a part of. Keep up the great work. :)  

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    We are always looking for even better ways to be nice to the earth, and starting out with less packaging waste is just the beginning! Thanks for commenting, Magda.

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks Vmetjr. We’ll pass your Mini-Spooners brainstorm on to the fabulous folks in our product team. Sounds delicious! 

  • Windyg55

    i didn’t realize just how much we take for granted and the facts are clear not candy coated. we just always remember cereal in boxes. thank you. marilyn 

  • Bloviatertoo

    I live in a county next to one that has a Malt-O-Meal factory. The company donates massive amounts of cereal to the Food Bank. I know because I worked as a volunteer unloading the commodities at a Senior Center and then helped with bagging them up for distribution. So thanks for the donations, love the cereal, especially Cinnamon Toasters. My wife always buys the bags of cereal. But, the bags come in cardboard cartons, sometimes as few as 12 to the carton. The ones that came more to the box were in such huge boxes that it about did me in trying to stack them up in the store room. They were so big a small child could have slept in them. So you use a whole lot of corragated cardboard. Work on eliminating that why don’t you. then your message would be more valid.

  • Carolynwilkinson

    THE VERY BEST!    I also buy bay milk to eleminate the plastic containers.  Thank you

  • Braxton Lathan Williams

    We recycle the boxes but that still takes a ton of energy.  I always wondered why the box was necessary, all advertising, etc. can be printed on the bag.  Why is Malt-oMeal the only company who is doing this?  It can’t be for point of sale advantage, people buy potato chips without a box, why not cereal?  Why not crackers and such as well?  It’s just good business practice, not to mention the environmental advantages,  to do it this way.

  • Lisch

    i’d like to see the box descontinued forever, because the content being served is all that matters. besides the box is all hype.  

  • Bisaac_83

    Ppl r so programed to particular things & ceceral boxes r 1 of them… I luv Malt-O-Meal brand cecerals. The bag is cool with me plus u cant taste the difference…

  • Candice Heath

    We (a family of nine) have been eating from the bag for years. As a large group of “cerial killers” the bag helps us do our part for the environment.

  • Khull2

    been eating your cereal for a long time now – very good. that makes alot of sense, we need to cut down on waste but what about all that plastic going to the landfill. i’m a big recycler and i hate throwing all the plastic bags in the landfill knowing how long it takes to decompose.

  • Tom Gregorich

    Boxes are easier to close,if the bags have a zip lock,that would be easier to re-seal. Want my cereal fresh and not in a bag that does”nt re-seal tightly. Have to get it right from the start! TOM GREGORICH

  • Reesikid

    I love that there is less packaging and I love the lower price.  The quality is excellent and just as good as the higher priced national brands.  Those boxed cereals also don’t have resealable bags inside of them so it is hard to keep the cereal fresh.  Having a cereal container saves a lot of grief if you have people in the house who aren’t good at sealing up the bags.  I used one when my kids were little and it worked like a charm.  Keep up the good work.  I wish all companies would get on the less packaging bandwagon.

  • purdybird

    so somebody tell me again, with it being so much less expensive for companies to use less useless packaging as well as recycled & recyclable materials, why isnt it a global norm by now. why dont all companies want to save money for themselves, make more from us, save the earth & all resources along with being a part of a utopian starting revolution??

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1532053203 Jennie Hawkins

    Makes me love the Bag even more!

  • http://twitter.com/SpecialNSaucy Amanda Mowers

    This is great! I love what you all are doing. Great Job <3 !!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/kristinemunroe Kristine Munroe-Mahoney

    I can’t find a way to contact anyone on the site, but I would love to do a piece on Bag the Box at KeenForGreen.com.    Drop me a line at krissy at keenforgreen.com

  • Green-O-Man

    Cereal boxes are recyclable and so is the bag inside. So it shouldn’t be getting sent to the dump anyway. The mane reason I don’t bye Malt-O-Meal is because there bag isn’t recyclable. If the Malt-O-Meal bags were recyclable or biodegradable (no matter how loud and crinkly the bag) it would be the ultimate ”GREEN” statement. And I would never bye any other cereal ever again.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1044833469 Shannon Brame-Collier

    Barbaras Cereals come in compostable bags.  If they can do it so can Malt-o-meal

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Wyllow-Atmeh/100000692190935 Wyllow Atmeh

    Education is the key. By your statement (8 spelling errors in your comment), the point is proven. Why not eliminate more waste all together?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Maureen-Roy/1278889337 Maureen Roy

    Using plastic would be worse.  At least we can recycle cardboard.  No more un-recyclable plastic bags!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    But there’s a plastic bag inside that cardboard cereal box, too…so while we’re always looking for better ways to be even more earth-friendly, we think cutting out the middle-man (in this case, that box!) is a great place to start. Thanks for sharing your comment, Maureen.

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Green-O-Man, thanks for weighing in. 

    We currently use the lowest density poly material proven to keep our cereals safe and fresh–which is our first priority. 

    Though, as you mention, the bags aren’t recyclable, neither are the interior liner bags inside boxed cereals. A the end of the day, our bags create 75% less consumer packaging waste than a comparably sized box with a bag inside. So we’re always working to be even more earth-friendly, and we appreciate that you are too!   

    Meanwhile, we have partnered with TerraCycle so that consumers are able to reuse our cereal bags.  In a nutshell, here’s how it works. Sign up for the Cereal Bag Brigade at http://www.terracycle.net and every time you enjoy a bag of cereal, save the cereal bag and send it in.

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks so much, Amanda. We appreciate the kind words. :)

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks Jennie! The bag loves you too. :)

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Purdybird, we like saving all kinds of resources and passing those savings on to consumers, so we’re with you in hoping that other companies do too.

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks so much, Reesikid. Good point on the resealable bag and great tip on the kid-friendly container. Cheers!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Hey Tom, most of the Malt-O-Meal bags come with a Zip-Pak® resealable top but Reesikid (one comment above yours) brings up a great suggestion about using your own resealable, reusable container for all cereals. The box might close but the bag inside doesn’t, and that bag is what cereal counts on for fresh-protection!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks for being a longtime fan, Khull2.  We’re so glad you like the cereal–it’s why we make it!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Love it! Thanks for the shout-out, Candice. With a family of nine, you’re one of our heroes and we’re happy they love the cereal. 

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Cheers Bisaac_83–we agree!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Exactly! Now that these messages are getting out there, isn’t it amazing to notice how much useless packaging there is out there? We’ve wondered the same things.

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thank YOU, Carolyn. Keep up the great earth-friendliness! 

  • pen

    How about cutting out the plastic bag inside the box ?  I recycle my cereal boxes !

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    A great idea–but for now, bags are needed to ensure both freshness and food safety, two top priorities for any cereal maker! At the end of the day, our bags create 75% less consumer packaging waste than a comparably sized box with a bag inside. Plus, we’ve partnered with TerraCycle so that consumers are able to reuse our cereal bags by sending empty bags in to be turned into other, useful materials (just like recycling)!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thank you for your comment, Shannon! A lot of people get confused between what’s compostable and what will decompose in a landfill. They’re not the same. A bag with a “100% compostable” claim won’t ever decompose in a landfill. In a landfill, it’s the same as any other plastic bag, like ours or like the interior liner bags inside cereal boxes. For those who compost at home, even a 100% compostable bag requires specific conditions in order to fully decompose. If you don’t compost at home, then the only alternative to the landfill is to take the compostable package to an industrial compost facility.
    We can’t speak for what materials Barbara’s Bakery uses for their packaging. If you ask them, they’re required by Federal law to provide their test results on finished packaging (including inks and glues) and clarification as to what conditions are required to realize the “100% compostable” claim.

    We’re constantly on the lookout for new and better materials to use for our bag packaging. We’ve investigated compostable materials, but everything we’ve found that meets our requirements for shelf life and food safety requires an industrial compost facility in order to decompose. Because there are only about 200 of these facilities in the US today, we don’t think that’s a viable option. We’re looking for a solution that will work for the majority of consumers.

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thank you, too, Marilyn!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks! We sent you a direct message, Krissy. If it doesn’t show up, please contact us through Malt-O-Meal consumer affairs: http://www.malt-o-meal.com/contact-us/contact-us.php as we’d love to hear more about your ideas!

  • Quilting Ranny

    We recycle all our cereal boxes & love that I can recycle the bags now!

  • mospicey

    For as long as I can remember my mom has recycled the bag inside the cereal box… she said you couldn’t buy a better waxed paper.  She used it to roll out her pie crusts.  She’s an 80-something gal that never wastes anything. 

    My thought was, if you are having trouble ‘selling’ the Bag the Box idea… why don’t you pass the savings (of not using the box) onto the consumer?  I already buy bagged cereal for the savings.  And we’d appreciate the savings on the regular (w/o the printed on paper coupons!)

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    It’s wonderful to hear about your mom’s common sense approach to pioneering recycling ideas ahead of the curve! And you’re spot-on: passing the savings of not using unnecessary extra packaging directly onto consumers has always been one of the big reasons that Malt-O-Meal Bags The Box! No box helps make the everyday low price of MOM cereals possible. Thanks for supporting the message!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    It’s wonderful to hear about your mom’s common sense approach to pioneering recycling ideas ahead of the curve! And you’re spot-on: passing the savings of not using unnecessary extra packaging directly onto consumers has always been one of the big reasons that Malt-O-Meal Bags The Box! No box helps make the everyday low price of MOM cereals possible. Thanks for supporting the message!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks, Quilting Ranny! Keep up the great work.

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks, Quilting Ranny! Keep up the great work.

  • April

    I reuse the plastic bag and the cardboard from my cereal (and other) boxes :-)

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks, April! Keep up the great work–we love hearing how everyone is doing their part!

  • Theo Abramovich

    A few items were not addressed:

    Efficiency of shipping. Rectangle boxes are easier to stack and put on a pallet. This translates into fewer trucks needed to move the product. (The Japanese have created square watermelons for this reason. http://www.snopes.com/photos/odd/watermelon.asp )

    Damaged product. Most people do not eat the crumbs in the bottom of the bag. The cardboard box protects the cereal from getting crushed into fine crumbs that would otherwise get thrown out.

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Kudos to square watermelons for solving for no packaging at all–thanks for sharing the cool link! Meanwhile, we’ve got a busy crew of friendly folks who respond to all consumer feedback received and are happy to report that crushed cereal and crumbs are rarely reported. The bag does a good job keeping the cereal fresh and protected without wearing a box–maybe less fancy but just as functional. Plus the Malt-O-Meal bag reseals to keep things fresher than the bag inside the box, so we’re proud of that hard-working bag. :) Thanks for your question, Theo!

  • Dudejoyce

    i love this i feel the same way about frozen pizza boxes ….and about alot more of boxes

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    We do too! There is a lot of over-packaged stuff out there when you begin to take notice. Thanks for weighing in!

  • Journalcomments

    are you cereal bags recycleable? isn’t plastic as big a culprit in pollution?

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Remember, there’s a plastic bag inside all those cereal boxes too, with the same impact as the Malt-O-Meal bag, and that’s before they add the unnecessary box. Malt-O-Meal bags are able to go on to bigger and better things than the landfill, however, because of MOM’s partnership with TerraCycle. Read all about it here: http://bagthebox.com/terracycle/

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1832348181 David Kearns

    what kinda bags? plastic? made from oil?  anything but plastic perhaps?

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1832348181 David Kearns

    Yes it is. Plastics are made from OIL!  We replant and re-harvest trees al the time, since the 60′s in this country. Wood all the way!! Just plant some more. We are currently recycling trees that we re-planted years ago. it is renewable. and trees are safe for the environment.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000695149883 Andy Kingsbury

     Why does the box exist if there is a bag inside? One word: merchandising. It is much more effective to entice little Junior (and his mommy) with all of those colorful vertical boxes decorated with the likes of Tony, the Cap’n and Count Chocula. I agree that the box should go, but don’t think it will happen anytime soon. As for the comment that some bags are hard to reseal, do you know those hangers from the store with the two clips on them? Cut off the clips – a hacksaw is great for this – and reseal your cereal bags with them. Don’t forget to put the discarded part of the hanger in your recycling.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MGMV7Z3SJ65AP57VHA73DZPVMM Kitty

    Using alterrnative packaging not only cuts down on the use of trees and the pollution from creating the package, but cuts down on the cost of transportation by lowering the weight. We buy our cereal, packaged mixes and other products in bags made from soft plastic…..the cost is lower too.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MGMV7Z3SJ65AP57VHA73DZPVMM Kitty

    As far as I know plastic is the only packaging available at this time:

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MGMV7Z3SJ65AP57VHA73DZPVMM Kitty

    We are also talking about toxic inks and dyes, weight and volume.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MGMV7Z3SJ65AP57VHA73DZPVMM Kitty

    Thanks for this information…Malt-O-meal is the product we buy, and of course there is another bag inside..We put our empty bags in a Recycle container provided by our trash removal company.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MGMV7Z3SJ65AP57VHA73DZPVMM Kitty

    The bags within the boxes are always full of crumbs in the bottom…Well, since square watermelons are hybrids that cannot reproduce (as are seedless watermelons) they won’t be planted in our garden. We only plant naturally reproducing food.

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks for looking for smart packaging alternatives and helping to Bag The Box!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Hi Kitty,

    Thanks for your earth-friendly input. :) Keep up the great work!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks for weighing in, Kitty!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Thanks, Andy! Great insights and we appreciate your point of view. Nice idea about a great way to reuse hangers for an effective re-seal solution!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Great question; the bags are made out of reverse printed OPP lamination. That’s a mouthful, and a little techinical, so let’s break it down this way: Malt-O-Meal currently uses the lowest density poly material proven to keep our cereals safe and fresh.

    We continue to review any new packaging materials that become available to us.  When it comes to the packaging of our products, our first priority is to provide consumers with safe and fresh products. The polyethylene bags we use provide our customers with wholesome, quality products without the high cost of packaging materials.

  • Thomas

     Please don’t use the spelling errors tactic as a way to dispel or lower the impact of a comment or their statement.  The idea or question they convey still has validity and weight even if a t is slashed or an i dotted.

  • Thomas

     Please don’t use the spelling errors tactic as a way to dispel or lower the impact of a comment or their statement.  The idea or question they convey still has validity and weight even if a t is slashed or an i dotted.

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Good point, Thomas, and well said. Thanks for taking the time to remind everyone here to be friendly. This is a community, after all–everyone’s input is welcome!

  • Stillastudent2008

    However you also reduce by shredding those boxe and using them for other purposes, for example shredded finely they make great litter for your cat and can also be added to composting for worms and in the garden can’t do that with plastic bags but I am looking for a use for them!

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Sounds like an innovative way to recycle at home; thanks for sharing your ideas.

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Sounds like an innovative way to recycle at home; thanks for sharing your ideas.

  • http://bagthebox.com/ Bag The Box

    Sounds like an innovative way to recycle at home; thanks for sharing your ideas.

  • Bob

    Many cereal boxes have a paper/wax paper bag inside which is much better than a plastic bag.  If the cereal could be packaged in a bag made of paper and hold up to freshness, shipping, and handling, then eliminating the box would make sense.  However, replacing a box and paper bag with a plastic bag seems to me to be a step in the wrong direction, since plastic is not organically recyclable and trees grow.  Plastic is the real environmental hazard and the really ridiculous product that uses tons of plastic is water, since safe water is available in most places from the tap.

  • Brighteyes52

    I would prefer bags to box living down south we have all kind of insects. If we use bags it harder for them to get in , if I buy the box of instent mash potatoes I have to put them in a zip lock bag anyway. And I can use he ziplock over and over again.

  • Alan

    Good video. Nice approach. No Hype. Good work. Send me two boxes of Malto O Meal contain my regular breakfast. With gratitude. R.  Alan James alan@astonishme.org.  10745 Kimbro Av Ct No, Stillwater, MN 55082