Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. Enhances Eco-Friendly Outlook With Product Packaging Supporting Wind Power and Sustainable Sourcing

DENVER, April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. ("Atkins") has aggressively sought to make the packaging for its popular snack bars and shakes more eco-friendly. Atkins has improved its green packaging profile by choosing a snack bar carton manufacturer that supports wind power through the purchase of carbon offsets. In addition, the snack bar cartons are now only produced with FSC certified paperboard. This certification requires chain of custody proof that the forest sources are managed responsibly and sustainably. For its shake line, Atkins continues to employ energy-saving Tetra Pak cartons, and the shake paperboard wrappers have received third-party validation to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative(R) for its sustainable fiber sourcing practices.

The Atkins snack bar carton manufacturer, All Packaging Company (APC), has purchased carbon offset rights equivalent to the emissions created from 1.4 million kilowatt hours of APC's 2008 electricity purchases. NativeEnergy has purchased, on APC's behalf, the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) generated by a Farmer Distributed Wind project in Minnesota. The farmers used the offset funds to help pay for the cost of building and maintaining wind turbines, and then sell the electricity generated by the turbine pool to the local utility, by transfer to the national grid. As a result, APC has received the rights to the expected wind energy produced during the next 20 years. This ownership enables APC, and its customers such as Atkins, to use the logo "Carton Made With Wind Energy" on its cartons.

MeadWestvaco Corporation (NYSE: MWV), the company that manufactures both the paperboard and wrapper used for Atkins shake cartons, has been certified as following sustainable fiber sourcing practices. The company received chain of custody certification to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative(R) (SFI) program and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) chain of custody standards. Chain of custody is the process of tracking and recording the possession and transfer of wood fiber from the forest of origin, through manufacture, production and processing stages and, ultimately, to its end use. Under the certification, MWV's paperboard products can carry the SFI certification label.

Complementing these new efforts, Atkins continues to use Tetra Pak cartons for its successful shake line instead of cans or plastic bottles. These cartons deliver significant savings in terms of energy, waste and greenhouse gas output when compared to equivalent-sized bottles or cans(1). In fact, Atkins can ship an equal amount of shakes using 14 percent less trucks for transport when using Tetra Pak cartons versus cans(2).

"Choosing manufacturers that are cognizant of their impact on the environment is another way Atkins can respond to consumer requests for more efficient, eco-friendly packaging for our products," said Jennifer McGhee, VP Marketing, Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. "Whether it's by creating delicious and healthy low-carbohydrate bars and shakes, to lowering our carbon footprint through changes to product packaging, Atkins truly embraces 'low-carb' living."

About Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., is a leading player in the $2.4 billion dollar weight control nutrition category, and offers a powerful lifetime approach to weight loss and weight management. The Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM) focuses on a healthy diet with reduced levels of refined carbohydrates and sugars and encourages the consumption of protein, fiber, vegetables, fruits, and good fats. Backed by research and consumer success stories, this approach allows the body to burn more fat and work more efficiently while helping individuals feel less hungry, more satisfied and more energetic.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., manufactures and sells a variety of nutrition bars and shakes designed around the nutrition principles of the Atkins Diet(TM). Atkins' three product lines, Advantage(R), Day Break(TM) and Endulge(TM), appeal to a broad audience of both men and women who want to achieve their weight management goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Atkins products are available in more than 30,000 locations throughout the U.S. and internationally. For more information, visit atkins.com.

(1) Lifecycle Inventory of Meal Replacement Drink Containers, prepared for Tetra Pak by Franklin Associates, A Division of ERG, May 15, 2008

(2) Tetra Pak analysis

    CONTACT:  Atalanta Rafferty
    RF|Binder for Atkins
    2129947511
    atalanta.rafferty@rfbinder.com,

SOURCE Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.