Photos: A future in bioplastics

Single-serving "Xela Packs" seal shampoo and other personal-care products inside recycled paper pouches printed with natural inks. The USDA's "Organic" seal applies to the contents. Xela Pack's greener packaging accounts for 40 percent of its business. Each pouch costs a company 23 cents, but prices are coming down. More common, petroleum-based plastic pouches for travel-size personal care products run around 19 cents each.