Terms of Use for Packaged Sustainable

Welcome to Packaged Sustainable (“PS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our platform located at packagedsustainable.com (the “Platform”). By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.

1. Description of Service

(a) Platform Purpose

PS is a discovery and connection platform that helps brands (including businesses, retailers, food service providers, and any company seeking packaging) identify sustainable packaging suppliers and solutions. PS serves as a marketplace facilitating introductions between brands and packaging suppliers.

(b) Services Provided

PS provides:

• Searchable supplier directory and profiles
• Educational content about sustainable packaging
• Brand inquiry submission and supplier introduction services
• Supplier contact facilitation
• Optional paid consultation services (subject to separate agreements)

(c) What PS is Not

PS is not:

• A certification body, testing laboratory, or regulatory authority
• A guarantor of supplier claims, product performance, or regulatory compliance
• An e-commerce platform (PS facilitates introductions, not direct transactions)
• A provider of legal, engineering, or professional compliance advice (unless separately engaged for paid consultation services)
• A party to transactions between brands and suppliers

2. No Warranty; User Responsibility

(a) Platform Provided "As Is"

PS provides the Platform and all content "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. PS makes no representations or warranties regarding:

• Accuracy, completeness, or currentness of supplier information
• Suitability of any packaging solution for any specific use case
• Regulatory compliance of any packaging materials or suppliers
• Supplier responsiveness, reliability, quality, or business practices
• Platform availability, functionality, or error-free operation

(b) Variability of Sustainability Terms

Terms such as "sustainable," "recyclable," "compostable," "biodegradable," and similar descriptors:

• Have varying definitions across jurisdictions
• Depend on local infrastructure and collection systems
• Are subject to evolving regulations and standards
• May be interpreted differently by different authorities
• Are not verified or validated by PS

PS makes no representations regarding the environmental attributes, sustainability, or regulatory compliance of any packaging solution or supplier featured on the Platform.

(c) Unique Requirements and Situations

Every brand's packaging needs are unique based on:

• Specific product characteristics (chemistry, pH, moisture, temperature sensitivity, shelf life requirements)
• Climate and environmental conditions (humidity, temperature extremes, UV exposure, altitude)
• Market-specific regulations (federal, state, local, and international requirements that vary significantly)
• Distribution channels and logistics (e-commerce, retail, cold chain, international shipping)
• Volume requirements and timelines
• Customer expectations and brand values

Packaging compatibility and regulatory compliance depend on numerous factors specific to each use case. PS cannot predict or guarantee how any packaging solution will perform with any specific product under any specific conditions in any specific jurisdiction.

(d) Regulatory Complexity

Packaging regulations are complex, jurisdiction-specific, and constantly evolving:

• Different regions define sustainability terms differently
• What is compliant today may be regulated tomorrow
• Infrastructure capabilities vary by location, affecting actual recyclability or compostability
• Some jurisdictions ban certain materials while others encourage them
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and similar programs vary significantly across states and countries
• Definitions and interpretations of regulations change over time

PS does not track jurisdiction-specific regulatory requirements and cannot advise on regulatory compliance.

(e) Information Sources

Content on PS is derived from:

• Supplier-provided information (when suppliers create or claim profiles)
• Publicly available sources (supplier websites, marketing materials, press releases, industry publications)
• Third-party databases and industry resources
• PS's research and curation

Suppliers may:

• Provide inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated information (intentionally or unintentionally)
• Exaggerate capabilities or certifications
• Fail to update information when circumstances change
• Make claims that do not comply with applicable regulations
• Misunderstand or misrepresent regulatory requirements

PS may:

• Make errors in categorizing, describing, or presenting supplier information
• Display outdated or incorrect information
• Misinterpret publicly available information
• Feature suppliers who do not actually meet specific brand requirements

PS does not verify supplier claims, certifications, capabilities, or regulatory compliance status.

(f) User Due Diligence Required

Users acknowledge and agree that they are solely responsible for:

• Verifying all supplier claims, certifications, and capabilities directly with suppliers
• Ensuring packaging solutions comply with all applicable regulations in all relevant jurisdictions
• Testing packaging compatibility with specific products under actual use conditions
• Conducting supplier due diligence (financial stability, quality systems, business practices, references)
• Confirming current infrastructure capabilities in target markets (recycling, composting, waste management)
• Obtaining and reviewing all relevant technical specifications, test data, and certifications
• Consulting with legal, regulatory, engineering, or other professional advisors as needed
• Making independent, informed purchasing decisions

PS provides initial supplier discovery and introduction services. Users must conduct comprehensive verification and due diligence before entering into any business relationships or making purchasing decisions.

(g) For Informational Purposes Only

All content on the Platform - including supplier profiles, search results, articles, guides, recommendations, and certifications displayed - is provided for informational and educational purposes only.

Platform content does not constitute:

• Legal advice regarding regulatory compliance
• Professional engineering or technical consulting
• Certification or validation of sustainability claims
• Endorsement or guarantee of supplier quality or reliability
• Professional advice of any kind (unless separately engaged for paid consultation services subject to separate agreements)

(h) Limitation of Warranties

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PS DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
• WARRANTIES OF ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, OR COMPLETENESS
• WARRANTIES REGARDING SUPPLIER QUALITY, RESPONSIVENESS, OR HONESTY
• WARRANTIES OF REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
• WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT
• WARRANTIES THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE

3. Supplier Profiles and Verification Status

(a) Types of Supplier Profiles

PS maintains supplier profiles created through various methods:

Proactively Created Profiles:

• PS creates profiles using publicly available information to help brands discover packaging suppliers
• This practice is similar to business directories such as Yelp, Google Business, or industry databases
• Suppliers may or may not be aware their profile exists
• Information is based on PS's interpretation of publicly available sources and may not be current, complete, or accurate

Claimed/Verified Profiles:

• Supplier has claimed their profile and may have verified or updated information
• May display a verification badge or indicator
• Verification indicates only that the supplier has claimed their profile and provided contact information
• Verification does NOT indicate PS has validated sustainability claims, certifications, product specifications, or regulatory compliance

Partner Profiles:

• Supplier has entered into a commercial partnership with PS (commission agreement, subscription, or other arrangement)
• May display enhanced placement, premium badges, or featured positioning
• Subject to separate partnership agreements and Supplier Code of Conduct

(b) Profile Claims and Updates

Suppliers may claim and update their profiles at any time by contacting PS at hello@packagedsustainable.com.

Upon claiming a profile, suppliers may:

• Review and update profile information
• Add or modify product information, capabilities, and certifications
• Provide contact preferences
• Agree to PS's Terms of Service and Supplier Code of Conduct

(c) Profile Removal

Suppliers may request profile removal at any time. PS will process removal requests within thirty (30) days.

(d) Use of Supplier Information

By maintaining a profile on PS (whether proactively created, claimed, or partner), suppliers acknowledge that PS may use their company name, logos, publicly available information, and profile content for marketplace operations, including:

• Displaying profiles to brands seeking packaging solutions
• Facilitating brand inquiries and supplier introductions
• Creating educational content and market analysis
• Operating search, recommendation, and matching algorithms
• Marketing the Platform

This use is for marketplace identification and facilitation purposes consistent with nominative fair use principles.

(e) Applicability of Terms

All supplier profiles (proactively created, claimed, and partner) are subject to:

• These Terms of Use
• PS's Lead Distribution Policy (Section 5)
• PS's Supplier Code of Conduct (Section 4) when suppliers respond to inquiries
• PS's right to use supplier information for marketplace operations

By responding to inquiries generated through the Platform, suppliers acknowledge agreement to these Terms and the Supplier Code of Conduct.

4. Supplier Code of Conduct

The following standards apply to all suppliers who respond to brand inquiries through PS, regardless of profile type.

By responding to any inquiry generated through PS, suppliers agree to:

(a) Respond Promptly

Provide substantive responses to all brand inquiries within forty-eight (48) hours. Responses must be relevant and meaningful, not generic auto-replies or evasive messages.

(b) Maintain Professional Standards

Treat all brand inquiries with courtesy, professionalism, and respect.

(c) Provide Accurate Information

Provide truthful, accurate, and complete information regarding:

• Product specifications and capabilities
• Certifications and regulatory compliance
• Pricing and minimum order quantities
• Lead times and production capabilities
• Business practices and quality systems

Suppliers must not:

• Make false, misleading, or exaggerated claims
• Misrepresent certifications or regulatory compliance
• Engage in greenwashing or unsubstantiated environmental marketing
• Provide materially incomplete or misleading information

(d) Compliance

• Claimed and Partner Profiles: Suppliers explicitly agree to this Code of Conduct when claiming profiles or entering partnerships
• Proactively Created Profiles: Suppliers agree to this Code of Conduct upon first response to any PS inquiry

(e) Consequences of Non-Compliance

Suppliers who violate the Code of Conduct may:

• Have inquiries redirected to alternative suppliers
• Lose verification status or partnership benefits
• Have profiles removed from the Platform
• Be subject to other remedies as determined by PS in its sole discretion

5. Lead Generation, Distribution, and Inquiry Management

(a) Inquiry Processing

When brands submit inquiries through the Platform, they are engaging with PS's marketplace. PS curates supplier options, manages introductions, and facilitates connections between brands and suppliers.

All inquiries submitted through the Platform are processed by and belong to PS's marketplace, not to individual suppliers.

(b) Brand Experience Priority

PS's primary obligation is to brands seeking packaging solutions. PS prioritizes:

• Timely and helpful responses to brand inquiries
• Connecting brands with responsive, professional suppliers
• Ensuring brands receive quality service and relevant options
• Overall marketplace experience and user satisfaction

(c) Inquiry Distribution Methods

General Inquiries (Not Tied to Specific Supplier):

For general inquiries submitted through search forms or general contact methods:

• PS routes inquiries to relevant suppliers based on stated requirements, capabilities, and fit
• PS may share general inquiries with multiple suppliers to ensure brands receive competitive options and timely responses
• PS determines supplier matches using factors including capabilities, responsiveness, partnership status, and editorial judgment

Profile-Specific Inquiries:

For inquiries submitted through a specific supplier's profile page:

• The featured supplier receives first opportunity to respond within forty-eight (48) hours
• The forty-eight (48) hour period begins when PS sends the inquiry to the supplier

PS may redirect to alternative suppliers if the featured supplier:

• Does not respond within forty-eight (48) hours, OR
• Indicates the inquiry does not meet their requirements (MOQ, budget, timeline, product specifications, or general fit), OR
• Provides inadequate, unprofessional, or misleading responses, OR
• Cannot fulfill the brand's requirements or capabilities needed, OR
• Violates the Supplier Code of Conduct

This process protects both parties: suppliers may decline inquiries that are not good fits, and PS may redirect to better matches to serve brand needs.

Proactively Created Profile Inquiries:

For inquiries on profiles that suppliers have not claimed:

• PS makes good-faith efforts to contact the featured supplier
• PS cannot guarantee the supplier will receive or respond to inquiries (as they may be unaware their profile exists)
• If no appropriate response is received within forty-eight (48) hours, or if the supplier indicates the inquiry is not a fit, PS will connect the brand with alternative suppliers

Brand Notification:

Where feasible, PS will notify brands and obtain consent before making alternative supplier introductions.

(d) No Exclusive Rights

Suppliers acknowledge and agree that:

• PS operates a non-exclusive, multi-supplier marketplace
• General inquiries may be shared with multiple suppliers
• Maintaining a profile does not grant exclusive rights to inquiries, leads, or brand relationships
• PS's use of supplier information to facilitate inquiries does not create exclusive rights or obligations
• Suppliers have no claims to "lost business opportunities" resulting from PS's inquiry distribution decisions, including redirections to alternative suppliers

(e) Partnership Influence

Commercial partnerships with PS (commission agreements, subscriptions, or other arrangements) may influence:

• Search result rankings and featured placements
• Supplier recommendations for specific inquiries
• Priority when multiple suppliers could equally fulfill requirements
• External marketing support and promotional activities

PS prioritizes brand satisfaction and supplier responsiveness regardless of partnership status. Non-partner suppliers may be recommended when they provide better fits for brand requirements or when partner suppliers are non-responsive or unable to fulfill needs.

(f) No Liability for Distribution Decisions

PS is not liable to suppliers for:

• Determinations regarding which suppliers receive inquiries
• Sharing general inquiries with multiple suppliers
• Redirecting inquiries when suppliers are non-responsive or indicate inquiries are not appropriate fits
• Lost business opportunities or revenue
• Competitive disadvantage
• Technical issues affecting inquiry delivery
• Brand decisions to work with alternative suppliers

6. Business Model and Compensation

(a) Free Platform Access for Brands

The Platform is free for brands seeking packaging solutions. Brands are not charged for:

• Platform access and search functionality
• Viewing supplier profiles
• Submitting inquiries
• Receiving supplier introductions
• Accessing educational content

(b) Optional Paid Consultation Services

PS may offer optional, paid consultation services providing in-depth advisory support for packaging decisions. These services are:

• Entirely optional and separate from the free Platform
• Subject to separate service agreements
• Provided for an additional fee

Paid consultation services are advisory only. Even for paid services:

• Brands remain solely responsible for final supplier selection and purchasing decisions
• PS does not guarantee outcomes, regulatory compliance, or product performance
• All disclaimers in Section 2 apply fully to paid consultation services
• Business relationships and liability between brands and suppliers remain between those parties - PS is not a party to supplier transactions
• Consultations do not constitute professional engineering, legal, or regulatory compliance services

(c) Supplier Compensation Models

PS may receive compensation from suppliers through:

• Performance-based commissions (percentage of sales from PS-facilitated introductions)
• Lead generation or inquiry fees
• Profile enhancement or premium listing fees
• Subscription or membership fees
• Marketing and promotional services

(d) Impact of Compensation on Platform

Supplier compensation arrangements may influence:

• Search result rankings and profile placements
• Featured or recommended suppliers for specific inquiries
• Priority when multiple suppliers could fulfill requirements
• External marketing and promotional support

PS prioritizes brand satisfaction and supplier responsiveness. Non-paying suppliers may be recommended when they provide better fits for brand requirements or superior service.

(e) Supplier Profile Designations

Certain supplier profiles may display badges such as "Verified Partner," "PS Partner," "Featured Supplier," or similar designations. These may indicate:

• Suppliers who have claimed and verified profiles
• Suppliers with commercial partnerships with PS
• Suppliers demonstrating high responsiveness or service quality

Not all featured, verified, or prominently placed suppliers compensate PS. Some recognition is based on responsiveness, user feedback, or editorial judgment.

(f) Transparency

PS maintains transparency regarding its business model while respecting commercial confidentiality. Inquiries about PS's business model or partnerships may be directed to hello@packagedsustainable.com.

(g) Voluntary Supplier Participation

Suppliers are not required to compensate PS to:

• Have profiles on the Platform
• Receive inquiries routed through profiles
• Respond to brand inquiries

Commercial partnerships are voluntary arrangements providing enhanced services.

(h) Changes to Business Model

PS may modify its business model, services, or fee structures. Material changes will be communicated to users.

7. User-Generated Content

(a) Submission of Content

Users may submit reviews, testimonials, feedback, and other content ("User Content") regarding suppliers and packaging solutions.

(b) User Representations

By submitting User Content, you represent and warrant that:

• You have direct experience with the supplier or solution being reviewed
• Your content is truthful and based on genuine experience
• You will not submit false, defamatory, misleading, or malicious content
• You own or have rights to submitted content
• Your content complies with these Terms and applicable law

(c) PS's Rights Regarding User Content

PS reserves the right to:

• Review, edit, or remove any User Content
• Decline to post User Content
• Remove content that violates these Terms or is otherwise inappropriate
• Use User Content in marketing and platform operations

(d) No Verification

PS does not verify the authenticity or accuracy of User Content. User Content reflects individual opinions and experiences, which may not be representative or applicable to other situations.

(e) No Endorsement

Publication of User Content does not constitute PS's endorsement of opinions expressed or suppliers reviewed.

8. Intellectual Property

(a) PS Intellectual Property

All Platform content created by PS, including text, graphics, logos, images, software, and data compilations, is the property of PS or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws.

(b) Limited License to Users

PS grants users a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the Platform for personal or internal business purposes in accordance with these Terms. Users may not:

• Copy, modify, distribute, sell, or lease Platform content
• Reverse engineer or extract source code
• Create derivative works
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers, crawlers) without written permission

(c) Supplier Intellectual Property

Supplier names, logos, trademarks, and product information displayed on PS remain the property of respective suppliers. PS's use of such content is for marketplace identification and facilitation purposes.

(d) User Content License

By submitting content to PS, you grant PS a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, transferable, sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, distribute, and display such content in connection with operating and promoting the Platform.

9. Privacy and Data Protection

PS collects and processes personal information as described in our Privacy Policy, available at https://www.packagedsustainable.com/policy

By using the Platform, you consent to data collection and processing as described in the Privacy Policy.

Key Information:

• PS collects information you provide (name, email, company, packaging requirements)
• PS shares inquiry information with relevant suppliers to fulfill your requests
• PS uses information to operate and improve the Platform
• PS will not sell personal information to third parties for unrelated marketing purposes

For complete details, see the Privacy Policy.

10. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

(a) Disclaimer of Warranties

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PS AND ITS AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, PARTNERS, AND LICENSORS DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT
• WARRANTIES REGARDING ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR RELIABILITY OF PLATFORM CONTENT
• WARRANTIES REGARDING SUPPLIER QUALITY, RESPONSIVENESS, HONESTY, OR RELIABILITY
• WARRANTIES REGARDING REGULATORY COMPLIANCE OF PACKAGING SOLUTIONS
• WARRANTIES THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE, VIRUS-FREE, OR ERROR-FREE
• WARRANTIES REGARDING RESULTS FROM PLATFORM USE

THE PLATFORM AND ALL CONTENT ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND.

(b) Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PS AND ITS AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, PARTNERS, AND LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

• INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES
• LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, OR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
• BUSINESS INTERRUPTION
• LOSS OF GOODWILL OR REPUTATION
• DAMAGES ARISING FROM USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE PLATFORM
• DAMAGES ARISING FROM SUPPLIER CONDUCT, PRODUCTS, OR SERVICES
• DAMAGES ARISING FROM REGULATORY NON-COMPLIANCE OF PACKAGING SOLUTIONS
• DAMAGES ARISING FROM RELIANCE ON PLATFORM CONTENT OR RECOMMENDATIONS
• DAMAGES ARISING FROM INCORRECT, INCOMPLETE, OR OUTDATED INFORMATION
• DAMAGES ARISING FROM INQUIRY DISTRIBUTION DECISIONS
• DAMAGES ARISING FROM SECURITY BREACHES OR UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS

AGGREGATE LIABILITY CAP: PS's total aggregate liability for all claims arising from or related to these Terms or Platform use shall not exceed the greater of (a) amounts you paid to PS, if any, in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim, or (b) one hundred dollars ($100).

Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on implied warranties or exclusion of certain damages. In such jurisdictions, PS's liability will be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless PS and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, partners, and licensors from and against all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Content you submit to the Platform
• Your business relationships or transactions with suppliers
• Your failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations
• Your products, including product liability claims
• Regulatory non-compliance of packaging you purchase through supplier connections made via PS

PS reserves the right to assume exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification, at your expense.

12. Termination

(a) Termination by PS

PS may suspend or terminate your Platform access at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity
• Providing false or misleading information
• Misuse of Platform or supplier connections
• At PS's sole discretion

(b) Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to access and use the Platform immediately ceases
• Provisions that by their nature should survive (disclaimers, limitations of liability, indemnification, intellectual property rights) continue in effect

(c) No Liability

PS is not liable for termination of Platform access.

13. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

(a) Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, United States, without regard to conflicts of law principles.

(b) Jurisdiction and Venue

Disputes arising from these Terms or Platform use shall be resolved exclusively in state or federal courts located in Broward County, Florida. You consent to personal jurisdiction of such courts and waive objections to venue.

(c) Informal Resolution

Before filing formal legal action, parties agree to attempt informal resolution by contacting hello@packagedsustainable.com.

(d) Time Limitation

Claims or causes of action must be filed within one (1) year after the claim arose, or be forever barred.

14. General Provisions

(a) Modifications to Terms

PS may update these Terms. Material changes will be posted with a new effective date. Continued Platform use after changes constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.

(b) Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy (https://www.packagedsustainable.com/policy), constitute the entire agreement between you and PS regarding Platform use and supersede all prior agreements and communications.

(c) Severability

If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, remaining provisions continue in full effect.

(d) Waiver

PS's failure to enforce any right or provision is not a waiver of such right or provision.

(e) Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without PS's prior written consent. PS may assign these Terms without restriction.

(f) No Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms do not create third-party beneficiary rights.

(g) Force Majeure

PS is not liable for failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, labor disputes, pandemics, or internet service disruptions.

(h) Notices

Notices to PS should be sent to: hello@packagedsustainable.com

PS may provide notices via email or Platform posting.

15. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or feedback regarding these Terms or the Platform:

Packaged Sustainable, LLC
Email: hello@packagedsustainable.com
Website: packagedsustainable.com

By using Packaged Sustainable, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use.