Sustainable Packaging Show Podcast

Controversy Over Europe's Packaging Law, SB54 Updates, and New Breakthrough in Paper Cartons (June 8, 2026)

CEOs petition EU to delay PPWR, CalRecycle SB 54 regulations take effect, Loblaw hits 90% recyclable packaging compliance, Tetra Pak launches aluminum-free aseptic carton (June 5, 2026)Your sustainable packaging news briefing. This episode: the packaging industry publicly split over Europe's packaging waste deadline, California's packaging recycling regulations now in effect with a fee structure that could cost plastic packaging more according to one industry group, Canada's largest retailer enforcing recyclable packaging standards for its own-brand products, and Tetra Pak's 60-year aluminum barrier problem solved at commercial scale.This episode's stories:- CEOs petition EU Commission to postpone enforcement of PPWR- CalRecycle SB 54 implementing regulations take effect- Loblaw's recyclability push could reshape packaging design   across North America- Tetra Pak's paper-based carton breaks new groundLinks & Sources:- CEOs petition EU Commission to postpone enforcement of PPWR  — Packaging Europe  — https://packagingeurope.com/news/ceos-petition-eu-commission-to-postpone-enforcement-of-ppwr/14215.article- 120 companies call on EU to keep PPWR on schedule  — Packaging Gateway  — https://www.packaging-gateway.com/news/eu-ppwr-regulation-schedule/- CalRecycle approves SB 54 regulations  — Resource Recycling  — https://resource-recycling.com/plastics/2026/05/02/calrecycle-approves-sb-54-regulations/- SPC Packaging Policy Roundup  — Sustainable Packaging Coalition  — https://sustainablepackaging.org/2026/05/21/packaging-policy-news/- Loblaw's recyclability push could reshape packaging design   across North America  — Resource Recycling  — https://resource-recycling.com/recycling/2026/05/14/loblaws-recyclability-push-could-reshape-packaging-design-across-north-america/- Tetra Pak's paper-based carton breaks new ground  — Food and Drink Technology  — https://www.foodanddrinktechnology.com/news/66433/tetra-paks-and-sterilgarda-alimentis-paper-based-aseptic-carton-breaks-new-ground/- Tetra Pak invests €60 million into pilot plant  — Packaging Europe  — https://packagingeurope.com/news/tetra-pak-invests-60-million-into-pilot-plant-for-paper-based-carton-barriers/13843.articleResources:📖 Book: SustainablePackagingBook.com🌐 Platform: PackagedSustainable.comAbout the Show:The Sustainable Packaging Show delivers concise briefings on what's real, what's hype, and what you need to know. Hosted by Michael Markarian, author of Sustainable Packaging Revolution.

Compost Infrastructure Reality, Function Over Form, Supply Chain Crisis (Feb 3, 2026)

Compost Blocked, rPET Plants Close, PP Cups Succeed (Feb 3, 2026)Your bi-weekly sustainable packaging briefing. This episode: NOSB decision on compostable bioplastics, Canadian study on food waste vs. packaging reduction, simplification that cut plastic 80%, domestic rPET crisis, and what infrastructure success actually takes.This episode's stories:- NOSB blocks compostable bioplastics from organic-certified systems- Food waste prevention beats minimal packaging  - Simplification: 80% plastic reduction through elimination- rPET plants closing despite recycled content mandates- PP cups achieve "widely recyclable" after years of investmentLinks & Sources:- NOSB decision - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/national-organic-standards-board-votes-against-compostable-materials-national-list/809526/- Canadian food waste study - Canadian Packaging - https://www.canadianpackaging.com/general/new-federal-study-backs-function-first-approach-to-sustainable-produce-packaging-185862/- Simplification design - Packaging World - https://www.packworld.com/leaders-new/business-drivers-specialty/sustainability/article/22958183/simplified-quiche-package-cuts-plastic-up-to-80- rPET closures - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/postconsumer-recycled-content-domestic-market/810444/- PP cups recyclable - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/polypropylene-cups-how2recycle-label-recycling-access/811016/Resources:📖 Book: SustainablePackagingBook.com🌐 Platform: PackagedSustainable.comAbout the Show:The Sustainable Packaging Show delivers bi-weekly briefings on what's real, what's hype, and what you need to know. Hosted by Michael Markarian, author of Sustainable Packaging Revolution.

Federal Labeling Framework, California's Catch-22, EU Enforcement (Jan 20, 2026)

Your bi-weekly briefing on sustainable packaging headlines. This episode: Congress introduces the PACK Act to create federal labeling framework, California's compostable packaging policy contradiction, EU's PPWR initial enforcement begins in 7 months, US Plastics Pact reality check on industry progress, and Dubai completes phased single-use plastic ban.This episode's stories:PACK Act: Federal framework would preempt non-identical state labeling requirementsCalifornia challenge: Two policies create difficult compliance scenario for compostable packagingEU PPWR: Initial enforcement begins August 2026US Plastics Pact: Progress report shows forward movement, tight timeline to 2030 goalsDubai Ban: Four-phase single-use plastic ban fully implementedLinks & Sources:PACK Act introduced - Packaging Digest - https://www.packagingdigest.com/sustainability/legislation-reshapes-packaging-sustainability-claimsCalifornia compostable policy challenge - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/compostable-packaging-organics-revolution-foods/807789/EU PPWR enforcement timeline - European Commission - https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste/packaging-packaging-waste-regulation_enUS Plastics Pact 2024-25 report - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/us-plastics-pact-2024-2025-progress-report/809387/Dubai plastic ban completion - Dubai Municipality - https://www.dm.gov.ae/2025/12/24/dubai-to-enforce-final-phase-of-single-use-plastic-ban-from-2026/Resources:Book: SustainablePackagingBook.comPlatform: PackagedSustainable.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelmarkarian/About the Show:The Sustainable Packaging Show delivers bi-weekly briefings on what's real, what's hype, and what you need to know. Hosted by Michael Markarian, author of Sustainable Packaging Revolution.

My Sustainable Packaging Book Hits #1 New Release in 2 Amazon Categories

After 3 years of work, my new book Sustainable Packaging Revolution hit #1 New Release on Amazon in Environmental Economics and Green Business! In this episode, I'm sharing why I wrote it, what's inside, and where the podcast is headed in 2026.Get The Book: SustainablePackagingBook.comLet's connect on LinkedIn!

Sustainable Packaging Companies: Givr Packaging

Joined by Jeremy Bowers of Givr Packaging to learn about their sustainable packaging solutions! Subscribe to stay up to date on the latest sustainable packaging solutions hitting the market, as well as news and updates in the world of sustainable packaging! Learn more about Givr on Packaged Sustainable: Looking to find sustainable packaging suppliers? Try PS today: https://www.packagedsustainable.com/Mike's family business, Contempo Packaging: www.contempopackaging.com

My Take On Edible Food Packaging

Our Sustainable Packaging Featured in Forbes Magazine

As many of you know, my family business services the cannabis industry. This new product got written about in Forbes! https://www.forbes.com/sites/benjaminadams/2025/03/31/can-this-child-resistant-cigarette-box-make-cannabis-products-safer/

Could sustainable packaging be posing health risks to us?

The promise of creating a healthier planet through sustainable packaging is amazing, but what about human health? Aren't both important?This is a "conversation starting" episode.Is there a chance that we could be making decisions that are better for the planet, but worse for human health?If you have done studies or are an expert on the topic, let's do an episode together sharing what you know! Connect with Mike on LinkedIn

State of Sustainable Packaging (Q1 2025)

Are you short on time, but still want to know what is going on in the world of sustainable packaging? This episode is for you! Lots of news and trends as the eco friendly packaging world is charging ahead full speed.Want to do a podcast episode with Mike? Connect on LinkedIn!

How are EPR fees calculated and when does Oregon EPR packaging begin?

Oregon EPR packaging laws are furthest along with a reporting requirement starting March 31. According to 3/3/25 CAA webinar, producers will be invoiced starting in July.Page 200 is where the fees begin, note these fees are subject to change between now and July: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/64260ed078c36925b1cf3385/t/675367976db4842d3ae3ce43/1733519262653/Final_OR_PP3.pdfCAA Website: https://circularactionalliance.org/Are you a producer with questions? You can email producer.support@circularaction.orgDisclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content shared is not intended to create, nor does it establish, an attorney-client relationship. You should consult with a qualified attorney or professional for advice regarding your specific legal situation.