Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic Packaging

Hosted by Cory Connors

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431

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Sep 2026

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About the show

Join industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers as we explore the future of packaging through the lens of sustainability. Hosted by Cory Connors, an industry expert with over 25 years of experience, and presented by Atlantic Packaging, the leader in innovative sustainable solutions, we dive into what’s working (and what’s not) from cutting-edge materials to circular design strategies that can reduce waste and protect our planet. Each episode blends real data, expert insights, and a dose of fun to help you stay informed and inspired. Whether you're in the packaging industry or simply passionate about sustainability, this podcast is your weekly go-to resource for making smarter, greener choices.

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September 27, 2026Episode 43033 min

Why "More Sustainable" Isn't a Simple Answer | Lara Botta

In this episode, Cory Connors reconnects with Lara Botta , Vice President of Bota Eco Packaging, joining from Italy. They discuss the intricacies of new sustainability regulations and the paperwork burden they place on consumers and companies alike, and how Lara's team works to make compliance as simple as possible. Lara shares how Bota Eco Packaging, founded by her grandmother in 1947, has stayed ahead of European recyclability standards for decades, and how the company's innovation practices since 2017 have positioned it as a trusted resource for finding new, more sustainable materials. They also cover Italy's economic and energy challenges, the shift from purpose-driven to regulation-driven sustainability, the difficulty of convincing procurement teams that sustainable materials can be cost-effective, and Lara's role as an ambassador at the upcoming Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht, where she'll moderate a panel on the controversial "paperization" trend. Key Topics Discussed: Lara's grandmother founding Bota Eco Packaging in 1947 and selling paper packaging around Milan by tramway The company's evolution from corrugated cardboard into a sustainable packaging innovation leader since 2017 Why Italy and Europe have led the way on recyclability and packaging regulation Current market conditions in Italy: energy prices, geopolitics, and slow growth The shift from purpose-driven sustainability to regulation-driven compliance Reframing "cost" conversations with procurement teams around total cost of ownership Being named an ambassador for the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht Moderating a panel on "paperization" and why it's a trending but controversial topic Consumer decision-making, System 1 vs. System 2 thinking, and sustainable purchasing behavior Generational differences in sustainability expectations Advice for attendees heading to the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:30 The Complexity of New Sustainability Regulations and Consumer Paperwork Fatigue 03:15 Lara's Grandmother and the Founding of Bota Eco Packaging in 1947 06:00 From Corrugated Cardboard to Sustainable Innovation Since 2017 09:30 Why Italy and Europe Have Led on Recyclability and Regulation 12:15 Current Market Conditions in Italy: Energy, Geopolitics, and Growth 15:00 Regulation vs. Purpose: How the Push for Sustainability Has Shifted 18:00 Total Cost of Ownership and Changing the Conversation with Procurement 21:00 Becoming an Ambassador for the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht 23:15 Moderating the "Paperization" Panel: A Trending but Controversial Topic 26:00 Consumer Perception, Decision-Making, and System 1 vs. System 2 Thinking 29:00 Generational Differences in Sustainability Expectations 31:30 Advice for Attendees Heading to Utrecht 33:00 Final Thoughts and How to Connect Resources Mentioned: Bota Eco Packaging Sustainable Packaging Summit , Utrecht (10-12 November 2026) Packaging Europe (magazine referenced by Lara as a key industry resource) Contact: Listeners interested in connecting with Lara Botta can reach out via her website or LinkedIn . - Website - LinkedIn (company): Bota EcoPackaging Support our Sponsors Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - FOREST-PKG https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap. This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

September 20, 2026Episode 42927 min

Why You Must See 3M at PACK EXPO International | David Glover

In this episode, Cory Connors sits down with David Glover of 3M to preview what attendees can expect from 3M's booth at PACK EXPO, taking place October 18–21 in Chicago. David shares his 14-year journey at 3M — from product specialist to global sales trainer to portfolio marketing manager — and explains why he considers himself a "tape nerd." The conversation covers 3M's long history of packaging innovation, the growing challenge of sealing high-recycled-content corrugate, and the new products 3M is bringing to PACK EXPO to help customers meet sustainability goals without sacrificing performance. Key Topics Discussed: David Glover's career path at 3M: product specialist, converter markets, packaging territory sales, global sales trainer, and now portfolio marketing manager for box sealing tapes Why packaging is the "last line of defense" for manufacturers and the cost of getting it wrong 3M's history of innovation: invention of Scotch Brand tape in 1929 (Richard Drew and William McKnight) and the case sealer in 1969 The rising challenge of sealing boxes made with higher percentages of recycled content, including reduced flexural stiffness and inconsistent fiber surfaces The "chemistry vs. physics" framework David uses to evaluate any packaging application New product launches debuting at PACK EXPO: RC Plus tape head — designed for consistent sealing on lightweight, highly recycled-content boxes, with bolt-on attachments for customization 571 Plus sustainable paper tape — a high-performing adhesive that bonds to up to 100% recycled material Where the packaging industry is headed on sustainability: custom-printed tape, recycled content, and evolving state and global legislation The scale of PACK EXPO International — roughly 48,000 attendees at Chicago's McCormick Place Chapters: 00:35 Introduction to Sustainable Packaging 01:07 Introduction to Sustainable Packaging and David Glover's Background 04:14 The Importance of Packaging in Manufacturing 07:15 3M's Innovation and History in Packaging 12:02 Upcoming Innovations at Pac Expo International 15:10 Sustainability Trends in the Packaging Industry 18:08 Future Directions in Sustainable Packaging Resources Mentioned: PACK EXPO International 3M Booth: N5720 3M 3M RC Plus + Sealing System Contact: Attendees can visit 3M at Booth N5720 at PACK EXPO International to see the equipment and new products in person. Closing Thoughts: Cory and David highlight how 3M's century of innovation continues to evolve alongside the packaging industry's shift toward recyclable, reusable, and more sustainable materials — and invite listeners to stop by the 3M booth in Chicago to see it firsthand. Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! Support our Sponsors Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - FOREST-PKG https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap. This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

September 13, 2026Episode 42823 min

The Barcode Revolution Is Coming | Teresa Williams

In this episode, Cory Connors talks with Teresa Williams , Director of Strategic Accounts for GS1 US, about Sunrise 2027 — the biggest shift in retail packaging data in 50 years. Teresa explains how the industry is transitioning from the traditional 1D linear UPC barcode to a data-rich 2D barcode (a QR code powered by GS1 Digital Link), why it matters for brands and retailers, and how companies can start preparing now. The two also discuss Teresa's path into the AIDC (automatic identification and data capture) space, what GS1 US actually does, and the regulatory forces — from the Food Supply Chain Modernization Act to EPR laws — accelerating the change. Key Topics Discussed: Teresa's background in AIDC (automatic identification and data capture) and her path to GS1 US What GS1 and GS1 US are, and how they support 300,000+ businesses across 25+ industries What Sunrise 2027 (globally, Ambition 2027) actually means — and why there's no hard "sunset" date for 1D barcodes How the new 2D barcode (GS1 Digital Link) can hold expiration dates, batch/lot numbers, allergen info, and sustainability stories on a single scan The first UPC-coded product ever sold: Wrigley's Juicy Fruit Gum, in 1974 Consumer demand driving the shift — nearly 80% of shoppers say they're more likely to buy if they can scan a code for more product information Regulatory drivers: the Food Supply Chain Modernization Act, DSCSA (healthcare), and state EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) laws What happens if a brand doesn't adopt — no register rejection, but a growing competitive disadvantage Practical first steps: starting with accurate GS1 identifiers, dual marking (printing both barcode types), and using labels before committing to new packaging GS1 US's solution provider directory for point-of-sale hardware, software, and barcode printing partners GS1 US Connect and the "Beyond the Barcode" exhibit Advice for brands: don't go it alone — loop in solution providers, marketing, and product development; take a "crawl, walk, run" approach Chapters: 00:00 – Preparing for Sunrise 2027 00:27 – Introduction 00:53 – Meet Teresa Williams 03:41 – What Is GS1? 05:58 – What Is Sunrise 2027? 09:28 – The First UPC Barcode 10:26 – Why 2D Barcodes Matter 11:31 – What Happens If Brands Don’t Transition? 12:36 – Industry Response & Regulations 14:19 – Sunrise 2027 Resources 15:42 – How Brands Can Prepare 17:21 – Finding a Solution Provider 18:31 – Challenges of Transitioning to 2D 20:08 – What’s Next for Sunrise 2027? 21:35 – Connect with Teresa & GS1 US Resources Mentioned: GS1 US Sunrise 2027 hub GS1 US homepage Sunrise 2027 dedicated email Teresa Williams on LinkedIn Contact: Listeners with questions about the 2D barcode transition can reach the GS1 US Sunrise 2027 team at sunrise2027@gs1us.org , visit gs1us.org , or connect with Teresa Williams directly on LinkedIn. Support our Sponsors Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - FOREST-PKG https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap. This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

September 6, 2026Episode 4271 hr 7 min

How Atlantic Packaging Built an 80-Year Legacy of Innovation | Rusty Carter, Bill Balkcum, & Wes Carter

Recorded live on stage at Atlantic Packaging's National Sales Meeting, this special episode traces Atlantic Packaging's remarkable 80-year journey from a small-town North Carolina newspaper to a billion-dollar, family-owned leader in sustainable packaging. Host Cory Connors sits down with CEO Rusty Carter, VP Bill Balkcum, and President Wes Carter to unpack the company's origin story, its evolution into packaging, the sales-driven culture that has defined it for decades, and the values the family hopes will carry the business into its next generation. Key Topics Discussed: Rusty Carter's roots in the newspaper business at the Tabor City Tribune, and the "band of brothers" who shaped his early view of hard work and loyalty The company's gradual migration from newspapers and office supplies into industrial and institutional distribution Bill Balkcum's early career at Dillard Paper Company and his first encounters with Rusty as a competitor The 1980 move to Wilmington, the acquisition of Crown Box, and Atlantic's pivotal shift toward packaging The rise of stretch film, garment film, and linear low-density film in the 1980s packaging boom Competing against industry giant Dillard Paper Company and using innovation and differentiation to win business Building a value-added business through die cutting, converting, and printing capabilities The transformational 1999 Henley acquisition and its role in creating a true regional and eventually national footprint Why Atlantic has remained a sales-driven organization, with leadership staying close to customers What Rusty Carter is most proud of: the people, the culture, and passing the torch to the next generation The core values guiding Atlantic's future: integrity, honesty, gratitude, and environmental responsibility Chapters: 00:24 Introduction and Legacy of Atlantic Packaging 01:07 Introduction to the Sustainable Packaging Podcast 02:10 Early Days in the Newspaper Business 08:15 Transition to Atlantic Packaging 12:04 Competing in the Packaging Industry 18:21 The Move to Wilmington and Crown Box Acquisition 25:07 Evolution of Packaging and Automation 32:10 Differentiation in the Packaging Market 36:16 The Evolution of Leadership and Sales Culture 43:22 Transformational Acquisitions: The Henley Impact 48:23 Investing in Value-Added Services 59:50 Pride in Legacy and Culture 01:03:23 Core Values for Future Generations Resources Mentioned: Atlantic Packaging History Contact: Listeners interested in learning more about Atlantic Packaging can visit atlanticpackaging.com . Wes Carter - LinkedIn Atlantic Packaging - LinkedIn Atlantic Packaging - Linktree Closing Thoughts: Rusty and Bill reflect on eight decades of risk-taking, relationships, and reinvention, from hot-type newspaper tables to a national packaging powerhouse, and share why culture, not just growth, is the legacy they're most proud of building. Support our Sponsors Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - FOREST-PKG Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap. This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

August 30, 2026Episode 42623 min

Inside Europe's Toughest Packaging Law | Anna Perlina

In this episode, Cory Connors sits down with Anna Perlina , a sustainable packaging and EU PPWR consultant with Integrity Solutions, to unpack why the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is reshaping how companies — even those outside Europe — think about packaging strategy. Anna traces her path from leading global packaging procurement at a major FMCG company to founding her own consultancy, and explains how the PPWR has turned "sustainable packaging," once a vague and subjective goal, into a concrete, common playing field with a roadmap running through 2040. The two also preview this November's Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht, where they both serve as ambassadors. Key Topics Discussed: Anna's journey from corporate packaging procurement to founding Integrity Solutions Why PPWR gives companies a concrete, common definition of "sustainable packaging" for the first time The business case for regulatory certainty: why clear rules unlock long-term investment in new materials and equipment The real-world testing and scale-up challenges of switching packaging formats (including a cautionary tale about pickle jars) Anna's role as an ambassador for the Sustainable Packaging Summit and her speaking history with Packaging Europe webinars and panels Reflections on last year's Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht, including moderating the "paper vs. plastic" panel What's new for the 2026 Summit: three full days of programming, EU commissioner participation, and lessons learned from the PPWR's first milestone (August 12, 2026) Why non-EU companies should study the PPWR now, even if they don't sell into Europe Practical tips for attending the Summit, including train travel to Utrecht Chapters: 00:16 Introduction to Sustainability and Consulting 02:59 Understanding PPWR and Its Impact on Packaging 05:37 Challenges in Sustainable Packaging Implementation 10:06 The Role of the Sustainable Packaging Summit 12:46 Insights from the Last Summit and Future Expectations 15:23 Practical Tips for Companies on Sustainability 18:07 Conclusion and Networking Opportunities Resources Mentioned: Integrity Solutions — Anna Perlina's sustainable packaging and EU PPWR consultancy Anna Perlina on LinkedIn Sustainable Packaging Summit, Utrecht — November 10–12, 2026, at the Beatrix Theatre, Jaarbeurs European Commission PPWR overview and guidance Contact: Listeners can connect with Anna Perlina on LinkedIn, where she regularly publishes free expert content and practical guidance on navigating the PPWR. Support our Sponsors Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - FOREST-PKG https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap. This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

August 23, 2026Episode 42527 min

Packaging Waste Needs a Seat at the Policy Table | Jackie Hope Glass

In this episode, Cory Connors sits down with Delegate Jackie Hope Glass of the Virginia House of Delegates to talk about the road that led her from community organizing to the statehouse, and what that experience has taught her about building real partnerships between policymakers and the packaging industry. Jackie shares how a habit of "minding other people's business" turned into a grassroots homework program for neighborhood kids, then a school board run, and eventually a seat in the General Assembly. She and Cory also dig into their shared experience at See Change Sessions in Vermont, the case for a national Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, and why she believes industry has a bigger role to play at the policymaking table than most people realize. Key Topics Discussed: Jackie's path from Navy veteran and community organizer to Virginia state legislator The origin story of her neighborhood "homework house" and how it led to public service Reflections on See Change Sessions in Vermont and why the event felt different from a typical industry conference How packaging and sustainability professionals can build real relationships with state legislators California's SB 54 and the challenges of getting states aligned on Extended Producer Responsibility Why Jackie sees packaging waste as a design and systems issue, not a moral one Jackie's "6 Cs" framework for guiding her legislative focus (creative, circular, coastal resilience, crime aversion, care, and cyber) CitizenU, Jackie's summer civic education program and policy pitch contest for constituents of all ages The realities of serving as a citizen legislator in Virginia's part-time General Assembly Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Delegate Jackie Glass 02:14 Journey to Politics: From Community Service to Delegate 04:31 The Impact of C-Change: A Unique Policymaking Experience 08:54 Bridging the Gap: Industry and Politics Collaboration 11:19 The Six Cs: Guiding Principles for Policy 13:34 CitizenU: Empowering Citizens Through Education 15:55 Legislative Projects: Making a Difference in Virginia 19:39 Extended Producer Responsibility: A National Perspective 23:06 The Urgency of Environmental Action 26:06 SSP intro animation v1.mp4 Resources Mentioned: Delegate Jackie Hope Glass, Virginia House of Delegates, 93rd District See Change Sessions, Burlington, Vermont Packaging Matters at See Change Sessions Contact: Listeners interested in connecting with Delegate Glass's office about legislation, community programs, or CitizenU can reach out through her official Virginia House of Delegates page. Support our Sponsors Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - FOREST-PKG https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap. This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

August 16, 2026Episode 42425 min

What’s Next for the U.S. Plastics Pact? | Crystal Bayliss

In this episode, Cory Connors sits down with Crystal Bayliss , Executive Director of the U.S. Plastics Pact, to unpack a pivotal year for the organization. Crystal shares how a sustainability sign on an office water cooler sparked her personal journey from food and ingredient procurement into packaging sustainability, and how that path led her to the Pact — first as a member representative, then as a program manager, and eventually to the organization's top leadership role. Cory and Crystal dig into the departure of major member companies ahead of the 2025 targets, why the original goals were always meant to be a "blank sheet of paper" starting point, and what comes next as the Pact rolls out new, more flexible ways for companies to engage. The conversation also covers the recent leadership transition at the Pact, the case for voluntary industry action paving the way for smart regulation, and the newly released Film & Flex Circularity framework tackling one of packaging's most contentious materials. Key Topics Discussed: Crystal's path from procurement into plastics sustainability and up through the U.S. Plastics Pact Why major brands (Walmart, Mars, Mondelez, Nestlé) stepped back from the Pact ahead of the 2025 deadline The reality behind the 2025 targets: only ~50% of packaging reusable/recyclable/compostable and 11% recycled/bio-based content achieved, against 100% and 30% goals New, more flexible engagement tiers coming soon for Pact members with narrower packaging portfolios The recent CEO transition and Crystal's move from Director of Strategy & Engagement to Interim CEO to Executive Director Voluntary industry action vs. mandatory regulation, and how the Food Safety Modernization Act offers a precedent California's SB 54 and the Pact's role advising policymakers The new "Journey to Film & Flex Circularity" framework and the unique challenges of flexible film packaging Atlantic Packaging's circular stretch film recycling system in North Carolina What gives Crystal hope for the future of sustainable packaging amid regulatory uncertainty Chapters: 00:00 The Complexity of Sustainable Packaging 01:00 Crystal Bayliss’ Journey into Sustainability 02:55 Challenges Facing the U.S. Plastics Pact 08:11 Why the 2025 Plastics Targets Fell Short 10:25 Building a Circular Packaging System 13:17 Leadership Changes at the U.S. Plastics Pact 14:45 Voluntary Commitments vs. Government Regulation 18:15 The Challenge of Flexible Film Packaging 20:26 Commercial Film & Stretch Film Recycling 22:09 What’s Next for Sustainable Packaging? Resources Mentioned: U.S. Plastics Pact Journey to Film & Flex Circularity : A Framework of Necessary Design, Collection, and End Market Levers California SB 54, Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Ellen MacArthur Foundation's New Plastics Economy Initiative Contact: Listeners interested in learning more about the U.S. Plastics Pact or its upcoming membership options can visit usplasticspact.org . Support our Sponsors Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - FOREST-PKG Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap. This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

August 11, 2026Episode 42331 min

Is Your Recycling Label Still Legal? | Emily Williams

In this episode, Cory Connors reconnects with longtime industry friend Emily Williams to discuss her new role leading How2Recycle. Emily traces her path from chemical engineering through roles at Michelman and TC Transcontinental (now ProAmpac) into a career built around product sustainability, policy, and partnerships. The conversation dives into the chaos surrounding California's SB 343 truth-in-labeling law and the recent injunction affecting it, how How2Recycle is guiding members through the uncertainty, and what's ahead at the organization's September 30th event in San Diego. Along the way, Emily and Cory swap stories about being recognized in public, obsessively sorting recycling bins at airports, and the growing culture of pre-competitive collaboration across the packaging industry. Key Topics Discussed: Emily's path from chemical engineering into packaging sustainability, and her new role at How2Recycle The evolution of sustainability from a niche "side room" topic to a central industry focus The SB 343 injunction: what it does and doesn't change, and How2Recycle's "hold the line" guidance for members California's 60/60 recyclability threshold and the confusion it creates for brands How companies are responding differently to SB 343, from full compliance to pausing label rollouts The label redesign process: consumer studies, working groups, and industry jargon that doesn't translate to shoppers Ongoing research into better consumer messaging around cleaning and emptying packaging Contamination in recycling streams, including a look at the "wall of shame" at recovery facilities The role of trust, transparency, and credibility in keeping recycling systems functional Nonprofit advocacy vs. lobbying: how How2Recycle can influence policy within legal limits A sneak peek at the September 30th How2Recycle event in San Diego, including a cross-association panel on changing laws like SB 343 The rise of pre-competitive collaboration as an industry norm How2Recycle's expanded member engagement efforts, including booths at Advance and the Summit and high-attendance member town halls Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Emily Williams and the episode 01:01 Emily's background and journey into sustainability 01:45 Evolution of sustainability in the packaging industry 03:08 Role of How to Recycle and Emily’s core competencies 04:02 Upcoming industry event in San Diego 04:50 Emily’s experience at industry events and public recognition 09:20 Legal landscape: SB 343 and recent injunctions 10:00 Impacts of legislation and legal challenges on packaging 12:05 Strategies for compliance and risk management 12:57 Consumer perceptions and labeling challenges 14:02 Designing compliant and effective packaging labels 16:02 Consumer studies and communication strategies 17:06 Waste stream quality and contamination issues 18:56 Optimism and future outlook for recycling and policy 21:01 Preview of the September 30th event and panels 22:02 Advocacy, lobbying, and industry collaboration 24:50 The importance of pre-competitive collaboration 27:01 Member engagement and opportunities at industry events 27:53 Emily’s outreach and town hall initiatives 28:52 Closing remarks and future engagement opportunities Resources Mentioned: How2Recycle Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) events: Advance and the Summit California SB 343 (Truth in Labeling law) Circular Action Alliance (Oregon) Ameripen and the PAC Act FPA's Fall Flex Forward meeting FPI's Spring meetingSCS Global Contact: Listeners interested in How2Recycle's labeling program, upcoming events, or member resources can connect with Emily Williams and the How2Recycle team at their September 30th event in San Diego, or at upcoming SPC events including Advance and the Summit this fall. Support our Sponsors Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - FOREST-PKG https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap. This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

August 9, 2026Episode 42225 min

What Happens When Companies Pay for Packaging Waste? | Kim Holmes

In this episode, Cory Connors talks with Kim Holmes about Oregon's landmark position as the first U.S. state to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging. Kim traces her path into sustainability — from a paralegal detour to a master's in urban studies at Portland State University, through hands-on recycling and waste characterization work with Community Environmental Services — before landing in her current role leading Oregon's CAA team. She breaks down what a producer responsibility organization actually does, how Oregon's "shared responsibility" model differs from other states, and what's driving the buildout of the Recycle On network of drop-off sites across the state. Key Topics Discussed: Kim's career path into recycling and sustainability policy What the Circular Action Alliance is and how it supports producer compliance across Oregon, California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, and Washington Oregon's shared responsibility model between producers, local governments, and haulers The Recycle On brand: public education, outreach, and drop-off collection network How producer fees are calculated and why they vary state to state Buildout of Oregon's 144 planned collection points, including partnerships with transfer stations and Southern Oregon Goodwill Materials accepted at drop-off centers (film, rigid plastics, foil, shredded paper, glass) versus the curbside system How Recycle On differs from Oregon's Bottle Bill deposit system The NAW constitutional challenge to Oregon's EPR law and its narrow preliminary injunction EPR's long track record internationally (Canada, Europe, and beyond) versus its newness in the U.S. Recent wins: roll cart rollouts in The Dalles, new truck deliveries in Southern Oregon, and transportation cost reimbursement for rural communities The Contamination Audit Center and Contamination Reduction Funding mechanism Working toward a national responsible end-market verification standard with SCS Global How other states are watching Oregon's implementation and where harmonization may emerge Resources Mentioned: Recycle On Oregon page Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) SCS Global Contact: Listeners can learn more about Oregon's EPR programs, find drop-off locations, and get in touch with the Circular Action Alliance team at recycleon.org/oregon . Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! Support our Sponsors Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - FOREST-PKG https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap. This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

August 2, 2026Episode 42130 min

What’s Really Driving Corrugated Demand | Ryan Fox

In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes back longtime friend of the show Ryan Fox from Bloomberg Intelligence for his fourth or fifth appearance. Ryan shares how he stumbled into the corrugated industry by accident in 2010 after a career detour through ministry and fitness equipment sales, and how he eventually landed at Bloomberg Intelligence in 2020 to cover the industry full time. The conversation dives deep into Ryan's one-of-a-kind Box Makers' Certificate (BMC) collection, the surprising history behind why BMCs exist at all, and what's really driving corrugated demand (or the lack of it) in 2025. Key Topics Discussed: Ryan's winding path into corrugated: ministry, fitness equipment sales, an MBA in innovation management, and a chance connection into a box plant sales job How Ryan became a full-time industry analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence starting April 1, 2020 Ryan's collection of over 500 Box Makers' Certificates (BMCs), how he organizes and classifies them, and his "This Old Box" LinkedIn series The 100+ year history of the BMC: corrugated's origins in the late 1890s, Robert Gare's accidental invention, and Sam Langston's early corrugating machine The 1914 Pridham decision, railroad price gouging, and how Rule 41 created the need for box certification The 1960s shift with NMFC Item 222 and how the 42-lb kraft linerboard / 26-lb semi-chemical medium index shaped "should-cost" pricing for 200-lb Mullen board The industry's move from Mullen to ECT (Edge Crush Test) starting in 1990, and why 32 ECT (C-flute) dominates as the commodity grade for single-wall boxes The science of box strength: the McKee formulation, predicting ECT from paper properties, and tools like the Chalmers Dynamic Stiffness Tester Behind-the-scenes craftsmanship: corrugator operations, die-mounting, flexographic print plates, and why a cutting die can cost $5,000 The value of skilled trades on the plant floor and the case for box buyers to tour a corrugated plant 2025 industry trends: square footage of boxes produced matching 1994 levels, the impact of offshoring pre-packaged imports, and 400,000+ open U.S. manufacturing jobs Wages and opportunity in box plants, from $22/hour entry-level to $35/hour for skilled press operators Why corrugated demand spiked during the pandemic and has since receded: shifting consumer spending, GLP-1 drugs, e-commerce paper mailers, and macro headwinds like conflict in Iran and rising freight and gas prices Outlook for corrugated volume heading into the next 12-18 months Resources Mentioned: Bloomberg Intelligence Fibre Box Association data LinkedIn: Ryan Fox LinkedIn: Bloomberg Contact: Listeners interested in Bloomberg Intelligence's corrugated and box industry research can reach out to Ryan Fox . Support our Sponsors Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - FOREST-PKG Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap. This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.