Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic Packaging

Hosted by Cory Connors

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424

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Aug 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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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 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 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 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 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.

July 26, 2026Episode 42029 min

Where Venture Capital Meets Sustainability with Matthew Wright, Laura Foti & Matt Saunders

In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes three influential leaders — Matthew Wright , Laura Foti , and Matt Saunders — to discuss the new partnership between Specright and New Earth Ventures. Together, they explore how digitizing packaging data, leveraging AI, and strategically deploying venture capital can accelerate sustainability, compliance, and product innovation across global supply chains. The conversation highlights the growing need for accurate packaging data, the impact of extended producer responsibility (EPR), and how purposeful investment can support both the planet and profitable business growth. Key Topics Discussed: Specright’s origin and mission to eliminate waste through better data. Why packaging data accuracy is essential for sustainability and compliance. New Earth Ventures’ investment strategy and partnership goals. How EPR regulations drive the need for digitized, centralized spec data. The role of AI in transforming packaging and product development. Broader uses of Specright beyond EPR, including search, NPD, and procurement. Resources Mentioned: Specright – Specification Data Management Platform New Earth Ventures – Hybrid corporate venture fund from Atlantic Packaging Atlantic Packaging Solution Center Contact: New Earth Ventures: Instagram LinkedIn Website Specright: LinkedIn Website Closing Thoughts: Cory and the guests emphasize that packaging is entering a new era driven by AI, regulation, and data transparency. They highlight how collaboration between innovators, investors, and manufacturers can create a more sustainable world—one where packaging is smarter, supply chains are more efficient, and businesses thrive through responsible innovation. Together, Specright and New Earth Ventures aim to redefine how packaging is designed, measured, and managed. 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.

July 19, 2026Episode 41926 min

Sustainable Hospitality and Travel with Greg M. Poirier

In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Greg Poirier to discuss how hotels and resorts can operate more sustainably and how travelers can reduce their impact on the road. Greg shares his path from dishwasher and night auditor to hotel general manager, and how his interest in sustainability and social equity led him to Audubon International. He explains the origins of Audubon International — founded in 1987 as a certification body rooted in the legacy of the New York State Audubon chapter — and walks through how its hospitality certification program works, from membership and a detailed designation application to on-site, third-party audits. Greg and Cory dig into practical sustainability opportunities in the industry, including waste tracking, energy savings, refillable programs, and the emerging trend of planned sustainable resort communities. Key Topics Discussed: Greg's career journey through independent hotels and into sustainability leadership The history and mission of Audubon International across golf, communities, and hospitality Using tools like EZ3 Data to track haulers, containers, and waste metrics Smart thermostats and occupancy-based energy savings of 20–40% on electric bills Refillable water programs, filtered water stations, and moving away from single-use plastic bottles The nuance of bulk shampoo/conditioner dispensers and the role of Clean the World Audubon International's four certification levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Advice for travelers on how to choose and advocate for more sustainable properties Resources Mentioned: Audubon International EZ3 Data (waste tracking platform) Clean the World (bulk amenity recycling program) Populus Hotels (Denver, Seattle) Cabot developments Black Desert Resort (Utah) Contact: Listeners can learn more or reach out to Greg directly: - Website: auduboninternational.org - Email: greg@auduboninternational.org Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! Support our Sponsors Learn more here: ⁃ www.3M.com/sustainablepackaging ⁃ https://www.specright.com/ 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.

July 13, 2026Episode 41825 min

How to Fix Failing Tape: 3M's Julianne Strunk & Kelsey LaCoursiere

In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes back Julianne Strunk and introduces Kelsey LaCoursiere as they discuss 3M's latest packaging innovations and their upcoming PACK EXPO International booth in Chicago. Julianne shares a career update, including her recent move into a marketing management role overseeing all of 3M packaging in North America, as well as personal news that she's expecting her second child. Kelsey steps into the spotlight as the new owner of 3M's Matic case sealer and sustainable packaging portfolio. The conversation dives into why tape adhesion is becoming more challenging as recycled and alternative fiber content (like eucalyptus) increases in corrugate, along with emerging trends in carry handles, recycling stream considerations, and where 3M sees sustainable packaging headed over the next five to ten years. Key Topics Discussed: Julianne's transition into a marketing management role and Kelsey's move into the 3M Matic and sustainable portfolio 3M's frontline marketing internship program and how interns are contributing fresh insight, including AI perspectives 3M's role as founding sponsor of the podcast and the value of reaching a sustainability-focused audience Why recycled corrugate and non-tree fibers like eucalyptus make it harder for tape to adhere, and how 3M's tape line is engineered to address this Growth trends in the carry handle market, including bundling, sustainability drivers, and new global use cases The growing importance of recycling streams and post-consumer considerations, including 3M's recyclable 570 paper tape Customer demand for custom-printed tape and the shift from water-activated tape to paper tape 3M's long-term focus on marrying sustainable consumable products with sustainable automation A preview of 3M's PACK EXPO 2026 booth in Chicago, centered on a new recycled corrugate "sealing made simple" campaign Resources Mentioned: 3M Packaging 3M Box Sealing Equipment 3M Primary Packaging PACK EXPO International, Chicago, 2026 Contact: To connect with 3M's packaging team directly, reach out through their support page. To find 3M at PACK EXPO International 2026 in Chicago, check the exhibitor directory and plan your visit here. Support our Sponsors Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest 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.

July 12, 2026Episode 41716 min

From Banana Farm Waste to Award-Winning Paper with Bethelhem Dejene

In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Bethelhem Dejene to discuss her journey from observing waste at an Ethiopian fruit and vegetable market to founding Zafree Papers, an award-winning startup manufacturing tree-free virgin pulp from banana farm waste. Bethelhem shares how she iterated through multiple business models before discovering the potential of banana fiber, how Zafree partners with converters to supply sustainable packaging materials, and what it meant to become the first African company to win the Sustainable Packaging Summit Innovation Challenge. Key Topics Discussed: Bethelhem's origin story and how a visit to a fruit and vegetable market sparked a waste management business The evolution from paper recycling to manufacturing virgin pulp from banana farm waste How Zafree sources banana stems and leaves after harvest and extracts fiber to produce pulp The types of packaging products the pulp can be converted into, including corrugated, folding carton, duplex, and molded packaging Zafree's partnership model with converters and customers such as AB InBev Winning two awards at the Sustainable Packaging Summit Innovation Challenge as the first African company to compete at that level Plans to have a booth at the upcoming Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht The potential to scale the banana fiber model across Africa and other banana-producing regions Scaling from a pilot factory to a commercial facility targeting 100 tons per day capacity Zafree's active Series A fundraising round Advice for sustainable packaging founders: align cost, quality, and impact or the business will not scale Resources Mentioned: Zafree Papers Bethelhem Dejene Sustainable Packaging Summit AB InBev Sustainability Sway Contact: Listeners interested in working with Zafree Papers or learning more about their Series A fundraising round can reach out to Bethelhem Dejene via LinkedIn. Support our Sponsors Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest 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.

July 5, 2026Episode 41624 min

Nike's Commitment to Circular Innovation in Apparel and Footwear with Adam Brundage

In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Adam Brundage from Nike to discuss the company's wide-ranging sustainability efforts. Adam shares his unconventional path into sustainability beginning with a degree in meteorology and atmospheric science and how that led him to learning about life-cycle assessments, discovering greenhouse gas analysis, and pursuing a decade-long career at one of the world's most iconic brands. Key Topics Discussed: Adam's background in meteorology and atmospheric science and how it shaped his passion for climate impact Life cycle assessment (LCA) as a foundational tool for understanding Nike's environmental footprint Nike's full value chain focus: raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, and packaging Packaging's role in Nike's overall carbon footprint (approximately 7%) and the Nike OneBox initiative The five major materials Nike focuses on: cotton, polyester, leather, foam, and rubber Recycled and organic material adoption: approximately 25% of Nike's current products contain at least one sustainable or recycled material Scaling renewable energy across Nike's global store and supplier network The evolution of Nike's shoe recycling program: from "Reuse a Shoe" (early 1990s) to the current "Recycle and Donate" model Nike's Refurbished program: cleaning and reselling lightly used returns to reduce waste Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and its growing relevance to the apparel and textile industry Textile-to-textile recycling technology: converting old polyester garments back into raw polyester for new products Bio-based and biomass-balanced materials as the future of sustainable packaging and apparel The challenge of translating complex climate data into actionable understanding for employees across all departments The tension between cost and doing the right thing, and finding opportunities where sustainability and savings align AI's promise and concern: its power consumption and the importance of powering data centers with renewable energy The influence Nike's sustainability efforts can have on the broader apparel, footwear, and consumer goods sectors Resources Mentioned: Nike Recycle Nike Refurbished program Sway (seaweed-based bio material) Adam Brundage Contact: Listeners can connect with Adam Brundage via LinkedIn or explore Nike's sustainability initiatives at Nike.com by searching " sustainability " or " recycle ." More information on the Recycle and Donate program is also available through Nike's sustainability web pages. Support our Sponsors Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest 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.

June 28, 2026Episode 41524 min

The Value of the Sustainable Packaging Summit with Danielle Goad of Specright

In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Danielle Goad to discuss her journey at Specright, her recent move to London to lead the EMEA division, and the growing importance of packaging data management in the age of PPWR. Danielle shares how Specright helps companies build a foundational data infrastructure to navigate complex regulations, reduce reporting burdens, and drive sustainable innovation. She and Cory also reflect on the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht and what to expect at this year's expanded three-day event in November. Key Topics Discussed: Danielle's eight-year journey at Specright, from intern to Director of EMEA Her relocation to London and experience building a new team abroad What Specright does as an AI-powered specification and data management platform The difference between EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) Why PPWR is a long-term data foundation challenge, not just a one-time reporting exercise Key PPWR milestones, including the August 2026 deadline around PFAS and declaration of conformity How having accurate data helps companies avoid over-reporting and potential fines The maturity scale from static/chaotic data to a standardized, confident data foundation Specright's role in helping companies evaluate portfolios and model the impact of material changes (e.g., adding PCR content) The value of the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht — quality speakers, collaborative atmosphere, and industry depth Specright's upcoming workshop at this year's Summit focused on PPWR and spec management transformation The partnership between Specright and Lorax EPI as complementary best-in-breed solutions Resources Mentioned: Specright Contact: Listeners can connect with Danielle Goad on LinkedIn or reach her directly at danielle@specright.com. Support our Sponsors Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest 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.