Description

Exploring Sustainable Packaging Materials with Tim Notter

In this episode of The Packology Podcast, host Brandon Frank sits down with Tim Notter, VP of Materials and Business Development at Innovative Plastics, to explore the future of sustainable packaging materials. Tim brings decades of industry experience to the conversation, diving deep into cutting-edge materials like eco-shell, inno-pulp, poly-earth-lean, PHA, and PLA that are reshaping the packaging landscape.

From bio-based calcium carbonate derived from eggshells to compostable resins and landfill-degradable polyethylene, Tim explains how these innovative materials are solving real-world packaging challenges. He also reveals the honest truth about cost barriers, the impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, and what it will take for these materials to achieve mainstream adoption in the next 5-10 years.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why eco-shell (eggshell-derived bio calcium carbonate) can reduce plastic usage by 30-50% while maintaining recyclability
• How inno-pulp, a wood pulp and PLA blend, offers BPI-certified compostable packaging solutions
• The differences between PHA and PLA bioplastics and their respective market readiness
• Why cost remains the #1 barrier to adoption—with sustainable materials running 3-4x more expensive than conventional options
• How EPR legislation in five states (California, Oregon, Minnesota, Maryland, and Maine) could change the economics of sustainable packaging
• The surprising benefits of adding calcium carbonate to packaging: heat deflection, UV protection, and improved stiffness
• Poly-earth-lean's unique position as a recyclable, bio-based, landfill-degradable polyethylene
• Tim's roadmap for brands wanting to transition to sustainable packaging solutions
• Why PLA has a stronger near-term future than PHA due to existing infrastructure and production capacity

Tim Notter is the VP of Materials and Business Development for Innovative Plastics, a custom thermoformer with locations in New York, Nashville, and Phoenix. With decades of experience in the packaging industry, Tim specializes in sourcing and commercializing new sustainable materials, educating customers on recyclable and compostable options, and helping brands navigate the evolving landscape of EPR legislation and sustainable packaging requirements.

For more information and to explore other episodes, go to https://packologyconsulting.com/podcast-1

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