Shows
Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingThe Value of the Sustainable Packaging Summit with Danielle Goad of SpecrightIn 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...
2026-06-2825 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingHow Burton Snowboards is Shaping the Future of Sustainable PackagingIn this episode, Cory Connors reconnects with his friend Mitch Rovito from Burton Snowboards following a tour of Burton's Vermont facility. Mitch shares his unique origin story — writing a mock cover letter to Burton as an 18-year-old packaging student at RIT — and how that dream became reality. The conversation explores Burton's deep-rooted culture of curiosity and sustainability under founder Jake Burton's legacy and current owner Donna Carpenter, the organic partnership between Burton and Atlantic Packaging's New Earth Project, and the innovative strides Burton is making toward eliminating single-use plastics from its packaging.Key Topics Discussed:Mi...
2026-06-2133 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingLive at SPC Impact with Olga Kachook 2026 Trends Report In this special live episode recorded at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee during the Sustainable Packaging Coalition Impact Event, Cory Connors shares the stage with Olga Kachook to present the Third Annual Sustainable Packaging Trends Report for 2025–2026. Olga walks through the four key trends shaping the industry and dives deeper into each one in conversation with Cory, covering everything from EPR maturity to innovation in healthcare packaging.Key Topics Discussed:Regions defining recyclability — Canada, the UK, and the EU leading the way and what that means for the USInnovation breakthroughs in OT...
2026-06-1424 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingHow Germany Is Leading the Reusable Packaging Revolution with Dana VogesIn this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Dana Voges to discuss her remarkable journey from growing up visiting landfills on Take Your Kid to Work Day in Colorado, to leading reusable packaging innovation in Germany. Dana shares how SEA ME and their open pool system Zerooo are building a scalable, brand-agnostic reuse infrastructure for cosmetics and personal care — and what the rest of the world can learn from Germany's deposit return system.Key Topics Discussed:Dana's unique background: from Superfund site field trips and trash fashion shows to circular economy research at the Technical University of...
2026-06-0729 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingHow Mill Turns Everyday Food Waste Into a Resource with Sydney GrierIn this episode, Cory Connors sits down with Sydney Grier, Packaging Lead at Mill, to explore how the company is tackling one of the most overlooked environmental problems: household food waste. Sydney shares her journey from studying environmental management at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to becoming a packaging engineer, and how she ended up joining Mill — then operating in stealth mode as Chewy Labs. Together, Cory and Sydney discuss how Mill's food recycler works, why composting beats landfilling, the innovative all-paper packaging Sydney designed for a 60-pound device, and what the future holds for commercial expansion into places li...
2026-05-3119 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingWhat Happens Inside Atlantic's Packaging Solution CenterIn this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Kyle Pischel and Jake Wyns to discuss the Atlantic Packaging Solutions Center — what it is, how it came to be, and the innovative work happening inside it every day. Kyle shares his background in packaging, from studying at Michigan State to working on Coca-Cola's packaging innovations team before joining Atlantic. Jake recounts his decade at Atlantic, beginning with a deep dive into stretch film and evolving into unit load stability and e-commerce packaging. Together, they walk through the science of load containment, the design program, and the future of sustainable packaging materials.
2026-05-2426 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingInside the World's Largest Aluminum Packaging Manufacturer with Predrag Ozmo of Ball CorporationIn this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Predrag Ozmo to discuss the sustainability story behind Ball Corporation — the world's largest aluminum packaging manufacturer, producing more than 100 billion cans per year. Predrag shares his background growing up in Serbia and his early career at MiTeCo, a hazardous waste management company specializing in chemical, pharmaceutical, and PCB waste, before moving to Inos Balkan (part of the Greek Anamet group), a metal recycling company, and then joining Ball in 2019. He explains why aluminum is often called an "energy bank" — a truly circular material that can be recycled endlessly, with up to 95% energy savings versu...
2026-05-1732 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingNew Earth Ventures Launch with Matt Saunders and Wes CarterIn this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Atlantic Packaging President Wes Carter and New Earth Ventures Managing Partner Matt Saunders for an exciting announcement: the official launch of New Earth Ventures (NEV), a venture capital firm launching in partnership with Atlantic Packaging. Wes shares how Atlantic's decades-long commitment to packaging innovation and sustainability laid the foundation for NEV, while Matt discusses his background in venture capital and how his partnership with Wes came together. Together, they outline how NEV will support entrepreneurs, startups, and customers working to build a more circular, sustainable packaging future.Key To...
2026-05-0525 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingThe Future of Bottles Is Paper with Malcolm WaughIn this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Malcolm Waugh, CEO of Frugalpac, to explore the innovation behind the Frugal Bottle — a paper‑based alternative to traditional glass packaging. Malcolm walks through his engineering‑rooted career, his years at Tetra Pak, and how he ultimately joined Frugalpac to help lead a packaging revolution. He explains how the paper bottle dramatically reduces carbon emissions, why it maintains a familiar consumer experience, and how global markets are rapidly adopting the technology. The discussion also highlights upcoming innovations, including custom bottle shapes, edible‑oil packaging, and a new paper‑based paint pot.Key Topi...
2026-05-0329 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingInnovating Sustainable Packaging with Julia BialetskaIn this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Julia Bialetska to discuss her journey from bioecology to tech, and ultimately to creating S.Lab — a company producing mycelium‑based packaging that replaces polystyrene. Julia shares how witnessing massive plastic pollution in Bali inspired her to take action, eventually leading to the development of a fully compostable, natural material made from plant waste and mushroom mycelium. She explains the environmental benefits, the challenges in certification and legislation, and the breakthrough technology behind S.Lab’s decentralized mini‑factories designed to eliminate freight and reduce CO₂ emissions. Julia also highlights her Women in Leadership...
2026-04-2622 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingRevolutionizing Packaging Supply with CEO Matthew WrightIn this episode, Cory Connors welcomes longtime friend and industry innovator Matthew Wright to discuss his newest venture, Forest, a platform designed to organize and modernize the packaging industry. Matthew shares the vision behind Forest, how it builds on his work with Specright, and why the packaging marketplace desperately needs better structure, transparency, and technology. Forest aims to simplify how companies find suppliers, manage data, track samples, verify certifications, and communicate all in one intuitive, AI‑native platform.Key Topics Discussed:Matthew’s transition from Specright to launching Forest and the industry gaps he aims...
2026-04-1921 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingMUST Stretch Film System, Reducing Plastic and Saving Money with Ric Lee at Atlantic PackagingIn this episode, Cory Connors sits down with Ric Lee of Atlantic Packaging to discuss one of the most impactful sustainability programs in the packaging industry today: MUST. Ric shares his 30-year journey through the packaging and equipment world and explains how his experience led to the development and expansion of MUST, a first-of-its-kind stretch film management system. The conversation highlights a major announcement around the scale, impact, and validation of MUST, including its role in dramatically reducing plastic use, cutting customer costs, and delivering long-term, financially sustainable environmental benefits. Ric explains how the program evolved from a simple...
2026-04-1225 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingThe Sustainable Paper Alternative with CEO Benjamin DraperIn this episode, Cory Connors talks with Benjamin Draper, CEO of the Hemp Paper Company, about how he entered the industry and why he believes tree‑free, hemp‑based paper can transform sustainable packaging. Benjamin explains how fast‑growing industrial hemp offers environmental advantages such as reduced deforestation, strong recyclable fibers, and soil‑improving benefits. He also shares how his company creates chemical‑free, U.S‑made paper products and prepares to launch new packaging innovations. The conversation covers the resurgence of industrial hemp farming, compostability considerations, and the growing interest from brands seeking high‑impact sustainability solutions.Key Top...
2026-04-0520 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingInstitute Of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) with Executive Director Jane ChaseIn this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Jane Chase to discuss her path into packaging, the value of IoPP membership, and how the organization supports professionals through education, certification, and community. Jane shares her engineering background, why the CPP credential matters, and how IoPP’s programs—from Fundamentals of Packaging Technology to sustainability, medical device, and project management courses—equip both new and seasoned professionals. They also cover student engagement, partnerships, AmeriStar Awards, and IoPP’s growing focus on sustainability through its technical committee and webinar series.Key Topics Discussed:Jane’s engineering path and transition...
2026-03-2922 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingProtecting America's Water and Land: Conservation Alliance with Paul HendricksIn this episode, Cory Connors talks with Paul Hendricks, Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance (TCA), which unites over 200 companies to protect vital U.S. lands and waters. Paul shares his journey from Michigan’s forests to leadership roles at Patagonia, Rivian, and now TCA. He explains how the Alliance funds grassroots conservation work, mobilizes business voices, and drives policy wins—including protecting 28 million acres of Alaska’s D1 lands and the removal of the Klamath River dams. Cory and Paul also discuss why access to nature matters, the economic value of public lands, and how people can get involv...
2026-03-2224 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingRitual’s Journey to Safer Packaging with Lindsay DahlIn this episode of Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors, Cory welcomes Lindsay Dahl, a long‑time environmental health advocate and current Chief Impact Officer at Ritual. Lindsay shares insights from her 20‑year career working to eliminate toxic chemicals from our homes, products, and environment — including packaging.The conversation explores Ritual’s sustainability journey, their data‑driven approach to packaging decisions, transparent ingredient sourcing, and why “perfect” packaging solutions rarely exist. Lindsay also dives into her new book Cleaning House, discussing chemical misinformation, environmental justice, and the urgent need for bipartisan progress.Key Topics Discussed:Lindsay’...
2026-03-1523 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingRevolutionizing Reusable Packaging with CEO Loic VandermeerenIn this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Loïc Vandermeeren, founder and CEO of KWiiD, to discuss the innovative reusable box system reshaping sustainable packaging. Loïc shares how his background in IT and pharma, combined with a desire to reduce waste, inspired him to develop collapsible reusable packaging made from a fabric exterior and a replaceable corrugated insert. He explains how KWiiD boxes provide speed, durability, and cost efficiency while dramatically extending the life of corrugated materials. Loïc describes the 14‑iteration design journey, feedback from early partners like Decathlon, and how closed‑loop systems such as click‑and‑collect and...
2026-03-0824 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingAn Artist's Role in Global Climate Change with Benjamin Von WongIn this episode, Cory Connors speaks with environmental artist Benjamin Von Wong, known for large-scale installations that elevate global conversations around plastic pollution, climate change, and overconsumption. Ben shares his unusual path from mining engineering to purpose-driven art and discusses how creative storytelling can bring attention, urgency, and emotional connection to complex environmental issues. He reflects on his United Nations installation The Thinker’s Burden, his involvement in Extended Producer Responsibility initiatives, and his recent collaboration with the World Economic Forum and Atlantic Packaging.Key Topics Discussed:Ben’s transition from mining engineer to envi...
2026-03-0131 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic Packaging3M Innovations with Recycled Content Packaging with Julianne StrunkIn this episode of Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors, Cory welcomes back returning guest Julianne Strunk from 3M. The discussion centers on 3M’s latest innovation campaign — Recycled Sealing Made Simple — which addresses the growing challenges brands face as recycled content becomes more common in corrugated packaging.Julianne talks about her journey at 3M, the rise of recycled corrugate in the marketplace, the performance issues customers are experiencing, and how 3M is responding with tapes, equipment, and systems designed for today’s packaging realities. The episode also touches on 3M’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, as well as big ann...
2026-02-2223 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingNavigating Global Sustainability with Lydia Geddes of Lorax EPIIn this episode, Cory Connors speaks with Lydia Geddes from Lorax EPI about how her team helps companies navigate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) globally. Lydia shares her personal journey from sociology graduate to EPR expert, the evolution of Lorax EPI, and why data management is the cornerstone of compliance. They discuss the rapid changes in EPR legislation, the challenges businesses face, and why Lorax EPI’s hands-on approach beats AI-powered shortcuts.Key Topics Discussed:Lydia’s career path and how COVID reshaped her trajectoryWhat Lorax EPI does and why it’s a global leader in EPR...
2026-02-1530 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingTextile Waste Into Reusable Packaging : KIUD CEO Kaie Kaas-OjavereIn this episode of Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors, we dive into an innovative solution tackling two major environmental challenges: textile waste and packaging sustainability. Kaie Kaas-Ojavere shares her journey from the fashion industry to co-founding KIUD, a company transforming textile waste into durable, reusable packaging. She explains how KIUD’s material is created, its benefits for e-commerce and circular systems, and the company’s vision for scaling globally.Kaie also discusses the challenges of textile recycling, the importance of controlled waste streams, and how KIUD’s boxes have already proven their durability in real-world use cases. With e...
2026-02-0827 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingViral Attention Drives Action on Bali’s Plastic Problem with Gary Bencheghib of Sungai WatchIn this episode, Cory talks with Gary Bencheghib, co‑founder of Sungai Watch, about his journey from filmmaker to environmental leader and how his team is tackling plastic pollution in Indonesia’s rivers. Gary explains how Sungai Watch has installed hundreds of river barriers, collected millions of kilos of waste, and used viral storytelling to mobilize communities. He also discusses the challenges of Indonesia’s waste infrastructure, the importance of better packaging design, and how recycled plastic from river cleanups is being transformed into new products.Key Topics Discussed:Gary’s background in filmmaking and envi...
2026-02-0126 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingHow to Fix Plastics Recycling (Kate Bailey) Association of Plastic RecyclersSummary:In this episode, Cory Connors talks with Kate Bailey about the challenges and opportunities in plastics recycling. Kate shares her journey from college recycling jobs to becoming a leading voice in policy and design for sustainable packaging. The discussion covers practical steps brands can take, the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and why collaboration between designers, recyclers, and policymakers is critical for success.Key Topics Discussed:Kate’s background and career path in recycling and sustainabilityThe role and mission of the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)APR’s flag...
2026-01-2529 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingInside Packaging’s Future Innovators with Danielle Goad and Nicole TooleBonjour and Hello, In this episode, Cory Connors interviews two standout winners of the Paris Packaging Week Future Leaders Program—Danielle Goad and Nicole Toole—to explore their journeys, innovations, and perspectives on the future of sustainable packaging. Danielle shares how discovering packaging at Cal Poly led to a global leadership role at SpecRight and her upcoming move to London as she builds the EMEA region. Nicole recounts founding ECGO as a college project and transforming it into an AI‑powered recycling education and behavior‑change platform used by students, universities, and brands.Both leaders reflect on being...
2026-01-1829 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingFrom Trash to Trend: High Performance Optics Made From Recycled PlasticIn this episode, Cory talks with James Merrill, founder of Stoked Plastics and Opolis Optics, about transforming ocean‑bound and landfill‑bound plastic into high‑performance sunglasses and goggles. James shares how his experience working in vulnerable communities overseas led him to create a patented recycled‑plastic technology that boosts recycled content up to 75%. They also discuss Opolis’ growth, supply‑chain transparency, and the major setback of a $20,000 theft during an REI fulfillment—followed by strong community support.Key Topics Discussed:How global counter‑extremism work revealed the link between plastic pollution, poverty, and instability.Deve...
2026-01-1133 minSustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic PackagingGoogle's Sustainability Mission With Robert LittleIn this episode, Cory Connors welcomes his longtime friend and sustainability leader Robert Little to discuss Google’s sustainability mission—particularly its global work in circularity, recycling accessibility, packaging innovation, and the role of AI in modern waste systems. Robert shares his nonlinear career path, the principles that shaped his sustainability mindset, and how Google is leveraging its massive product ecosystem to scale sustainability solutions for billions of users worldwide.The conversation explores Google Maps’ recycling drop‑off locator, Google Trends as a tool for understanding consumer sustainability needs, Google’s plastic‑free packaging design journey, and innovations...
2026-01-0435 min