Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic Packaging

In 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 perf...

In 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 a...

In 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, ...

In 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 infrastructu...

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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 criti...

Bonjour 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 recoun...

In 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 ...

In 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...

In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Dave Ford, founder and partner of Circle by OPLN, to discuss how neutral convening is transforming collaboration around the plastic crisis. Dave shares the origin of the Circle Program, the launch of the Legislator Guide for Circular Policy, and how bringing policymakers, industry, and NGOs together has shaped national conversations on EPR, DRS, and circularity. He reflects on the early days o...

In this episode of Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors, Cory sits down with Mikey Pasciuto to explore SCRAPP’s evolution from a recycling app to a comprehensive zero-waste platform. Mikey shares insights on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), operational waste costs, and why businesses should design for efficiency rather than just policy. They dive into real-world examples, challenges in recycling infrastructure, and how SC...

Guest: Jennifer Patrick, Global Packaging and Branding Director at Patagonia

Summary:

Jennifer shares her journey from photography, creative direction, and print production to leading global packaging and branding at Patagonia, an iconic brand known for sustainability. She discusses how sustainability influences every decision, innovative packaging changes that saved millions of plastic pieces and pounds of paper,...

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In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Senator Heidi Campbell to discuss her journey from music to politics, her passion for environmental issues, and her groundbreaking work on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Tennessee. Senator Campbell shares insights into the “Waste to Jobs” initiative, the challenges of implementing EPR in a red state, and why this approach could transform recycling infrastructure across the S...

In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Trei Johnson to discuss the future of plastic packaging and the challenges of recycling flexible materials. Trei shares his path from studying sustainability at Cornell to impactful roles at Unilever and Mars Wrigley before joining Accredo Packaging to lead its sustainability strategy. He highlights Accredo’s unique story as a family-owned company founded by Vietnamese immigrants and its commi...

In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Cody Loewen from Hills Pet Nutrition to discuss how innovative packaging solutions are driving both sustainability and cost savings. Cody shares his unconventional journey into packaging, the impact of data-driven optimization projects, and how supplier collaboration and new materials are helping Hills Pet Nutrition reduce plastic use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve operational ef...

https://foundationfar.org/

Deadline is December 17th to apply for funding! 

https://foundationfar.org/grants-funding/opportunities/packaging-innovation-program/

In this conversation, Cory Connors and Constance Gewa discuss the importance of collaborative partnerships in the food and agriculture sector, focusing on the role of the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. They explore innovations in sustainable packaging, the struc...

https://smartsolve.com/

An amazing innovation from SmartSolve! With CEO and co-founder Jonathan Jakubowski and Director of Flexible Packaging Dr. Vidhu Nagpal 

In this conversation, Jonathan Jakubowski discusses the intersection of faith and innovation within his company. He shares how their core values, particularly innovation, are grounded in scripture, specifically Jeremiah 33. Jakubowski recounts the journey of developing a ...

Join us on November 6th, 2025, for the third annual Coast Summit, as we celebrate the visionary leaders who are pioneering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

This year’s theme, "Healthy People, Healthy Planet," highlights the vital link between personal well-being and environmental regeneration. The Coast Summit brings together leaders from the worlds of sustainability, adventure, business, well...

Join us on November 6th, 2025, for the third annual Coast Summit, as we celebrate the visionary leaders who are pioneering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

This year’s theme, "Healthy People, Healthy Planet," highlights the vital link between personal well-being and environmental regeneration. The Coast Summit brings together leaders from the worlds of sustainability, adventure, business, well...

Join us on November 6th, 2025, for the third annual Coast Summit, as we celebrate the visionary leaders who are pioneering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

This year’s theme, "Healthy People, Healthy Planet," highlights the vital link between personal well-being and environmental regeneration. The Coast Summit brings together leaders from the worlds of sustainability, adventure, business, well...