People of Packaging Podcast www.packagingpastor.com

About the Guest(s):
In this episode, we have Cory Connors, the Director of Sustainable Packaging at Orora Packaging Solutions, and Adam Peek, a packaging and labelling specialist. Cory brings his expertise from the sustainability hub at the NPE show, contributing valuable insights on the latest trends in sustainable plastics and recycling practices. Adam, known for spearheading thought-provoking conversations in the packaging community, shares his experiences with experimenting in sustainable packaging solutions.
About the Sponsors:
Specright has some amazing things happening! Please check them out below and help support the podcast!
* Specright Unpacked Webinar
* Gartner Report
* Packaging Pros eBook
* Home Page
* Book a demo with Specright
Meyers has some incredible sustainable packaging options!
* Get the 2023 Sustainability Report
* Meyers Packaging EPR eBook - it is FREE!!
Get the dopest Packaging shirts at www.packagingfashion.com
Book a demo with Trayak (LCA’s on demand!)
SmartSolve has water soluble label and paper materials. Learn more!
The Scrapp App is going to revolutionize home and corporate recycling. Download for your device today!
About the Guest(s):
In this episode, we have Cory Connors, the Director of Sustainable Packaging at Orora Packaging Solutions, and Adam Peek, a packaging and labelling specialist. Cory brings his expertise from the sustainability hub at the NPE show, contributing valuable insights on the latest trends in sustainable plastics and recycling practices. Adam, known for spearheading thought-provoking conversations in the packaging community, shares his experiences with experimenting in sustainable packaging solutions.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging discussion on "Packaging TODAY," hosts Adam Peek and Cory Connors delve into pressing issues surrounding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and sustainable packaging innovations. From the sustainability hub at the NPE show in Orlando, Florida, Cory brings live updates and firsthand accounts of the latest advancements in recycling technologies and sustainable materials.
The episode kicks off with a candid moment featuring Adam's morning routine, leading into a deeper exploration of Colorado's EPR regulations and how brands can navigate them. With a looming deadline of July 1, 2024, Cory explains the importance of reaching out to the Circular Action Alliance for guidance on determining responsibility and proper registration.
Throughout the show, Adam and Cory address audience questions, providing clarity on the nuances of packaging recycling and product lifecycle. Notably, Adam presents an eye-opening experiment involving aluminum cans and their plastic liners, sparking a conversation about the true meaning of "recyclability" and the value of materials at the end of life.
Key Takeaways:
* Brands operating within Colorado, California, and Oregon must comply with EPR laws by registering with the Circular Action Alliance by July 1, 2024.
* Cory Connors is attending the NPE show, focusing on innovative recycling technologies and sustainable plastic materials.
* Aluminum cans often feature a thin plastic liner that, while not infinitely recyclable, plays a crucial role in product integrity and flavor preservation.
* Recycling isn't just about the technical ability to recycle but also includes the end-of-life value of the recycled material.
* Trek composite decking, made from recycled plastic and wood, is an example of creating sustainable products with extended lifecycles.
Notable Quotes:
* Cory Connors: "It kind of has to be an oligopoly…for this to work."
* Adam Peek: "We spent a lot of time in my side with labels talking about the impact that labels have on plastic recycling in impacting the value of the recycled product."
* Cory Connors: "[Trex deck] could be recycled again…I don't know anybody that has a Trex deck that's had to replace it in my lifetime."
Resources:
The Circular Action Alliance - circularactionalliance.org
Be sure

About the Guest(s):
Dillon Dandurand is the featured guest in this show, bringing his unique entrepreneurial journey into the spotlight. His professional background is rich with experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG), having spent eight years at Brazi Bites, the brand renowned for healthy Italian-Latin American fusion foods. Dillon’s drive for innovation led him to launch "Not Beer," a product that cleverly positions itself as a zero-carb, zero-alcohol, and zero-taste sparkling water, capitalizing on the beverage market with a whimsical twist. He operates out of Dallas, Texas, fostering the growth of Not Beer from his home turf.
About the Sponsors:
Specright has some amazing things happening! Please check them out below and help support the podcast!
* Specright Unpacked Webinar
* Gartner Report
* Packaging Pros eBook
* Home Page
* Book a demo with Specright
Meyers has some incredible sustainable packaging options!
* Get the 2023 Sustainability Report
* Meyers Packaging EPR eBook - it FREE!!
Get the dopest Packaging shirts at www.packagingfashion.com
Book a demo with Trayak (LCA’s on demand!)
SmartSolve has water soluble label and paper materials. Learn more!
The Scrapp App is going to revolutionize home and corporate recycling. Download for your device today!
Episode Summary:
In this refreshing installment of "Packaging Today," host Evelio Mattos stirs up an engaging conversation with Dillon Dandurand, the mastermind behind the quirky brand Not Beer. This episode crackles with the entrepreneurship spirit, offering listeners a deep dive into the buzzing world of innovative beverage branding.
Dillon walks us through the conception of Not Beer, a sparkling water dressed in beer's clothing that's been making waves since its inception just over two weeks ago. With a hard-hitting combination of relatability and appeal, Dillon details the challenges and triumphs of bringing a new product into an established market. Discussions meander from sourcing high-volume packaging to the strategic deployment of influencer marketing, all while painting a picture of a brand built on fun, wit, and smart positioning.
Key Takeaways:
* Not Beer is a unique sparkling water that mimics the aesthetic of beer, creating a fun, approachable product.
* The challenges of launching a new beverage include sourcing packaging like cans and cartons, and managing distribution logistics.
* Marketing strategies for Not Beer are primarily focused on sampling and building brand awareness through engaging, humorous content.
* Dillon shares his insights on the importance of geographical focus during initial brand growth before expanding to wider markets.
* Liquid Death serves as an indirect comparison, objectively discussed as both brands play in the fun water segment but with different appeals.
Notable Quotes:
* "At what point is this no longer a beer? Like, when do we just remove the beer taste and it's just sparkling water?" – Reflecting the genesis idea behind Not Beer.
* "And we're positioned like a beer. So our license is humor." – On the brand's marketing angle.
* "Not Beer isn't for a specific type of person. It's for anyone who likes to have fun…" – Defining the brand's wide target audience.
* "You've got to find volume quickly…if you want to compete" – On the importance of scale in the beverage industry.
* "We're playing in the biggest non-alcoholic beverage category ever." – On the potential market for Not Beer.
Resources:
* Not Beer website: Enjoy Not Beer
* Brazi Bites website for reference to Dillon’s past work: Not mentioned in the transcript, but pertinent to his experience.
Join us for this standout episode of "Packaging Today," and let the story of Not Beer invigorate your entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you're an industry professional or just someone who enjoys a twist of humor in business, this conversation promises to be insightful and inspiring. Tune in, drink up the knowledge, and stay thirsty for more episodes that pus

About the Guest(s):
Evelio Mattos is recognized for his expertise in packaging design and environmental initiatives. As the host of "Packaging Today," Evelio facilitates discussions focused on packaging innovation and sustainability. Known for his contributions to the industry, Evelio boasts a career that has seen him at the forefront of design and sustainable practices.
Adam Peek brings personality and industry insight to "Packaging Today." His background in packaging solutions and sales enables him to dissect complex topics with ease, engaging both expert guests and the audience with his compelling dialogue.
Cory Connors is well-regarded as a packaging professional with a deep knowledge of branding strategies and sustainability in packaging. His passion and expertise provide "Packaging Today" with unique perspectives on ecological considerations in contemporary packaging.
Adam Armstrong serves as the Vice President of Customer Success and Strategic Partnerships at Specright, a company specializing in specification data management for packaging and products. Adam leverages his industry experience to help companies improve efficiency and sustainability.
Paul Nowak is the Executive Director of Green Blue, a non-profit organization aimed at progressive environmental collaboration in the industry. Under his leadership, Green Blue drives initiatives, such as the How2Recycle program, that underscore the commitment to sustainable packaging practice.
About the Sponsors:
Specright has some amazing things happening! Please check them out below and help support the podcast!
* Specright Unpacked Webinar
* Gartner Report
* Packaging Pros eBook
* Home Page
* Book a demo with Specright
Meyers has some incredible sustainable packaging options!
* Get the 2023 Sustainability Report
* Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
Get the dopest Packaging shirts at www.packagingfashion.com
Book a demo with Trayak (LCA’s on demand!)
SmartSolve has water soluble label and paper materials. Learn more!
The Scrapp App is going to revolutionize home and corporate recycling. Download for your device today!
Episode Summary:
In this episode of "Packaging Today," the conversation dives into the dynamic collaboration between Green Blue's How2Recycle program and Specright's specification management platform. Evelio Mattos, alongside co-hosts Adam Peek and Cory Connors, unpacks the innovative solutions being established to tackle the ever-growing need for sustainable packaging data management and consumer-end recycling instruction.
Adam Armstrong and Paul Nowak discuss the intersection of data specification and environmental labeling to streamline sustainable practices across brands and packaging means. This convergence aims to make recyclability assessments more efficient, promoting higher volumes of How2Recycle labels on products. The collaboration represents a significant step towards a more consistent and accessible approach to packaging sustainability on a global scale, with the ultimate goal being one universally adopted label system.
The conversation reveals a deep commitment to advancing packaging sustainability, with insights into the adoption of intelligent technologies. As brands increasingly seek to meet stringent environmental goals, Armstrong and Nowak's commentary showcases the power of strategic partnerships in enabling companies to manage and communicate sustainability credentials systematically.
Key Takeaways:
* Specright and Green Blue's How2Recycle are collaborating to simplify and accelerate the process of creating recyclability labels for packaging.
* The partnership aims to provide a unified source of data for sustainability assessments, reducing the manual workload on brands and converting partners.
* The use of AI and machine learning in data assessments for recycling labels has the potential to revolutionize the efficiency of the labeling process.
* The How2Recycle label program has a vision for global harmonization of end-of-life p

About the Guest(s):
Anna Zesbaugh is the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Better Buzz Brands, which encompasses two innovative brands, namely Hooch Booch - a hard kombucha company - and Corpse Reviver, a non-alcoholic, tea-based "hydration libation". With a background rooted in luxury hospitality, particularly in the corporate events sphere, Anna pivoted during the challenging pandemic period to tap into the beverage industry. Fuelled by curiosity and an entrepreneurial spirit, she drew inspiration from the Prohibition era to craft unique beverages that cater to contemporary tastes and health-conscious consumers.
About the Sponsors:
Specright has some amazing things happening! Please check them out below and help support the podcast!
* Specright Unpacked Webinar
* Gartner Report
* Packaging Pros eBook
* Home Page
* Book a demo with Specright
Meyers has some incredible sustainable packaging options!
* Get the 2023 Sustainability Report
* Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
Get the dopest Packaging shirts at www.packagingfashion.com
Book a demo with Trayak (LCA’s on demand!)
SmartSolve has water soluble label and paper materials. Learn more!
The Scrapp App is going to revolutionize home and corporate recycling. Download for your device today!
Episode Summary:
In this invigorating episode of the People of Packaging podcast, host Adam Peek introduces us to Anna Zesbaugh, a Colorado-based entrepreneur trailblazing in the beverage sector with her brand, Corpse Reviver. The episode delves into Anna's fascinating journey from idea inception during the early days of COVID-19 through to product launch and brand establishment, all within the span of nine months. Guided by her visionary approach, Anna leveraged her expertise in the hospitality industry to create something truly unique.
We are taken through a comprehensive overview of Anna's brands, including the inspiration behind Hooch Booch and the concept evolution of Corpse Reviver. The episode zooms in on the labyrinth of challenges and breakthroughs encountered while bringing a non-alcoholic beverage to market, highlighting the innovative rebranding strategy and packaging design that has helped Better Buzz Brands resonate with customers and carve out a niche in a bustling space.
Key Takeaways:
* Innovative Origin: Anna Zesbaugh sparked the idea for her beverage brand during a brief prohibition scare in Denver at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
* Bridging Brand and Function: Corpse Reviver's rebranding process and the rationale behind diverging from Hooch Booch are detailed, showcasing the intricate relationship between product identity and market positioning.
* Packaging Design: The episode explores the significance of packaging in conveying brand story and visual appeal, mentioning the collaboration with an illustrator for the can designs.
* Health Benefits: Corpse Reviver is unveiled as not only a hydration beverage but also one that is functional, containing a blend of minerals and ingredients with noted health benefits.
* Distribution and Sales: Anna outlines the multi-channel approach to selling Corpse Reviver, from direct online sales to exploring retail opportunities such as grocery stores.
Notable Quotes:
* "The classic cocktail is really to mask bad flavors of pooch or alcohol." - Anna Zesbaugh
* "Hooch Booch is a great idea. One year, actually, it was nine months later that we had a product ready to go on shelf." - Anna Zesbaugh
* "Packaging is incredibly important… especially right now, there's a lot of people copying other people's designs or very plain white, boring packaging." - Anna Zesbaugh
* "We tried to make the checkout process, like, so easy so that people could just like quick add to cart." - Anna Zesbaugh
Resources:
* Better Buzz Brands' websites: Drink Corpse Reviver and Drink Hooch Booch
To grasp the full depth of Anna Zesbaugh's insights on beverage branding and the evolution of Corpse Reviver, tuning into the full episode is a must. Imbibe the

Specright has some amazing things happening! Please check them out below and help support the podcast!
* Specright Unpacked Webinar
* Gartner Report
* Packaging Pros eBook
* Home Page
* Book a demo with Specright
Meyers has some incredible sustainable packaging options!
* Get the 2023 Sustainability Report
* Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
Get the dopest Packaging shirts at www.packagingfashion.com
Book a demo with Trayak (LCA’s on demand!)
SmartSolve has water soluble label and paper materials. Learn more!
The Scrapp App is going to revolutionize home and corporate recycling. Download for your device today!

About the Guest(s):
Alex Abbott serves as the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Smartsolve, a pioneering company specializing in water-soluble packaging solutions. His role encompasses not just steering sales strategies but also shaping organizational growth by aligning all departments under the umbrella of revenue generation. With a career rooted in the packaging industry, Alex has extensive experience on the rigid plastic side, contributing to his comprehensive understanding of the sector's dynamics.
Episode Summary:
In this dynamic episode of "Packaging Today," hosts Evelio Mattos, Adam Peek, Cory Connors, and guest Alex Abbott engage in an enlightening dialogue about innovative strides in packaging. Entertaining and informative, the discussion orbits around the potential of eco-friendly alternatives like water-soluble wrappers and addresses common concerns about packaging disposal.
As the packaging industry scouts for more sustainable solutions amidst growing environmental concerns, the conversation delves into Smartsolve's groundbreaking water-soluble paper. Abbott walks through the product's durability against factors like heat and humidity, its fascinating disappearance upon contact with water, and the implications for waste management. The hosts explore the material's various applications, from tampon wrappers to potential uses in food and healthcare packaging.
Key Takeaways:
Smartsolve's water-soluble paper is an FSC certified wood-based material that is drain safe and designed to minimize waste.
The material is resistant to varying temperatures and minor humidity, yet dissolves efficiently when intentionally subjected to water.
Smartsolve's offerings aim to position water-soluble materials as a less-studied and underutilized niche in the packaging industry.
The product presents potential game-changing applications in single-use packaging and could propose solutions for the returnable and reusable segment.
The discussants grapple with the broader implications of vast use of water-soluble materials in terms of circularity and potential plumbing impacts.
Notable Quotes:
"The idea of the title is VP of sales has been around for a long time, which essentially means player coach for all selling activities. And the differentiation with CRO is that, plus you are empowered and encouraged to build the entire organization…" – Alex Abbott on his role at Smartsolve.
"Our material, being water soluble, is a wood based material, FSC certified, and it's drain safe. That's the mind bender…" – Alex Abbott on Smartsolve's dissolvable product.
"We have a lot of market interest in our developing. Now, we also know all the household cleaning and laundry segments are a great fit, too, because their life cycle is around and with water." – Alex Abbott on the potential market for Smartsolve's paper-based material.
"You will never hear me speak against recycling. It's a great part of the equation. What I do say is our industry as a whole needs more and additional solutions than recycling…" – Alex Abbott on sustainability in the packaging industry.
"It goes down the drain and ends up becoming bacteria food for wherever it goes. And that's the circular aspect of it, given that it's a wood based item." – Alex Abbott on circularity in context of Smartsolve's materials.
Resources:
Smartsolve – company website
DAYE

Specright has some amazing things happening! Please check them out below and help support the podcast!
* Specright Unpacked Webinar
* Gartner Report
* Packaging Pros eBook
* Home Page
* Book a demo with Specright
Meyers is one of the most sustainable packaging companies in the world!
* Get the 2023 Sustainability Report
* Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
Get the dopest Packaging shirts at www.packagingfashion.com
Book a demo with Trayak (LCA’s on demand!)
SmartSolve has water soluble label and paper materials. Learn more!
The Scrapp App is going to revolutionize home and corporate recycling. Download for your device today!
About the Guest(s):
In this episode of "Packaging Today", we are joined by Evelio Mattos and Adam Peek, recognized voices within the packaging industry. Evelio Mattos is noted for his expertise in packaging sustainability and is a prominent figure and spokesperson in the field. Hosting his show "Packaging Unboxed", he brings a wealth of knowledge to discussions around packaging trends and innovations. Adam Peek, the face behind packagingfashion.com, is similarly well-acclaimed as the "pastor of packaging", guiding people through the complex world of packaging with a focus on the intersection between packaging and faith, also touching on various contemporary issues within the industry.
Episode Summary:
In this informative and engaging episode of "Packaging Today," hosts Evelio Mattos and Adam Peek delve into the nuanced world of sustainable packaging. Their conversation tackles the prevalent myths and truths about sustainability in the packaging industry, the reality of 'greenwashing', and extended producer responsibility (EPR), offering valuable insights for professionals and enthusiasts alike. They explore the challenges and obligations brands face in selecting sustainable packaging options amidst a landscape fraught with regulatory pressures and consumer expectations.
Adam and Emilio take the audience on a deep dive into the complexities surrounding sustainable packaging options for water and shoes, presenting a balanced exploration of consumer expectations versus sustainability goals. They examine the widespread assumptions about materials such as aluminum and the role of certifications like FSC in environmental claims, illuminating a path forward for brands that prioritize environmental responsibility while navigating market demands and potential legal pitfalls.
Key Takeaways:
* Sustainable packaging decisions should be tailored to brand-specific needs rather than one-size-fits-all material comparisons.
* Brands are responsible for verifying and substantiating their own sustainability claims to avoid greenwashing accusations.
* Consumer ease of access to products can significantly influence purchasing decisions, potentially even more than sustainable packaging.
* Carbon offsets should be part of a broader strategy for reducing a brand's carbon footprint, not the sole approach.
* Aluminum cans are not literally "infinitely recyclable" due to the presence of plastic liners; cautious messaging is warranted to avoid misleading consumers.
Notable Quotes:
* "I start with the most, maybe not overlooked, but the least sexy part of sustainability, which is like, how is it going to protect the product and what is it you're trying to accomplish?" - Evelio Mattos
* "If you want less of something, tax it. If you want more of something, subsidize it." - Adam Peek, quoting Ronald Reagan to explain EPR.
* "Anytime you start shipping water and you start packaging it into smaller things that are, you know, sort of single use, you're probably already taking a step away from the most sustainable source of water, which is just, I don't know, the well." - Evelio Mattos on the dilemma of sustainably packaging water.
* "Just wear your shoes like a regular person." - Evelio Mattos, commenting on consumer expectations regarding shoe packaging.
* "Carbon accounting is a mess that I don't really understand. But I appla