People of Packaging Podcast www.packagingpastor.com

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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

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Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
About the Guest(s):
Adam Peek and Evelio Mattos are the featured guests on this episode of the podcast. Notable for their insightful contributions within the packaging industry, both bring a practical and sometimes humorous perspective to the topic at hand. Adam Peek, commonly referred to as the "Packaging Pastor," is known for his expertise in the field, as well as his past experience as a pastor. Evelio Mattos, a distinguished designer and industry expert, adds depth with his seasoned background in creative packaging solutions.
Episode Summary:
In this candid episode, hosts Adam Peek and Evelio Mattos tackle the quirky world of April Fool's packaging. The conversation unfolds with organic banter, touching on everything from the surprising use of a porn star in a marketing campaign to personal anecdotes from the packaging industry. The dialogue effortlessly blends light-hearted humor with serious industry insight, sparking curiosity and interest in an often-overlooked marketing niche.
Adam and Evelio address the tension between packaging innovation and consumer reaction, particularly when brands push the envelope with April Fool's products. They debate the possible impact and risks associated with these pranks, from potential offense to legal complications. Plus, they explore the possible benefits, such as increased brand awareness—even delving into the odd phenomenon of actual bizarre products like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's shampoo line.
Key Takeaways:
* April Fool's packaging can be a hit-or-miss for brands, balancing between attention-grabbing and potentially alienating stakeholders.
* There's a trend of digital rendering over actual product creation to deliver the April Fool's punchline.
* Brand reputation and consumer trust are crucial, and April Fool's jokes should be thoughtfully considered to avoid backlash, especially in culturally sensitive areas.
* Marketing stunts need to walk a fine line to be both believable and humorous without causing confusion or offense.
* The episode underscores the importance of aligning marketing humor with brand ethos and audience expectations.
Notable Quotes:
* "You got to tell people when they're being recorded. Everybody, happy April 1 to the world."
* "The point of this isn't like, 'oh, that's really funny, I'm gonna go buy Tic Tacs'. But it's about, like, putting the brand, like, brand awareness."
* "People will definitely, when they have to make a choice for like, what am I going to buy? If somebody has personally offended me, I'm not going to support their brand."
* "I don't know, like, what lands with kids these days. Like, maybe we are the 'get off my lawn' old people."
* "They all teamed up in the group chat. They all became friends on MySpace and they were like, let's not comment at all because Corey's not there."
Resources:
No explicit resources or references were provided in this transcript that warrant listing in this section.
Tune in for the full dialogue to experience the off-the-cuff chemistry between Adam and Evelio, and for a unique spin on April Fool's packaging. You won't want to miss their in-depth discussions on future episodes – there's always something more to unwrap in the fascinating world of packaging.


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Find Chris on LinkedIn
WestRock Sustainability
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Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
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About the Guest(s):
Chris Davidson is the Vice President of Sustainability at WestRock, one of the world's leading packaging companies. With a career deeply rooted in the forest products and packaging industry, Davidson has climbed the ranks from a forester managing land resources to spearheading sustainability directives at a global level. In his current role, he expands on WestRock's commitments to sustainability, with a significant focus on innovating alternatives to plastic packaging and reducing the company's carbon footprint.
Episode Summary:
Welcome to an engaging episode of the People of Packaging podcast featuring the knowledgeable Chris Davidson, VP of Sustainability at Westrock. Your host, Adam Peek, navigates a riveting discussion around the evolution of paper-based packaging solutions and the industry's push towards eco-friendly alternatives. Davidson and Peek touch upon the company's innovative strides in replacing single-use plastics and their recent achievements in carbon emission reductions.
In the course of the podcast, Davidson elaborates on WestRock's sustainability pillars centered on serving communities, prioritizing the planet, and creating innovative solutions for customers. Highlights of WestRock's portfolio, such as CanCollar®, a paperboard solution replacing plastic rings, and EverGrow™, a sustainable alternative for produce containers, reinforce the company's dedication to green initiatives. The conversation underscores the adaptability of the packaging industry during the pandemic, demonstrating heightened consumer awareness and corporate responsibility towards sustainable practices.
Key Takeaways:
* Chris Davidson discusses the shift in operations and focus on sustainability for WestRock during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting an increase in e-commerce and paper packaging demand.
* WestRock's innovation in sustainable packaging includes CanCollar®, an eco-friendly substitute for plastic can rings, and EverGrow™ for produce, strengthening the company's eco-conscious portfolio.
* Consumer familiarity with recycling paper products helps drive the adoption of paper-based packaging solutions, showcasing the practical and environmental benefits.
* Davidson emphasizes WestRock's ongoing commitment to decarbonization, including the partnership with Éngie through virtual power purchase agreements to reduce scope 2 emissions.
* The podcast reveals the potential for further innovations with WestRock's adaptable packaging machinery and automation solutions that enhance operational efficiency.
Notable Quotes:
* "The way you described it, you know, it's true. You know, paper cannot do everything. Plastic has its place and is much better than paper in some situations."
* "…and then others who are just like, well, I don't really understand this whole recycling. Probably I should just throw it away. But as you said, if it's a can, if it's paper, most people go, yeah, this is going to be recycled. I'll put it in."
* "We're happy to work with folks. We've done many, I guess you could call them sort of Kaizen kind of events where we've brought in folks and we've talked about an issue, a problem that they're having, and we're able to help them…"
Resources:

Tune in to the full episode to hear the comprehensive discussion on the strides being made in the packaging industry towards sustainability, and stay up to date with the People of Packaging podcast for more insightful conversations.


This is a public episode. If you

Follow Brandi on LinkedIn
Check out her website!
Get the dopest Packaging shirts at www.packagingfashion.com
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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!
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
Labl - NEWEST sponsor and much more to come! eCommerce companies NEED to see what they’re doing.
About the Guest(s):
Brandi Parker is the founder and consultant at Parker Brands, an expert in bridging the gap between design and manufacturing with a focus on sustainability within the packaging industry. Brandi's journey began in the '90s when her passion for the environment led her to establish the first environmental club in her high school. With an art degree focused on traditional printmaking, Brandi's expertise aligned well with commercial printmaking processes, propelling her career into packaging design. At Pearl Fisher, she worked her way from a technical production role to the front of the room, handling broader sustainability issues. Brandi has been active with the Die Line awards and serves as a speaker and consultant on sustainable packaging solutions, engaging a variety of clients ranging from agencies to NGOs.
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode of the podcast, host Adam Peek engages in a rich conversation with Brandi Parker, highlighting her unique career trajectory in the sustainable packaging sphere. Brandi shares her experiences and the values that shape her approach to sustainability, design, and manufacturing.
This episode offers a deep dive into Brandi's personal story and her professional evolution in sustainability within the packaging world. She narrates her path from starting an environmental club in high school to her latest feats as the founder and consultant at Parker Brands. Moreover, the discussion touches on topics such as leveraging fear and passion for career growth, marketing in the sustainability space, and the importance of clear consumer communication within packaging.
Key Takeaways:
* Brandi Parker's journey showcases an evolution from her early passion for sustainability to founding Parker Brands with an aim to bridge design and manufacturing.
* The conversation underscores the complexities of green claims and the responsibility of avoiding greenwashing in the packaging industry.
* Highlighted is the critical role of technical expertise in translating sustainability initiatives into consumer-friendly language.
* Parker Brands offers services ranging from sourcing innovative materials and optimizing supply chains to strategizing material and sustainability plans for companies.
* Brandi's background allows her to consult various stakeholders in the packaging value chain including CPG brands, agencies, suppliers, and NGOs.
Notable Quotes:
* "Sustainability has been kind of the vehicle for me to go out and do that. You know, talking to people, people do respond well when I talk, which is amazing."
* "I'm just following the path. I'm just going where it seems interesting."
* "The core of the can, the aluminum, you're not losing that mass. But the actual material itself, aluminum, is able to be recycled."
* "It's, it's got its ups and downs. There are times where I'm like, why am I doing this? But it's forced me to try things I've never tried before."
* "It has rearranged my whole life for the better in terms of my priorities."
Resources:
* Brandi Parker's LinkedIn: LinkedIn (The direct URL is not mentioned in the transcript.)
* Brandi Parker's Company, Parker Brands: Parker Brands eco (URL inferred from context; exact URL is not stated in the transcript.)
As we conclude these show notes, we encourage listeners to tune in to the full episode for a deeper appreciation of the conversation between Adam Peek and Brandi Parker. Get equipped with real-world insights into sustainable packaging and discove

Check out SGP online and support companies who have committed to running a sustainable printing company!
Get the dopest Packaging shirts at www.packagingfashion.com
Book a demo with Specright
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!
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
Labl - NEWEST sponsor and much more to come! eCommerce companies NEED to see what they’re doing.
About the Guest(s):
Michael Dillon serves as the Chief Revenue Officer at Meyers, a third-generation family printing business known for its commitment to sustainability. With a professional background straddling sustainability and technology, Michael brings unique insight into the intersection of these fields within the packaging and printing industries. His expertise extends to his role on the board of directors for the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) and as a columnist for Ink's publication, where he shares his knowledge on environmental sustainability and packaging best practices.
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode of the People of Packaging podcast, host Adam Peek engages with sustainability advocate and printing industry leader Michael Dillon to discuss the benefits and importance of the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP). The conversation also delves into Michael's personal journey towards sustainability and the impact of sustainable practices on the business landscape.
Setting the stage for a detailed discussion, Michael outlines how SGP enables companies like Meyers to centralize sustainability data, ensuring up-to-date and actionable information that drives both business and environmental goals. The episode illuminates the rigorous process and benefits of attaining SGP certification, highlighting the operational efficiencies and accountability it brings to printing companies.
Key Takeaways:
* SGP ensures printing companies like Myers engage in sustainable practices by offering a demanding audit process.
* Certified companies gain operational efficiencies and can avoid unintentional greenwashing through granular data insights.
* SGP membership allows retailers and CPG companies to discover and collaborate with responsibly audited printers.
* Michael shares a personal anecdote linking his interest in motorsports and technology to a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
* SGP serves as a nexus between narrower focus groups like FSC, SFI, and broader ones like ISO standards.
Notable Quotes:
* "Sustainable packaging is a really big deal for the world."
* "Even a well-intentioned company is capable of accidentally greenwashing."
* "SGP members tend to reduce a variety of types of waste, certainly including hazardous waste, also including air pollutants."
* "Having access to this data and working on the best practices that SGP promotes… there's real hard cost savings."
Resources:
* Michael Dillon’s LinkedIn: Michael Dillon on LinkedIn
* Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP): SGP website
* Contact Michael Dillon via email: michael.dillon@meyers.com
Listen to the full conversation with Michael Dillon to gain a deeper understanding of the vital role that SGP plays in the pursuit of sustainability within the printing industry. Stay tuned for more episodes that shed light on the people driving innovation and responsibility in packaging today.


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