Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic Packaging

Cory Connors

Join industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers as we explore the future of packaging through the lens of sustainability.  Hosted by Cory Connors, an industry expert with over 25 years of experience, and presented by Atlantic Packaging, the leader in innovative sustainable solutions, we dive into what’s working (and what’s not) from cutting-edge materials to circular design strategies that can reduce waste and protect our planet.  Each episode blends real data, expert insights, and a dose of fun to help you stay informed and inspired. Whether you're in the packaging industry or simply passionate about sustainability, this podcast is your weekly go-to resource for making smarter, greener choices.

  1. 5d ago

    Sustainable Hospitality and Travel with Greg M. Poirier

    In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Greg Poirier to discuss how hotels and resorts can operate more sustainably and how travelers can reduce their impact on the road. Greg shares his path from dishwasher and night auditor to hotel general manager, and how his interest in sustainability and social equity led him to Audubon International. He explains the origins of Audubon International — founded in 1987 as a certification body rooted in the legacy of the New York State Audubon chapter — and walks through how its hospitality certification program works, from membership and a detailed designation application to on-site, third-party audits. Greg and Cory dig into practical sustainability opportunities in the industry, including waste tracking, energy savings, refillable programs, and the emerging trend of planned sustainable resort communities. Key Topics Discussed:  Greg's career journey through independent hotels and into sustainability leadershipThe history and mission of Audubon International across golf, communities, and hospitalityUsing tools like EZ3 Data to track haulers, containers, and waste metricsSmart thermostats and occupancy-based energy savings of 20–40% on electric billsRefillable water programs, filtered water stations, and moving away from single-use plastic bottlesThe nuance of bulk shampoo/conditioner dispensers and the role of Clean the WorldAudubon International's four certification levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and PlatinumAdvice for travelers on how to choose and advocate for more sustainable propertiesResources Mentioned: Audubon InternationalEZ3 Data (waste tracking platform)Clean the World (bulk amenity recycling program)Populus Hotels (Denver, Seattle)Cabot developmentsBlack Desert Resort (Utah)Contact: Listeners can learn more or reach out to Greg directly: - Website: auduboninternational.org - Email: greg@auduboninternational.org Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! Support our Sponsors  Learn more here: ⁃www.3M.com/sustainablepackaging ⁃https://www.specright.com/ https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap.  This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

  2. Jul 13

    How to Fix Failing Tape: 3M's Julianne Strunk & Kelsey LaCoursiere

    In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes back Julianne Strunk and introduces Kelsey LaCoursiere as they discuss 3M's latest packaging innovations and their upcoming PACK EXPO International booth in Chicago. Julianne shares a career update, including her recent move into a marketing management role overseeing all of 3M packaging in North America, as well as personal news that she's expecting her second child. Kelsey steps into the spotlight as the new owner of 3M's Matic case sealer and sustainable packaging portfolio. The conversation dives into why tape adhesion is becoming more challenging as recycled and alternative fiber content (like eucalyptus) increases in corrugate, along with emerging trends in carry handles, recycling stream considerations, and where 3M sees sustainable packaging headed over the next five to ten years. Key Topics Discussed: Julianne's transition into a marketing management role and Kelsey's move into the 3M Matic and sustainable portfolio3M's frontline marketing internship program and how interns are contributing fresh insight, including AI perspectives3M's role as founding sponsor of the podcast and the value of reaching a sustainability-focused audienceWhy recycled corrugate and non-tree fibers like eucalyptus make it harder for tape to adhere, and how 3M's tape line is engineered to address thisGrowth trends in the carry handle market, including bundling, sustainability drivers, and new global use casesThe growing importance of recycling streams and post-consumer considerations, including 3M's recyclable 570 paper tapeCustomer demand for custom-printed tape and the shift from water-activated tape to paper tape3M's long-term focus on marrying sustainable consumable products with sustainable automationA preview of 3M's PACK EXPO 2026 booth in Chicago, centered on a new recycled corrugate "sealing made simple" campaignResources Mentioned: 3M Packaging3M Box Sealing Equipment3M Primary PackagingPACK EXPO International, Chicago, 2026Contact: To connect with 3M's packaging team directly, reach out through their support page. To find 3M at PACK EXPO International 2026 in Chicago, check the exhibitor directory and plan your visit here. Support our Sponsors  Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest  https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap.  This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

  3. Jul 12

    From Banana Farm Waste to Award-Winning Paper with Bethelhem Dejene

    In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Bethelhem Dejene to discuss her journey from observing waste at an Ethiopian fruit and vegetable market to founding Zafree Papers, an award-winning startup manufacturing tree-free virgin pulp from banana farm waste. Bethelhem shares how she iterated through multiple business models before discovering the potential of banana fiber, how Zafree partners with converters to supply sustainable packaging materials, and what it meant to become the first African company to win the Sustainable Packaging Summit Innovation Challenge. Key Topics Discussed: Bethelhem's origin story and how a visit to a fruit and vegetable market sparked a waste management businessThe evolution from paper recycling to manufacturing virgin pulp from banana farm wasteHow Zafree sources banana stems and leaves after harvest and extracts fiber to produce pulpThe types of packaging products the pulp can be converted into, including corrugated, folding carton, duplex, and molded packagingZafree's partnership model with converters and customers such as AB InBevWinning two awards at the Sustainable Packaging Summit Innovation Challenge as the first African company to compete at that levelPlans to have a booth at the upcoming Sustainable Packaging Summit in UtrechtThe potential to scale the banana fiber model across Africa and other banana-producing regionsScaling from a pilot factory to a commercial facility targeting 100 tons per day capacityZafree's active Series A fundraising roundAdvice for sustainable packaging founders: align cost, quality, and impact or the business will not scaleResources Mentioned: Zafree PapersBethelhem DejeneSustainable Packaging SummitAB InBev SustainabilitySway Contact: Listeners interested in working with Zafree Papers or learning more about their Series A fundraising round can reach out to Bethelhem Dejene via LinkedIn. Support our Sponsors  Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest  Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap.  This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

  4. Jul 5

    Nike's Commitment to Circular Innovation in Apparel and Footwear with Adam Brundage

    In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Adam Brundage from Nike to discuss the company's wide-ranging sustainability efforts. Adam shares his unconventional path into sustainability beginning with a degree in meteorology and atmospheric science and how that led him to learning about life-cycle assessments, discovering greenhouse gas analysis, and pursuing a decade-long career at one of the world's most iconic brands. Key Topics Discussed: Adam's background in meteorology and atmospheric science and how it shaped his passion for climate impactLife cycle assessment (LCA) as a foundational tool for understanding Nike's environmental footprintNike's full value chain focus: raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, and packagingPackaging's role in Nike's overall carbon footprint (approximately 7%) and the Nike OneBox initiativeThe five major materials Nike focuses on: cotton, polyester, leather, foam, and rubberRecycled and organic material adoption: approximately 25% of Nike's current products contain at least one sustainable or recycled materialScaling renewable energy across Nike's global store and supplier networkThe evolution of Nike's shoe recycling program: from "Reuse a Shoe" (early 1990s) to the current "Recycle and Donate" modelNike's Refurbished program: cleaning and reselling lightly used returns to reduce wasteExtended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and its growing relevance to the apparel and textile industryTextile-to-textile recycling technology: converting old polyester garments back into raw polyester for new productsBio-based and biomass-balanced materials as the future of sustainable packaging and apparelThe challenge of translating complex climate data into actionable understanding for employees across all departmentsThe tension between cost and doing the right thing, and finding opportunities where sustainability and savings alignAI's promise and concern: its power consumption and the importance of powering data centers with renewable energyThe influence Nike's sustainability efforts can have on the broader apparel, footwear, and consumer goods sectorsResources Mentioned: Nike RecycleNike Refurbished programSway (seaweed-based bio material)Adam BrundageContact: Listeners can connect with Adam Brundage via LinkedIn or explore Nike's sustainability initiatives at Nike.com by searching "sustainability" or "recycle." More information on the Recycle and Donate program is also available through Nike's sustainability web pages. Support our Sponsors  Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest  Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap.  This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

  5. Jun 28

    The Value of the Sustainable Packaging Summit with Danielle Goad of Specright

    In 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 Director of EMEAHer relocation to London and experience building a new team abroadWhat Specright does as an AI-powered specification and data management platformThe difference between EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation)Why PPWR is a long-term data foundation challenge, not just a one-time reporting exerciseKey PPWR milestones, including the August 2026 deadline around PFAS and declaration of conformityHow having accurate data helps companies avoid over-reporting and potential finesThe maturity scale from static/chaotic data to a standardized, confident data foundationSpecright's role in helping companies evaluate portfolios and model the impact of material changes (e.g., adding PCR content)The value of the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht — quality speakers, collaborative atmosphere, and industry depthSpecright's upcoming workshop at this year's Summit focused on PPWR and spec management transformationThe partnership between Specright and Lorax EPI as complementary best-in-breed solutions Resources Mentioned: Specright Contact: Listeners can connect with Danielle Goad on LinkedIn or reach her directly at danielle@specright.com. Support our Sponsors  Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest  https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap.  This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

  6. Jun 21

    How Burton Snowboards is Shaping the Future of Sustainable Packaging 

    In 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: Mitch's early passion for both snowboarding and packaging science, and how he discovered packaging through a chance visit to RIT in ninth gradeBurton's culture of curiosity and innovation, rooted in founder Jake Burton's legacy and sustained by owner Donna CarpenterThe advantages of being a privately held company in driving aggressive sustainability decisionsHow the Burton–Atlantic Packaging/New Earth Project partnership formed organically through a chance connection with Don Meek in VermontThe "We Do This Together" philosophy and open-source approach to sustainability collaboration across brands and suppliersJulia Marsh of Sway and the role of inspired, passionate individuals in driving the sustainable packaging movementFiberStrap and its application with Ibis Cycles as an example of cross-brand sustainability innovationThe See Change Sessions event in Vermont — its growth, unique format blending wellness with industry collaboration, and impact on attendeesBurton's progress from ~6% to ~90% elimination of single-use plastics in retail consumer-facing packagingChallenges of building global, omnichannel packaging while navigating evolving EPR regulations across the US, Europe, and beyondThe Digital Product Passport (DPP) initiative from the EU and what supply chain transparency will mean for brandsFSC certification, recycled content targets, and managing packaging development 24 months ahead of product launchOngoing challenges with snowboard shrink wrap and the search for viable, scalable alternativesResources Mentioned: Burton SnowboardsNew Earth ProjectSee Change SessionsSwayFibreStrapIbis CyclesBluesign CertificationCalifornia EPR Packaging ProgramContact: Listeners interested in learning more about Burton's sustainability initiatives can visit burton.com. For information about the New Earth Project and Atlantic Packaging, reach out through atlanticpkg.com. Support our Sponsors  Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest  https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap.  This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

  7. Jun 14

    Live 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 OTC and healthcare packaging, including paper prescription bottlesEPR turning five — progress made and challenges that remainShared data driving recyclability clarity, including the upgrade of polypropylene cold cups under the How to Recycle programDesigning for EPR — setting your own certainty in the face of regulatory uncertaintyThe "magic wand" thought experiment: how would you design your packaging portfolio if starting fresh today?Coated paper and molded fiber as focus areas for the SPC's paper recyclability collaborativeThe role of AI sorting technology in generating better recycling dataReusable e-commerce as an emerging opportunity — FedEx and Returnity's B2B partnershipPredictions for the 2027 Trends Report, including consumer education and infrastructure expansion in EPR statesCabinet Health's refillable OTC packaging model, available at Target and AmazonResources Mentioned: Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) SPC Paper Recyclability CollaborativeHow to Recycle ProgramCabinet Health — refillable OTC packagingNextGen ConsortiumReturnity Reusable ShippingContact: For more information on the SPC Trends Report, scan the QR code mentioned in the episode or visit sustainablepackaging.org. Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors, presented by Atlantic Packaging! Support our Sponsors  Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest  https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap.  This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

  8. Jun 7

    How Germany Is Leading the Reusable Packaging Revolution with Dana Voges

    In 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 BerlinGermany's deposit return system (DRS) and why it works — and why the US lags behindWhat SEA ME is and how their reusable packaging model works for cosmetics and personal care productsThe Zerooo open pool system: a pay-per-use model that handles reverse logistics, washing, and redeployment for participating brandsThe origin of the Zerooo name and its triple infinity loop logoConsumer behavior as the hardest challenge in reuse systems — and how pre-fill models reduce frictionThe "chicken and egg" problem between retailers and brands, and how SEA ME is bringing both to the tableThe roller coaster analogy: why reuse systems require coordinating infrastructure, legislation, incentives, and behavior simultaneouslyHow parallel revenue from the SEA ME brand funded the system during early-stage high costsEconomies of scale: how wash costs for 10,000 bottles are nearly the same as for 1,000Aesthetics and wear: clever bottle design to prevent scuffing and maintain brand appearance across cyclesWhy metal containers present challenges for reuse: keepability, high upfront carbon footprint, visual inspection limitations, and consumer familiarityWhy glass and PET are the preferred materials for SEA ME's systemThe importance of integrating reuse systems with existing consumer habits (e.g., reusable bags, existing return infrastructure)SEA ME's current footprint: ~900 sale and return locations in Germany, with major European retail expansion underwayResources Mentioned: SEA MEZeroooEllen MacArthur Foundation Cradle to Cradle by Michael BraungartContact: Brands selling personal care, home care, wellness, or beauty products in PET bottles interested in joining the European Zerooo system can reach out to Dana Voges and the SEA ME team directly. Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! Support our Sponsors  Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest  https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap.  This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

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About

Join industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers as we explore the future of packaging through the lens of sustainability.  Hosted by Cory Connors, an industry expert with over 25 years of experience, and presented by Atlantic Packaging, the leader in innovative sustainable solutions, we dive into what’s working (and what’s not) from cutting-edge materials to circular design strategies that can reduce waste and protect our planet.  Each episode blends real data, expert insights, and a dose of fun to help you stay informed and inspired. Whether you're in the packaging industry or simply passionate about sustainability, this podcast is your weekly go-to resource for making smarter, greener choices.

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