Good Garbage with Ved Krishna

Pakka
  • 5.0 (8)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Hello, hello! We’re so excited to be here and embark on an enlightening journey with our fellow planet advocates - yes, we’re talking about you – to leave the earth cleaner! 💪🌏 Tune in for engaging conversations around the evolution of the packaging industry as we scale up towards a more sustainable future 🌱 Join us, in our endeavour to learn from our inspiring guests and get their insight on the pertinent (and our forever favourite) question – what does #GoodGarbage mean to you? ♻️✨ Feedback? Collaboration requests? Guest recommendations? Hit us up at connect@goodgarbagepodcast.com ✍️

  1. APR 30

    Meta Materials & Bioplastics in Packaging | Vaibhav Anand on Scaling Sustainability

    Hello, hello!  In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna sits down with Vaibhav Anand, Founder & CEO of Bambrew, to unpack how sustainable packaging is being redefined in India through innovation in biodegradable materials and scalable design. From building solutions for milk packaging to creating high-barrier compostable films, Vaibhav shares his journey from Jharkhand to leading one of India’s most exciting climate-tech startups. With deep insights into materials science, circular economy systems, and startup realities, this episode bridges the gap between sustainability theory and real-world execution. 🎙️ What This Episode Explores This conversation goes beyond buzzwords like eco-friendly, biodegradable, and green packaging and dives into the real challenges of building sustainable alternatives that actually work at scale. From flexible packaging and bioplastics to meta materials and compostable films, Vaibhav explains why the future of packaging isn’t about replacing plastic blindly—but about designing smarter, context-driven solutions. If you’ve ever wondered: - Can biodegradable packaging truly replace plastic in India? - What makes milk packaging so difficult to innovate? - How do startups scale sustainable materials in a price-sensitive market? This episode answers it practically and honestly. 🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn • Why sustainable milk packaging is a massive opportunity in India • The science behind high-barrier compostable films • What “meta materials” and “material agnosticism” really mean • How COVID accelerated product innovation in climate-tech • The biggest challenges in scaling eco-friendly packaging • Why mindset and systems are as important as materials • The role of bioplastics like PBAT in flexible packaging • How Bambrew is building solutions for a circular economy ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Vaibhav Anand and Bambrew 00:43 The importance of sustainable milk packaging in India 04:26 Early influences and journey into ecopreneurship 10:04 Vaibhav's entrepreneurial ventures before Bambrew 14:03 Impact of COVID-19 on Bamboo's product development 18:26 Development of home compostable mailers during pandemic 22:14 Meet the co-founder Kunal and their collaboration 24:03 Bambrew's core innovation: high barrier, compostable films 27:47 Meta materials and material agnosticism explained 30:14 Challenges in bringing sustainable packaging to scale 33:48 Focus on staples packaging and other high-impact categories 35:52 Overcoming market and mindset challenges 39:48 Material innovations: biophil platform and bio-based materials 44:11 Key materials: PBAT and downstream solutions 51:08 Future applications and long-term vision 01:01:45 Reflections on growth, aspirations, and impact 01:06:20 What does good garbage mean? Building a community 01:08:15 Closing thoughts and call for eco-entrepreneurs 🎬 Credits Producer: Tanishka Garg Video Editor: Sargam Krishna 🌐 Follow & Listen Vaibhav Anand: https://linkedin.com/in/vaibhav-anand Bambrew: https://www.bambrew.in/ Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Instagram: @goodgarbagepodcast LinkedIn: Good Garbage Podcast 💭 Let’s Talk If you had to redesign packaging from scratch— Would you choose biodegradable materials, plastic alternatives, or an entirely new system? Why?

    1h 9m

  2. APR 16

    The Truth About Sustainable Packaging with Sandeep Kulkarni

    Hello, hello! In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna sits down with Sandeep Kulkarni, Founder of Kool Earth Solutions and a global expert in sustainable packaging. With experience spanning PepsiCo’s Advanced Research team, packaging innovation, and circular economy systems, Sandeep brings a rare insider perspective into how materials, business realities, and sustainability intersect. 🎙️ What This Episode Explores This conversation goes beyond buzzwords like eco-friendly and biodegradable — and dives into the real science, trade-offs, and economics behind packaging materials. From paper bottles to plastic recycling, molded fiber, and biopolymers, Sandeep explains why there is no perfect material — only better decisions depending on context. If you’ve ever wondered: - Can paper really replace plastic? - Is glass actually more sustainable? - What happens to your plastic bottle after you throw it away? This episode answers it — honestly. 🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn • Why paper packaging isn’t as simple as it seems • The real difference between plastic, glass, and paper • How PepsiCo approached packaging innovation • Why recycling systems matter more than materials • The truth about bioplastics (PLA, PHA) • Why molded fiber hasn’t scaled yet • How barriers (oxygen, moisture) define packaging success • Why there is no one-size-fits-all solution in sustainability ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sandeep Kulkarni 01:30 Journey into PepsiCo & Advanced Research 04:50 Paper vs Plastic: Benefits & Challenges 07:45 Understanding hermetic sealing 09:40 Glass vs Plastic vs Paper comparison 17:30 Recycling systems: India vs global 21:30 What happens to plastic bottles 23:50 Chemicals in plastics explained 26:00 Evolution of paper packaging 28:40 Molded fiber: potential vs limits 31:30 Designing sustainable packaging 39:30 Why bioplastics struggle to scale 44:30 Starbucks Cup Challenge insights 50:30 Molded fiber cups: challenges 55:30 EPS vs paper debate 58:50 Reality of disposable chai cups 01:01:15 India’s recycled plastic policy 01:04:00 Multi-layer packaging challenges 01:08:00 Real-world failures in sustainable packaging 01:13:00 Designing the “perfect” wrapper 01:19:00 Can paper fully replace plastic? 01:23:00 Future of biopolymers 01:27:00 Purpose behind sustainability work 01:30:30 What gives hope for the future 🎬 Credits Producer: Tanishka Garg Video Editor: Sargam Krishna 🌐 Follow & Listen Sandeep Kulkarni: http://linkedin.com/in/sandeepkulkarni1 KoolEarth Solutions: https://koolearthsolutions.com/ Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Instagram: @goodgarbagepodcast LinkedIn: Good Garbage Podcast Business/queries: tanishka.garg@pakka.com 💭 Let’s Talk If you had to redesign packaging from scratch — Would you choose paper, plastic, or something entirely new? Why?

    1h 32m

  3. FEB 26

    Designing Packaging That Disappears: The NakedPak Approach with Naama Nicotra

    Can you eat the packaging instead of throwing it away? Hello, hello! In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna sits down with Naama Nicotara, founder of NakedPak, to explore a radical rethinking of food packaging, one where the wrapper disappears entirely. From her early inspiration to the material science behind algae-based films, Naama shares the journey of building NakedPak and challenging the very idea of what packaging should be. What began as a response to plastic pollution evolved into a bold innovation that merges food, material science, and design. This conversation dives into the realities of building a breakthrough sustainability product. From behavioural shifts and market confusion to food safety certifications and scaling production, Naama explains what it truly takes to move from concept to consumer. Together, Ved and Naama discuss: • The origin story behind NakedPak • Why algae became the material of choice • How edible packaging is developed in the lab • The science behind taste, shelf life, and food safety • Consumer psychology and behavioural change • Market positioning and the blurred line between meal and packaging • Certifications and regulatory hurdles • Accessibility, pricing, and commercial viability • Collaboration and the future of zero waste food systems • The episode closes with a reflection on what it really means to eliminate waste; not by replacing plastic with another material, but by questioning whether packaging is needed at all. 🎙️ Good Garbage features conversations with founders, scientists, and builders working to leave the planet cleaner — while asking one essential question: What is Good Garbage? 📌Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Naama Nicotara and NakedPak 03:12 The origin story and early inspiration 07:45 Why algae and edible materials? 12:20 Inside the lab: how the packaging is made 18:05 Taste, shelf life, and food safety concerns 24:30 Certifications and regulatory approvals 30:10 Market positioning: meal or packaging innovation 38:45 Pricing and accessibility 44:20 Consumer behaviour and comfort zones 52:15 Challenges in building a breakthrough idea 59:40 Collaboration and industry response 01:07:30 Scaling production and factory vision 01:15:00 The future of edible packaging 01:22:10 What is Good Garbage? Naama's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naama-nicotra-1b9232174/?originalSubdomain=il  NakedPak: https://www.nakedpak.com/ NakedPak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nakedpak/ NakedPak Instagram: https://share.google/n03pqrTXGwcu7z9vv Producer: Palakshi Aggarwal Video Producer: Sargam Krishna 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: /@GoodGarbage 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 📸 Follow on Instagram /@goodgarbagepodcast 📩 Send us your questions: palakshi.aggarwal@pakka.com

    1h 30m

  4. FEB 14

    From Pulp to Performance: The Science of Paper with Dr. Alexey Vishtal

    Hello, hello! In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna sits down with Dr. Alexey Vishtal, a scientist and industry expert in pulp, paper, and sustainable packaging, to explore thematerial reality behind sustainability. From growing up in Russia to building his career in Finland, Alexey shares the journey that led him into material science — including a PhD focused on the stretchability of paper and years working inside a global corporation like Nestlé. Along the way, he gained rare insight into how sustainability actually moves (or stalls) inside large systems. This conversation goes beyond surface-level sustainability narratives and into the physics, constraints, and trade-offs that define packaging today. From water vapor barriers to economic viability, Alexey explains why materials — not intentions — ultimately decide what works. Together, Ved and Alexey discuss: Why paper performance is more complex than it seems What stretchability, barriers, and material limits really mean How regulation and consumer demand shape sustainability efforts What working inside Nestlé revealed about innovation at scale How nature offers clues for better material design Why collaboration is essential for the future of sustainable packaging The episode closes with a reflection on good garbage — and what it would take to design materials that truly belong in natural and industrial systems. 🎙️ Good Garbage features conversations with scientists, founders, and builders working to leave the planet cleaner — while asking one essential question: What is #GoodGarbage? 📌 Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Dr. Alexey Vishtal 03:04 From Russia to Finland: early influences 05:46 Discovering pulp & paper 09:00 The science of paper stretchability 12:10 Inside Nestlé: sustainability at scale 17:56 Regulation, consumers & real change 21:11 India, culture, and perspectives 29:52 Innovation in sustainable packaging 50:06 Why water vapor barriers are so hard 54:13 Learning from nature 01:01:20 The future of sustainable materials 01:24:19 Vision for the future of packaging Producer: Adriana Sánchez Uebelhoer Video Producer: Sargam Krishna 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: / @goodgarbage 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📸 Follow on Instagram: / @goodgarbagepodcast 📩 Send us your questions: adriana@pakka.com

    1h 28m

  5. FEB 3

    Can seaweed replace plastic? With Neha Jain

    Hello, hello! In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna sits down with Neha Jain, Founder & CEO of Zerocircle, to explore how seaweed-based materials could transform the future of sustainable packaging. Imagine a world where packaging doesn’t end up stranded on beaches, but instead safely dissolves back into nature. That’s the future Neha is working toward. Neha shares her journey from working at Google to building Zerocirlce, a company focused on developing natural polymer materials from seaweed as an alternative to plastic packaging. This conversation dives deep into material science, the challenges of scaling sustainable packaging solutions, and why true sustainability must work commercially, not just environmentally. Together, Ved and Neha discuss: - How seaweed is used to create home-compostable packaging materials - The science behind natural polymers and plastic alternatives - Why collaboration is critical in the sustainable materials ecosystem - What it takes to scale climate-positive solutions globally - Why “good garbage” means designing systems where waste doesn’t exist Zerocircle’s vision goes beyond packaging aiming to become a core material provider for manufacturers worldwide, helping reduce plastic waste at scale. → Find out more about Zerocirlce: https://www.zerocircle.in/ 🎙️ Good Garbage features conversations with founders, scientists, and innovators working to leave the planet cleaner - while asking one essential question: What is #GoodGarbage? 📌 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neha Jain and Zero Circle 02:50 Early life, curiosity, and career path 09:24 Entrepreneurship lessons from Flyby Night 15:21 Discovering sustainability and material science 29:57 Founding Zero Circle 54:14 Why seaweed? Properties and potential 01:00:44 Extraction, processing, and scalability 01:10:13 Commercialization challenges 01:22:00 Investors and funding climate solutions 01:30:03 Collaboration in the seaweed ecosystem 01:34:08 The future of sustainable packaging Neha’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehajn/ Zerocircle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zerocircle/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zerocircle_in/ Producer: Adriana Sánchez Uebelhoer Video Producer: Sargam Krishna 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: / @goodgarbage 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotif y📸 Follow on Instagram: / @goodgarbagepodcast 📩 Send us your questions: adriana@pakka.com

    1h 28m

  6. 12/27/2025

    Soil, Soul, and Systems Change: A Conversation with Sammy Davies

    Sammy Davies, Director of Sustainability & Brand at EcoSafe Zero Waste, is a regenerative leader who bridges the gap between high-level brand strategy and deep ecological advocacy. With over a decade of experience in cleantech, she brings a "systems change" mindset to the heart of the circular economy. What if the secret to fixing our broken industrial systems isn't found in a boardroom, but in the ancient wisdom of the earth? We explore how a background in herbalism and ancestral medicine can fundamentally reshape our approach to environmental leadership and personal connection. Modern waste management is full of promises, but how much of it is actually working? We take a closer look at the innovative tools driving real diversion and the specific household items that are quietly revolutionizing how we handle our daily footprint. The journey toward zero waste is rarely a straight line. We dive into the uncomfortable truths regarding the "green" products we rely on and why true transformation requires us to fall in love with the very systems we often overlook. Join host Ved Krishna as he learns from inspiring guests and experts in the industry of sustainable packaging about ways to leave the planet cleaner and answer what is #GoodGarbage? Check out the Good Garbage podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to podcasts about making the planet cleaner! Check out more on our journey! Get involved at pakka.com #composting #sustainability #packaging #environment #compostable Producer: Sargam Krishna Subscribe to Good Garbage Podcast on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to Good Garbage Podcast on YouTube: @goodgarbage Follow us on Instagram: @goodgarbagepodcast Good Garbage Podcast, Ved Krishna, Samantha Davies, EcoSafe Zero Waste, Sustainability, Circular Economy, Composting, Compostable Packaging, Regenerative Agriculture, Systems Change, India Sustainability, India's Future, Family Business, Innovation, Technology, Modernization, Legacy, Future Vision, Waste Diversion, Zero Waste, Environmental Advocacy, Cleantech, Climate Action, Sustainable Branding, Green Innovation, Soil Regeneration, Nature Connection, Ayurvedic Medicine, Herbalism, Waste Management, Growth Strategy, Global Sustainability

    1h 20m

  7. 12/04/2025

    Why the FUTURE of Sustainability is in INDIA with Avantika Saraogi

    Hello, hello! This week - the Good Garbage podcast welcomes back the in-person interview - with Avantika Saraogi on the show! A visionary, Avantika is manufacturing PLA from sugarcane at BCML, where she is the executive director.  She doesn't only oversee PLA production but also heads the entire sugarcane operation. From sugarcane development, procurement, grower relations, strategy, technology, mechanization, down to digitalization of the entire value chain. Avantika is dedicated to PLA because of it's compostability - especially in sustainable packaging.  She sat down with Ved to about her business and her vision for innovation and growth - through the lens of sustainability. But the two also beyond that - speaking on preserving her family's legacy, while also embracing new opportunities.  Join host Ved Krishna as he learns from inspiring guests and experts in the industry of sustainable packaging about ways to leave the planet cleaner and answer what is #GoodGarbage? Check out the Good Garbage podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to podcasts about making the planet cleaner! Check out more on our journey! Get involved at pakka.com #composting #sustainability #packaging #environment #compostable #environmentalart Producer: Alex Moore Video Producer: Sargam Krishna Subscribe to Good Garbage Podcast on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Subscribe to Good Garbage Podcast on YouTube: / @goodgarbage   Follow us on Instagram:  / goodgarbagepodcast   Send us your questions by texting us at 971-533-5338, or email alex.moore@pakka.com Good Garbage Podcast, Ved Krishna,family business, innovation, growth, sustainability, technology, modernization, legacy, future vision, opportunities, commitment, India, India Sustainability, Good Garbage, composting, compostable packaging, regenerative agriculture

    1h 31m

  8. 11/27/2025

    Around the World of Packaging Nov '25 with Alex Moore

    Hello, hello! It's Good Garbage News! Every month, in addition to our regular episodes with Ved's interviews, we'll post an industry update with the latest updates in both sustainable packaging and packaging regulations all across the world. Never miss an episode by following us on all our socials by clicking on the link below! ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Alex Moore #composting #sustainability #packaging #environment #innovation #compostable Producer: Alex Moore Video Producer: Sargam Krishna Subscribe to Good Garbage Podcast on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-garbage-with-ved-krishna/id1613337676⁠ Subscribe to Good Garbage Podcast on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@GoodGarbage⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/goodgarbagepodcast/⁠ Send us your questions by texting us at 971-533-5338, or email ⁠alex.moore@pakka.com⁠ Environmental Art, Activism, Photography, Storytelling, Collaboration, Sustainability, Creative Process, Impactful Art, Climate Change, Personal Journey, composting, organic farming, chemical fertilizers, waste management, sustainability, soil health, compostable packaging, environmental impact, data collection, agricultural practices composting, US Composting Council, commercial composting, compostable packaging, soil health, organic waste recycling, composting industry, sustainable waste management, landfills, policy, packaging policy, garbage, garbage cleanup, beach clean up, India, waste collection, sustainable packaging podcast

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About

Hello, hello! We’re so excited to be here and embark on an enlightening journey with our fellow planet advocates - yes, we’re talking about you – to leave the earth cleaner! 💪🌏 Tune in for engaging conversations around the evolution of the packaging industry as we scale up towards a more sustainable future 🌱 Join us, in our endeavour to learn from our inspiring guests and get their insight on the pertinent (and our forever favourite) question – what does #GoodGarbage mean to you? ♻️✨ Feedback? Collaboration requests? Guest recommendations? Hit us up at connect@goodgarbagepodcast.com ✍️

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