Sustainable Packaging Show Podcast

Michael Markarian

It's a podcast dedicated to sustainable packaging! Join host Michael Markarian, CEO of Contempo Specialty Packaging, on his mission to end greenwashing in packaging. It's not going to be easy, but it's going to be worth it. We will discuss how to actually create packaging that is good for the planet and will debate the many angles of eco-friendly and green packaging! We hope that we bring a great deal of education to the world through this podcast, so that more major brands and startups choose environmentally sustainable packaging.

  1. 4D AGO

    Compost Infrastructure Reality, Function Over Form, Supply Chain Crisis (Feb 3, 2026)

    Compost Blocked, rPET Plants Close, PP Cups Succeed (Feb 3, 2026) Your bi-weekly sustainable packaging briefing. This episode: NOSB decision on compostable bioplastics, Canadian study on food waste vs. packaging reduction, simplification that cut plastic 80%, domestic rPET crisis, and what infrastructure success actually takes. This episode's stories: - NOSB blocks compostable bioplastics from organic-certified systems - Food waste prevention beats minimal packaging   - Simplification: 80% plastic reduction through elimination - rPET plants closing despite recycled content mandates - PP cups achieve "widely recyclable" after years of investment Links & Sources: - NOSB decision - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/national-organic-standards-board-votes-against-compostable-materials-national-list/809526/ - Canadian food waste study - Canadian Packaging - https://www.canadianpackaging.com/general/new-federal-study-backs-function-first-approach-to-sustainable-produce-packaging-185862/ - Simplification design - Packaging World - https://www.packworld.com/leaders-new/business-drivers-specialty/sustainability/article/22958183/simplified-quiche-package-cuts-plastic-up-to-80 - rPET closures - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/postconsumer-recycled-content-domestic-market/810444/ - PP cups recyclable - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/polypropylene-cups-how2recycle-label-recycling-access/811016/ Resources: 📖 Book: SustainablePackagingBook.com 🌐 Platform: PackagedSustainable.com About the Show: The Sustainable Packaging Show delivers bi-weekly briefings on what's real, what's hype, and what you need to know. Hosted by Michael Markarian, author of Sustainable Packaging Revolution.

    13 min

  2. JAN 20

    Federal Labeling Framework, California's Catch-22, EU Enforcement (Jan 20, 2026)

    Your bi-weekly briefing on sustainable packaging headlines. This episode: Congress introduces the PACK Act to create federal labeling framework, California's compostable packaging policy contradiction, EU's PPWR initial enforcement begins in 7 months, US Plastics Pact reality check on industry progress, and Dubai completes phased single-use plastic ban. This episode's stories: PACK Act: Federal framework would preempt non-identical state labeling requirements California challenge: Two policies create difficult compliance scenario for compostable packaging EU PPWR: Initial enforcement begins August 2026 US Plastics Pact: Progress report shows forward movement, tight timeline to 2030 goals Dubai Ban: Four-phase single-use plastic ban fully implemented Links & Sources: PACK Act introduced - Packaging Digest - https://www.packagingdigest.com/sustainability/legislation-reshapes-packaging-sustainability-claims California compostable policy challenge - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/compostable-packaging-organics-revolution-foods/807789/ EU PPWR enforcement timeline - European Commission - https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste/packaging-packaging-waste-regulation_en US Plastics Pact 2024-25 report - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/us-plastics-pact-2024-2025-progress-report/809387/ Dubai plastic ban completion - Dubai Municipality - https://www.dm.gov.ae/2025/12/24/dubai-to-enforce-final-phase-of-single-use-plastic-ban-from-2026/ Resources: Book: SustainablePackagingBook.com Platform: PackagedSustainable.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelmarkarian/ About the Show: The Sustainable Packaging Show delivers bi-weekly briefings on what's real, what's hype, and what you need to know. Hosted by Michael Markarian, author of Sustainable Packaging Revolution.

    18 min

  3. JAN 7

    My Sustainable Packaging Book Hits #1 New Release in 2 Amazon Categories

    After 3 years of work, my new book Sustainable Packaging Revolution hit #1 New Release on Amazon in Environmental Economics and Green Business!  In this episode, I'm sharing why I wrote it, what's inside, and where the podcast is headed in 2026. Get The Book: SustainablePackagingBook.com Let's connect on LinkedIn!

    12 min

  4. 06/13/2025

    Sustainable Packaging Companies: Givr Packaging

    Joined by Jeremy Bowers of Givr Packaging to learn about their sustainable packaging solutions! Subscribe to stay up to date on the latest sustainable packaging solutions hitting the market, as well as news and updates in the world of sustainable packaging! Learn more about Givr on Packaged Sustainable:  Looking to find sustainable packaging suppliers? Try PS today: https://www.packagedsustainable.com/ Mike's family business, Contempo Packaging: www.contempopackaging.com

    34 min

  5. 04/09/2025

    My Take On Edible Food Packaging

    Sustainable Packaging Show Podcast

    3 min

  6. 04/04/2025

    Our Sustainable Packaging Featured in Forbes Magazine

    As many of you know, my family business services the cannabis industry. This new product got written about in Forbes!  https://www.forbes.com/sites/benjaminadams/2025/03/31/can-this-child-resistant-cigarette-box-make-cannabis-products-safer/

    3 min

  7. 03/06/2025

    Could sustainable packaging be posing health risks to us?

    The promise of creating a healthier planet through sustainable packaging is amazing, but what about human health? Aren't both important? This is a "conversation starting" episode. Is there a chance that we could be making decisions that are better for the planet, but worse for human health? If you have done studies or are an expert on the topic, let's do an episode together sharing what you know!  Connect with Mike on LinkedIn

    4 min

  8. 03/04/2025

    State of Sustainable Packaging (Q1 2025)

    Are you short on time, but still want to know what is going on in the world of sustainable packaging? This episode is for you!  Lots of news and trends as the eco friendly packaging world is charging ahead full speed. Want to do a podcast episode with Mike? Connect on LinkedIn!

    9 min
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5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

It's a podcast dedicated to sustainable packaging! Join host Michael Markarian, CEO of Contempo Specialty Packaging, on his mission to end greenwashing in packaging. It's not going to be easy, but it's going to be worth it. We will discuss how to actually create packaging that is good for the planet and will debate the many angles of eco-friendly and green packaging! We hope that we bring a great deal of education to the world through this podcast, so that more major brands and startups choose environmentally sustainable packaging.

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