Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic Packaging

Cory Connors
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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. 1D AGO

    What Happens Inside Atlantic's Packaging Solution Center

    In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Kyle Pischel and Jake Wyns to discuss the Atlantic Packaging Solutions Center — what it is, how it came to be, and the innovative work happening inside it every day. Kyle shares his background in packaging, from studying at Michigan State to working on Coca-Cola's packaging innovations team before joining Atlantic. Jake recounts his decade at Atlantic, beginning with a deep dive into stretch film and evolving into unit load stability and e-commerce packaging. Together, they walk through the science of load containment, the design program, and the future of sustainable packaging materials. Key Topics Discussed: Kyle's career path from Michigan State and Coca-Cola to Atlantic Packaging and the MUST monitoring systemJake's background in stretch film performance testing and the fingerprinting of film propertiesThe origin story of the Solution Center: from Stretch University to a full technical hub in Charlotte, NCHow the MUST monitoring system tracks stretch film application and maintains standards set in the Solution CenterThe science of unit load containment — weight, coefficient of friction, stacking patterns, and pyramidal wrap profilesOver 15,000 horizontal impact tests and 5,000+ hours of vibration testing conducted at the facilityAtlantic's holistic approach to packaging: removing strapping, corner boards, and downgauging corrugated alongside stretch film optimizationThe in-house design program led by designer Mary Ashland, focused on sustainable material substitution and end-of-life strategyPost-consumer recycled (PCR) content in stretch film — finding the right percentage for performance and sustainabilityThe shift toward fiber-based packaging solutions and coated paper technologies for flow-wrap applicationsAtlantic's investment in Remo recycling equipment to process stretch film bales into PCR resinEPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) legislation as a driver of reduced virgin plastic usageResources Mentioned: Atlantic Packaging Solution Center MUST Monitoring SystemLandsmont multi-axis vibration equipmentClosed Loop System for Stretch FilmContact: Listeners interested in a Solution Center visit or packaging consultation can reach out through Atlantic Packaging's website or connect with Kyle Pischel and Jake Wyns directly. Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! Support our Sponsors  Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest  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.

    27 min

  2. MAY 17

    Inside the World's Largest Aluminum Packaging Manufacturer with Predrag Ozmo of Ball Corporation

    In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes  Predrag Ozmo to discuss the sustainability story behind Ball Corporation — the world's largest aluminum packaging manufacturer, producing more than 100 billion cans per year. Predrag shares his background growing up in Serbia and his early career at MiTeCo, a hazardous waste management company specializing in chemical, pharmaceutical, and PCB waste, before moving to Inos Balkan (part of the Greek Anamet group), a metal recycling company, and then joining Ball in 2019. He explains why aluminum is often called an "energy bank" — a truly circular material that can be recycled endlessly, with up to 95% energy savings versus primary production. Predrag walks through Ball's climate transition plan and its 2030 and 2050 goals, the decarbonization pathways for primary aluminum (hydropower, inert anodes, and the ELYSIS breakthrough), the growing importance of recycled content, and the innovative partnerships that are bringing refillable and first-of-their-kind aluminum packaging to market. Key Topics Discussed: Predrag's journey from metal recycling at MiTeCo in Serbia to sustainability leadership at Ball CorporationBall Corporation's scale as the world's largest aluminum packaging manufacturer (100+ billion cans per year)Aluminum as a circular, infinitely recyclable "energy bank" materialThe 95% energy savings achieved when aluminum is recycled versus primary productionBall's climate transition plan and 2030 / 2050 sustainability goalsDecarbonization of primary aluminum through hydropower, inert anodes, and the ELYSIS technologyThe role of recycled content in reducing packaging's carbon footprintBall's partnership with Meadow for refillable soap and shampoo in aluminum bottlesBrazil partnership with Sofie and Aeroflaks on the first ASI-certified aluminum aerosol canUnilever and Alcoa's ELYSIS pilot as a model for low-carbon primary metalThe 10–15 year vision for aluminum packaging and the circular economyWhy aluminum's infinite recyclability makes it a long-term sustainability winnerResources Mentioned: Ball CorporationELYSISAluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI)Meadow (refillable aluminum personal care packaging)Contact: Listeners can learn more or reach out to Predrag directly: LinkedInBall Corporation Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! Support our Sponsors  Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest  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.

    32 min

  3. MAY 5

    New Earth Ventures Launch with Matt Saunders and Wes Carter

    In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Atlantic Packaging President  Wes Carter  and New Earth Ventures Managing Partner Matt Saunders for an exciting announcement: the official launch of New Earth Ventures (NEV), a venture capital firm launching in partnership with Atlantic Packaging. Wes shares how Atlantic's decades-long commitment to packaging innovation and sustainability laid the foundation for NEV, while Matt discusses his background in venture capital and how his partnership with Wes came together. Together, they outline how NEV will support entrepreneurs, startups, and customers working to build a more circular, sustainable packaging future. Key Topics Discussed: The 30-year history of Atlantic Packaging's innovation philosophy and how it evolved into New Earth VenturesThe role of the Packaging Solution Center in Charlotte as a hub for packaging science and technologyHow NEV differs from traditional corporate venture capital by pairing deep packaging expertise with a scalable fund modelThe MUST stretch film optimization program as a model for how technology and packaging can intersect to drive massive ROICurrent NEV portfolio highlights including Specright and investments in material and AI technology companiesResources Mentioned: New Earth Ventures: WebsiteInstagramLinkedInGuests: Wes Carter: LinkedInMatt Saunders: LinkedInContact: Innovators, founders, and brands interested in partnering or learning more can reach out via the NEV website or social channels. Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! Support our Sponsors  Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest  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.

    26 min

  4. MAY 3

    The Future of Bottles Is Paper with Malcolm Waugh

    In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Malcolm Waugh, CEO of Frugalpac, to explore the innovation behind the Frugal Bottle — a paper‑based alternative to traditional glass packaging. Malcolm walks through his engineering‑rooted career, his years at Tetra Pak, and how he ultimately joined Frugalpac to help lead a packaging revolution. He explains how the paper bottle dramatically reduces carbon emissions, why it maintains a familiar consumer experience, and how global markets are rapidly adopting the technology. The discussion also highlights upcoming innovations, including custom bottle shapes, edible‑oil packaging, and a new paper‑based paint pot. Key Topics Discussed: Malcolm’s background in engineering, food manufacturing, and nearly two decades at Tetra PakThe origins of Frugalpac and contributions of its young, innovative team, including Product Director John Paul GroganOverview of the Frugal Bottle: 84% recycled paper shell, 16% polyethylene liner, and a 6× lower carbon footprint than glassEnvironmental costs of glass manufacturing and transportation in the wine industryReplicating consumer expectations: bottle shape, screw cap, and premium look and feelHow Frugalpac’s business model works: early UK manufacturing, followed by customer‑owned assembly machines and royaltiesMarket adoption trends: strong uptake in the US, Canada, Scandinavia, and among younger consumersRetail expansion, including nationwide placement in Target storesEvent success stories, Coldplay concerts where 8,000 Frugal Bottles outperformed traditional wine serviceThe role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in accelerating demand by increasing the true cost of glass packagingFuture innovations: new machine platforms, lighter materials, custom shapes, olive‑oil applications, and the “Frugal Pot” Resources Mentioned: Frugalpac website Frugal Bottle rollouts in major retailers, including Target Coldplay sustainability initiatives that showcased the Frugal Bottle at concerts Contact: To learn more about the Frugal Bottle, Frugalpac’s machine platforms, or partnership opportunities, listeners can reach the team at hello@frugalpac.com or connect with Malcolm Waugh and Frugalpac on LinkedIn. Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! Support our Sponsors  Learn more here: - 3M - Specright - Forest  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.

    29 min

  5. APR 26

    Innovating Sustainable Packaging with Julia Bialetska

    In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Julia Bialetska to discuss her journey from bioecology to tech, and ultimately to creating S.Lab — a company producing mycelium‑based packaging that replaces polystyrene. Julia shares how witnessing massive plastic pollution in Bali inspired her to take action, eventually leading to the development of a fully compostable, natural material made from plant waste and mushroom mycelium. She explains the environmental benefits, the challenges in certification and legislation, and the breakthrough technology behind S.Lab’s decentralized mini‑factories designed to eliminate freight and reduce CO₂ emissions. Julia also highlights her Women in Leadership Award, the team’s mission, and the growing demand for truly circular packaging solutions. Key Topics Discussed: Julia’s background in bioecology, software product management, and leadershipThe moment in Bali that motivated her to solve plastic pollution at scaleWhat mycelium is and how it binds plant waste to create a strong, natural packaging materialHow S.Lab’s material replaces polystyrene and other protective packagingBenefits of full home compostability and recent OK Home Compost certificationChallenges with industrial composting, legislation, and certification systemsUse cases across beauty, electronics, décor, and future food/pharma applicationsS.Lab’s patented technology enabling decentralized, on‑site mini‑factoriesHow eliminating freight reduces cost and emissionsThe importance of circularity, sustainability, and leadership in the packaging industryHow companies can partner with S.Lab or pilot a mini‑factoryResources Mentioned: S.Lab OK Home Compost certification (TÜV Austria)S.Lab’s: InstagramS.Lab's: LinkedInJulia Bialetska’s: LinkedInContact: Listeners can connect with Julia and the S.Lab team through their Website, LinkedIn, or Instagram. Julia welcomes direct outreach via LinkedIn. 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/ 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.

    23 min

  6. APR 19

    Revolutionizing Packaging Supply with CEO Matthew Wright

    In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes longtime friend and industry innovator Matthew Wright to discuss his newest venture, Forest, a platform designed to organize and modernize the packaging industry. Matthew shares the vision behind Forest, how it builds on his work with Specright, and why the packaging marketplace desperately needs better structure, transparency, and technology. Forest aims to simplify how companies find suppliers, manage data, track samples, verify certifications, and communicate all in one intuitive, AI‑native platform. Key Topics Discussed: Matthew’s transition from Specright to launching Forest and the industry gaps he aims to solveThe complexity of the packaging supply chain and the need for organized, accurate, accessible dataHow Forest uses AI not as an add‑on, but as the foundation of the platform’s capabilitiesThe challenge of finding trustworthy, well‑matched packaging suppliers and how Forest addresses thisHow verified profiles, performance‑based ranking, and review systems improve supplier discovery and transparencyBringing consumer‑level digital experiences into the packaging industryForest’s beta launch, ongoing development, and plans to evolve based on user feedback and real‑time dataResources Mentioned: Forest WebsiteForest Contact: matthew@forest‑pkg.comLinkedIn: Matthew Wright LinkedIn: Forest-PKGContact: Listeners interested in joining the Forest platform, participating in beta, or learning more about how the system works can reach Matthew through the Forest website, email, or LinkedIn. 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/ 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.

    21 min

  7. APR 12

    MUST Stretch Film System, Reducing Plastic and Saving Money with Ric Lee at Atlantic Packaging

    In this episode, Cory Connors sits down with Ric Lee of Atlantic Packaging to discuss one of the most impactful sustainability programs in the packaging industry today: MUST. Ric shares his 30-year journey through the packaging and equipment world and explains how his experience led to the development and expansion of MUST, a first-of-its-kind stretch film management system. The conversation highlights a major announcement around the scale, impact, and validation of MUST, including its role in dramatically reducing plastic use, cutting customer costs, and delivering long-term, financially sustainable environmental benefits. Ric explains how the program evolved from a simple monitoring concept into a fully managed system that drives real-world results across thousands of facilities. Over the past decade, MUST has helped remove 247 million pounds of plastic from the supply chain while saving customers over $80 million, proving that sustainability can succeed when it delivers both environmental and economic value. Key Topics Discussed: Ric Lee’s background and career in stretch film and packaging equipmentChallenges with traditional stretch film equipment ROI and real-world performanceThe origins of the MUST system through collaboration with Coca-ColaHow MUST differs from basic stretch wrapper monitoring solutionsManaging stretch film standards through data, accountability, and partnershipEnvironmental impact of MUST, including plastic reduction at scaleCustomer cost savings and damage reduction benefitsReal-world success stories with Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Busch, and Hill’s Pet NutritionIntegration of PCR stretch film into MUST programsEligibility requirements for MUST and automatic stretch wrapping systemsThe future of MUST, including AI and expanded capabilitiesResources Mentioned: Atlantic PackagingMUST Stretch Film SystemAtlantic Packaging Solutions CenterWolfTec Stretch Wrapping EquipmentContact: Listeners interested in learning more about MUST or scheduling a facility evaluation can reach out to Ric Lee via email at ricl@atlanticpkg.com, through the Atlantic Packaging website, or on LinkedIn. Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! Support our Sponsors  Learn more here: www.3M.com/sustainablepackaginghttps://www.specright.comConnect 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.

    26 min

  8. APR 5

    The Sustainable Paper Alternative with CEO Benjamin Draper

    In this episode, Cory Connors talks with Benjamin Draper, CEO of the Hemp Paper Company, about how he entered the industry and why he believes tree‑free, hemp‑based paper can transform sustainable packaging. Benjamin explains how fast‑growing industrial hemp offers environmental advantages such as reduced deforestation, strong recyclable fibers, and soil‑improving benefits. He also shares how his company creates chemical‑free, U.S‑made paper products and prepares to launch new packaging innovations. The conversation covers the resurgence of industrial hemp farming, compostability considerations, and the growing interest from brands seeking high‑impact sustainability solutions. Key Topics Discussed: Benjamin entrepreneurial origin story and unexpected entry into hemp packagingDifferences between CBD hemp and industrial hemp—and why the confusion persistsWhy hemp is one of the most sustainable fibers on the planet (growth cycles, carbon sequestration, soil health, recyclability)The Hemp Paper Company’s tree‑free materials made from hemp and water, with no chemicals used in manufacturingProduct overview: hemp‑based paper bags, five size options, custom printing, upcoming carton packaging lineThe history of hemp farming in Oregon and the nationwide rise and fall of CBD hemp productionCurrent U.S. hemp fiber resurgence, political momentum, and federal interest in reshoring manufacturingCompostability vs. recyclability of 100% hemp fiber paper and the need for new standards or certificationsYouth interest in sustainable agriculture and why hemp could be a catalyst for bringing new generations into farmingResources Mentioned: Hemp Paper CompanyWestern Michigan University’s repulpability / recycling testing lab (for future hemp fiber certification)Contact: For more information about hemp‑based paper products or partnership opportunities, listeners can connect with Benjamin Draper and the Hemp Paper Company. Hemp Paper Comany: LinkedIn Website Benjamin Draper : LinkedIn Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! Support our Sponsors  Learn more here: www.3M.com/sustainablepackaginghttps://www.specright.comConnect 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.

    21 min
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5
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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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