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. 2d ago

    How Atlantic Packaging Built an 80-Year Legacy of Innovation | Rusty Carter, Bill Balkcum, & Wes Carter

    Recorded live on stage at Atlantic Packaging's National Sales Meeting, this special episode traces Atlantic Packaging's remarkable 80-year journey from a small-town North Carolina newspaper to a billion-dollar, family-owned leader in sustainable packaging. Host Cory Connors sits down with CEO Rusty Carter, VP Bill Balkcum, and President Wes Carter to unpack the company's origin story, its evolution into packaging, the sales-driven culture that has defined it for decades, and the values the family hopes will carry the business into its next generation. Key Topics Discussed: Rusty Carter's roots in the newspaper business at the Tabor City Tribune, and the "band of brothers" who shaped his early view of hard work and loyaltyThe company's gradual migration from newspapers and office supplies into industrial and institutional distributionBill Balkcum's early career at Dillard Paper Company and his first encounters with Rusty as a competitorThe 1980 move to Wilmington, the acquisition of Crown Box, and Atlantic's pivotal shift toward packagingThe rise of stretch film, garment film, and linear low-density film in the 1980s packaging boomCompeting against industry giant Dillard Paper Company and using innovation and differentiation to win businessBuilding a value-added business through die cutting, converting, and printing capabilitiesThe transformational 1999 Henley acquisition and its role in creating a true regional and eventually national footprintWhy Atlantic has remained a sales-driven organization, with leadership staying close to customersWhat Rusty Carter is most proud of: the people, the culture, and passing the torch to the next generationThe core values guiding Atlantic's future: integrity, honesty, gratitude, and environmental responsibilityChapters:   00:24 Introduction and Legacy of Atlantic Packaging 01:07 Introduction to the Sustainable Packaging Podcast 02:10 Early Days in the Newspaper Business 08:15 Transition to Atlantic Packaging 12:04 Competing in the Packaging Industry 18:21 The Move to Wilmington and Crown Box Acquisition 25:07 Evolution of Packaging and Automation 32:10 Differentiation in the Packaging Market 36:16 The Evolution of Leadership and Sales Culture 43:22 Transformational Acquisitions: The Henley Impact 48:23 Investing in Value-Added Services 59:50 Pride in Legacy and Culture 01:03:23 Core Values for Future Generations Resources Mentioned: Atlantic Packaging HistoryContact: Listeners interested in learning more about Atlantic Packaging can visit atlanticpackaging.com. Wes Carter - LinkedIn Atlantic Packaging - LinkedIn Atlantic Packaging - Linktree Closing Thoughts: Rusty and Bill reflect on eight decades of risk-taking, relationships, and reinvention, from hot-type newspaper tables to a national packaging powerhouse, and share why culture, not just growth, is the legacy they're most proud of building. 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.

  2. Aug 30

    Inside Europe's Toughest Packaging Law | Anna Perlina

    In this episode, Cory Connors sits down with Anna Perlina, a sustainable packaging and EU PPWR consultant with Integrity Solutions, to unpack why the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is reshaping how companies — even those outside Europe — think about packaging strategy. Anna traces her path from leading global packaging procurement at a major FMCG company to founding her own consultancy, and explains how the PPWR has turned "sustainable packaging," once a vague and subjective goal, into a concrete, common playing field with a roadmap running through 2040. The two also preview this November's Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht, where they both serve as ambassadors. Key Topics Discussed: Anna's journey from corporate packaging procurement to founding Integrity SolutionsWhy PPWR gives companies a concrete, common definition of "sustainable packaging" for the first timeThe business case for regulatory certainty: why clear rules unlock long-term investment in new materials and equipmentThe real-world testing and scale-up challenges of switching packaging formats (including a cautionary tale about pickle jars)Anna's role as an ambassador for the Sustainable Packaging Summit and her speaking history with Packaging Europe webinars and panelsReflections on last year's Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht, including moderating the "paper vs. plastic" panelWhat's new for the 2026 Summit: three full days of programming, EU commissioner participation, and lessons learned from the PPWR's first milestone (August 12, 2026)Why non-EU companies should study the PPWR now, even if they don't sell into EuropePractical tips for attending the Summit, including train travel to UtrechtChapters:  00:16 Introduction to Sustainability and Consulting 02:59 Understanding PPWR and Its Impact on Packaging 05:37 Challenges in Sustainable Packaging Implementation 10:06 The Role of the Sustainable Packaging Summit 12:46 Insights from the Last Summit and Future Expectations 15:23 Practical Tips for Companies on Sustainability 18:07 Conclusion and Networking Opportunities Resources Mentioned: Integrity Solutions — Anna Perlina's sustainable packaging and EU PPWR consultancyAnna Perlina on LinkedInSustainable Packaging Summit, Utrecht — November 10–12, 2026, at the Beatrix Theatre, JaarbeursEuropean Commission PPWR overview and guidanceContact: Listeners can connect with Anna Perlina on LinkedIn, where she regularly publishes free expert content and practical guidance on navigating the PPWR. 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. Aug 23

    Packaging Waste Needs a Seat at the Policy Table | Jackie Hope Glass

    In this episode, Cory Connors sits down with Delegate Jackie Hope Glass of the Virginia House of Delegates to talk about the road that led her from community organizing to the statehouse, and what that experience has taught her about building real partnerships between policymakers and the packaging industry. Jackie shares how a habit of "minding other people's business" turned into a grassroots homework program for neighborhood kids, then a school board run, and eventually a seat in the General Assembly. She and Cory also dig into their shared experience at See Change Sessions in Vermont, the case for a national Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, and why she believes industry has a bigger role to play at the policymaking table than most people realize. Key Topics Discussed:  Jackie's path from Navy veteran and community organizer to Virginia state legislatorThe origin story of her neighborhood "homework house" and how it led to public serviceReflections on See Change Sessions in Vermont and why the event felt different from a typical industry conferenceHow packaging and sustainability professionals can build real relationships with state legislatorsCalifornia's SB 54 and the challenges of getting states aligned on Extended Producer ResponsibilityWhy Jackie sees packaging waste as a design and systems issue, not a moral oneJackie's "6 Cs" framework for guiding her legislative focus (creative, circular, coastal resilience, crime aversion, care, and cyber)CitizenU, Jackie's summer civic education program and policy pitch contest for constituents of all agesThe realities of serving as a citizen legislator in Virginia's part-time General AssemblyChapters:  00:00 Introduction to Delegate Jackie Glass 02:14 Journey to Politics: From Community Service to Delegate 04:31 The Impact of C-Change: A Unique Policymaking Experience 08:54 Bridging the Gap: Industry and Politics Collaboration 11:19 The Six Cs: Guiding Principles for Policy 13:34 CitizenU: Empowering Citizens Through Education 15:55 Legislative Projects: Making a Difference in Virginia 19:39 Extended Producer Responsibility: A National Perspective 23:06 The Urgency of Environmental Action 26:06 SSP intro animation v1.mp4 Resources Mentioned: Delegate Jackie Hope Glass, Virginia House of Delegates, 93rd DistrictSee Change Sessions, Burlington, VermontPackaging Matters at See Change SessionsContact: Listeners interested in connecting with Delegate Glass's office about legislation, community programs, or CitizenU can reach out through her official Virginia House of Delegates page. Support our Sponsors: 3M https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/packaging-shipping-fulfillment-us/applications/sealing-recycled-corrugate/  Specright: https://www.specright.com/  Forest: https://www.forest-pkg.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.

  4. Aug 16

    What’s Next for the U.S. Plastics Pact? | Crystal Bayliss

    In this episode, Cory Connors sits down with Crystal Bayliss, Executive Director of the U.S. Plastics Pact, to unpack a pivotal year for the organization. Crystal shares how a sustainability sign on an office water cooler sparked her personal journey from food and ingredient procurement into packaging sustainability, and how that path led her to the Pact — first as a member representative, then as a program manager, and eventually to the organization's top leadership role. Cory and Crystal dig into the departure of major member companies ahead of the 2025 targets, why the original goals were always meant to be a "blank sheet of paper" starting point, and what comes next as the Pact rolls out new, more flexible ways for companies to engage. The conversation also covers the recent leadership transition at the Pact, the case for voluntary industry action paving the way for smart regulation, and the newly released Film & Flex Circularity framework tackling one of packaging's most contentious materials. Key Topics Discussed: Crystal's path from procurement into plastics sustainability and up through the U.S. Plastics PactWhy major brands (Walmart, Mars, Mondelez, Nestlé) stepped back from the Pact ahead of the 2025 deadlineThe reality behind the 2025 targets: only ~50% of packaging reusable/recyclable/compostable and 11% recycled/bio-based content achieved, against 100% and 30% goalsNew, more flexible engagement tiers coming soon for Pact members with narrower packaging portfoliosThe recent CEO transition and Crystal's move from Director of Strategy & Engagement to Interim CEO to Executive DirectorVoluntary industry action vs. mandatory regulation, and how the Food Safety Modernization Act offers a precedentCalifornia's SB 54 and the Pact's role advising policymakersThe new "Journey to Film & Flex Circularity" framework and the unique challenges of flexible film packagingAtlantic Packaging's circular stretch film recycling system in North CarolinaWhat gives Crystal hope for the future of sustainable packaging amid regulatory uncertaintyChapters:   00:00 The Complexity of Sustainable Packaging 01:00 Crystal Bayliss’ Journey into Sustainability 02:55 Challenges Facing the U.S. Plastics Pact 08:11 Why the 2025 Plastics Targets Fell Short 10:25 Building a Circular Packaging System 13:17 Leadership Changes at the U.S. Plastics Pact 14:45 Voluntary Commitments vs. Government Regulation 18:15 The Challenge of Flexible Film Packaging 20:26 Commercial Film & Stretch Film Recycling 22:09 What’s Next for Sustainable Packaging? Resources Mentioned: U.S. Plastics PactJourney to Film & Flex Circularity: A Framework of Necessary Design, Collection, and End Market LeversCalifornia SB 54, Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility ActFDA Food Safety Modernization ActEllen MacArthur Foundation's New Plastics Economy InitiativeContact: Listeners interested in learning more about the U.S. Plastics Pact or its upcoming membership options can visit usplasticspact.org. 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. Aug 11

    Is Your Recycling Label Still Legal? | Emily Williams

    In this episode, Cory Connors reconnects with longtime industry friend Emily Williams to discuss her new role leading How2Recycle. Emily traces her path from chemical engineering through roles at Michelman and TC Transcontinental (now ProAmpac) into a career built around product sustainability, policy, and partnerships. The conversation dives into the chaos surrounding California's SB 343 truth-in-labeling law and the recent injunction affecting it, how How2Recycle is guiding members through the uncertainty, and what's ahead at the organization's September 30th event in San Diego. Along the way, Emily and Cory swap stories about being recognized in public, obsessively sorting recycling bins at airports, and the growing culture of pre-competitive collaboration across the packaging industry. Key Topics Discussed: Emily's path from chemical engineering into packaging sustainability, and her new role at How2RecycleThe evolution of sustainability from a niche "side room" topic to a central industry focusThe SB 343 injunction: what it does and doesn't change, and How2Recycle's "hold the line" guidance for membersCalifornia's 60/60 recyclability threshold and the confusion it creates for brandsHow companies are responding differently to SB 343, from full compliance to pausing label rolloutsThe label redesign process: consumer studies, working groups, and industry jargon that doesn't translate to shoppersOngoing research into better consumer messaging around cleaning and emptying packagingContamination in recycling streams, including a look at the "wall of shame" at recovery facilitiesThe role of trust, transparency, and credibility in keeping recycling systems functionalNonprofit advocacy vs. lobbying: how How2Recycle can influence policy within legal limitsA sneak peek at the September 30th How2Recycle event in San Diego, including a cross-association panel on changing laws like SB 343The rise of pre-competitive collaboration as an industry normHow2Recycle's expanded member engagement efforts, including booths at Advance and the Summit and high-attendance member town hallsChapters:  00:00 Introduction to Emily Williams and the episode 01:01 Emily's background and journey into sustainability 01:45 Evolution of sustainability in the packaging industry 03:08 Role of How to Recycle and Emily’s core competencies 04:02 Upcoming industry event in San Diego 04:50 Emily’s experience at industry events and public recognition 09:20 Legal landscape: SB 343 and recent injunctions 10:00 Impacts of legislation and legal challenges on packaging 12:05 Strategies for compliance and risk management 12:57 Consumer perceptions and labeling challenges 14:02 Designing compliant and effective packaging labels 16:02 Consumer studies and communication strategies 17:06 Waste stream quality and contamination issues 18:56 Optimism and future outlook for recycling and policy 21:01 Preview of the September 30th event and panels 22:02 Advocacy, lobbying, and industry collaboration 24:50 The importance of pre-competitive collaboration 27:01 Member engagement and opportunities at industry events 27:53 Emily’s outreach and town hall initiatives 28:52 Closing remarks and future engagement opportunities Resources Mentioned: How2RecycleSustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) events: Advance and the SummitCalifornia SB 343 (Truth in Labeling law)Circular Action Alliance (Oregon)Ameripen and the PAC ActFPA's Fall Flex Forward meetingFPI's Spring meetingSCS GlobalContact: Listeners interested in How2Recycle's labeling program, upcoming events, or member resources can connect with Emily Williams and the How2Recycle team at their September 30th event in San Diego, or at upcoming SPC events including Advance and the Summit this fall. 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. Aug 9

    What Happens When Companies Pay for Packaging Waste? | Kim Holmes

    In this episode, Cory Connors talks with Kim Holmes about Oregon's landmark position as the first U.S. state to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging. Kim traces her path into sustainability — from a paralegal detour to a master's in urban studies at Portland State University, through hands-on recycling and waste characterization work with Community Environmental Services — before landing in her current role leading Oregon's CAA team. She breaks down what a producer responsibility organization actually does, how Oregon's "shared responsibility" model differs from other states, and what's driving the buildout of the Recycle On network of drop-off sites across the state. Key Topics Discussed: Kim's career path into recycling and sustainability policyWhat the Circular Action Alliance is and how it supports producer compliance across Oregon, California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, and WashingtonOregon's shared responsibility model between producers, local governments, and haulersThe Recycle On brand: public education, outreach, and drop-off collection networkHow producer fees are calculated and why they vary state to stateBuildout of Oregon's 144 planned collection points, including partnerships with transfer stations and Southern Oregon GoodwillMaterials accepted at drop-off centers (film, rigid plastics, foil, shredded paper, glass) versus the curbside systemHow Recycle On differs from Oregon's Bottle Bill deposit systemThe NAW constitutional challenge to Oregon's EPR law and its narrow preliminary injunctionEPR's long track record internationally (Canada, Europe, and beyond) versus its newness in the U.S.Recent wins: roll cart rollouts in The Dalles, new truck deliveries in Southern Oregon, and transportation cost reimbursement for rural communitiesThe Contamination Audit Center and Contamination Reduction Funding mechanismWorking toward a national responsible end-market verification standard with SCS GlobalHow other states are watching Oregon's implementation and where harmonization may emergeResources Mentioned: Recycle On Oregon page Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)SCS GlobalContact: Listeners can learn more about Oregon's EPR programs, find drop-off locations, and get in touch with the Circular Action Alliance team at recycleon.org/oregon. 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.

  7. Aug 2

    What’s Really Driving Corrugated Demand | Ryan Fox

    In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes back longtime friend of the show Ryan Fox from Bloomberg Intelligence for his fourth or fifth appearance. Ryan shares how he stumbled into the corrugated industry by accident in 2010 after a career detour through ministry and fitness equipment sales, and how he eventually landed at Bloomberg Intelligence in 2020 to cover the industry full time. The conversation dives deep into Ryan's one-of-a-kind Box Makers' Certificate (BMC) collection, the surprising history behind why BMCs exist at all, and what's really driving corrugated demand (or the lack of it) in 2025.  Key Topics Discussed:  Ryan's winding path into corrugated: ministry, fitness equipment sales, an MBA in innovation management, and a chance connection into a box plant sales jobHow Ryan became a full-time industry analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence starting April 1, 2020Ryan's collection of over 500 Box Makers' Certificates (BMCs), how he organizes and classifies them, and his "This Old Box" LinkedIn seriesThe 100+ year history of the BMC: corrugated's origins in the late 1890s, Robert Gare's accidental invention, and Sam Langston's early corrugating machineThe 1914 Pridham decision, railroad price gouging, and how Rule 41 created the need for box certificationThe 1960s shift with NMFC Item 222 and how the 42-lb kraft linerboard / 26-lb semi-chemical medium index shaped "should-cost" pricing for 200-lb Mullen boardThe industry's move from Mullen to ECT (Edge Crush Test) starting in 1990, and why 32 ECT (C-flute) dominates as the commodity grade for single-wall boxesThe science of box strength: the McKee formulation, predicting ECT from paper properties, and tools like the Chalmers Dynamic Stiffness TesterBehind-the-scenes craftsmanship: corrugator operations, die-mounting, flexographic print plates, and why a cutting die can cost $5,000The value of skilled trades on the plant floor and the case for box buyers to tour a corrugated plant2025 industry trends: square footage of boxes produced matching 1994 levels, the impact of offshoring pre-packaged imports, and 400,000+ open U.S. manufacturing jobsWages and opportunity in box plants, from $22/hour entry-level to $35/hour for skilled press operatorsWhy corrugated demand spiked during the pandemic and has since receded: shifting consumer spending, GLP-1 drugs, e-commerce paper mailers, and macro headwinds like conflict in Iran and rising freight and gas pricesOutlook for corrugated volume heading into the next 12-18 monthsResources Mentioned: Bloomberg IntelligenceFibre Box Association dataLinkedIn: Ryan FoxLinkedIn: BloombergContact:   Listeners interested in Bloomberg Intelligence's corrugated and box industry research can reach out to Ryan Fox. 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.

  8. Jul 26

    Where Venture Capital Meets Sustainability with Matthew Wright, Laura Foti & Matt Saunders

    In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes three influential leaders — Matthew Wright, Laura Foti, and Matt Saunders — to discuss the new partnership between Specright and New Earth Ventures. Together, they explore how digitizing packaging data, leveraging AI, and strategically deploying venture capital can accelerate sustainability, compliance, and product innovation across global supply chains. The conversation highlights the growing need for accurate packaging data, the impact of extended producer responsibility (EPR), and how purposeful investment can support both the planet and profitable business growth. Key Topics Discussed: Specright’s origin and mission to eliminate waste through better data.Why packaging data accuracy is essential for sustainability and compliance.New Earth Ventures’ investment strategy and partnership goals.How EPR regulations drive the need for digitized, centralized spec data.The role of AI in transforming packaging and product development.Broader uses of Specright beyond EPR, including search, NPD, and procurement.Resources Mentioned: Specright – Specification Data Management PlatformNew Earth Ventures – Hybrid corporate venture fund from Atlantic PackagingAtlantic Packaging Solution CenterContact: New Earth Ventures: InstagramLinkedInWebsite Specright:  LinkedIn WebsiteClosing Thoughts: Cory and the guests emphasize that packaging is entering a new era driven by AI, regulation, and data transparency. They highlight how collaboration between innovators, investors, and manufacturers can create a more sustainable world—one where packaging is smarter, supply chains are more efficient, and businesses thrive through responsible innovation. Together, Specright and New Earth Ventures aim to redefine how packaging is designed, measured, and managed. 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.

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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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