Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic Packaging cover art

Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic Packaging

Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic Packaging

By: Cory Connors
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About this listen

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.

© 2025 Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic Packaging
Earth Sciences Politics & Government Science
Episodes
  • All in One Zero Waste Platform SCRAPP With Mikey Pasciuto
    Dec 21 2025

    In this episode of Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors, Cory sits down with Mikey Pasciuto to explore SCRAPP’s evolution from a recycling app to a comprehensive zero-waste platform. Mikey shares insights on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), operational waste costs, and why businesses should design for efficiency rather than just policy. They dive into real-world examples, challenges in recycling infrastructure, and how SCRAPP helps brands navigate complex waste streams and regulations.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    • SCRAPP’s journey: from barcode-scanning recycling app to full-service waste accounting platform
    • The role of data in predicting and reducing waste generation
    • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): what it means for brands and why it matters
    • Operational costs of waste management and strategies to reduce them
    • Real-world case studies: balancing packaging design, food waste reduction, and EPR fees
    • Why designing for operations beats designing for policy
    • The importance of recycled content mandates and eco-modulation
    • Challenges in recycling markets, infrastructure funding, and material economics
    • Standardization of recycling rules vs. local market realities
    • Universal landfill bans and their impact on creating new recycling markets

    Resources Mentioned:

    • SCRAPP Zero Waste Platform
    • Oregon Recycling Modernization Act
    • Carton Council recycling grants
    • Toyota Kanban and Six Sigma principles (applied to packaging logistics)

    Contact:

    To learn more or connect with Mikey:
    Website: www.scrappzero.com
    LinkedIn: Mikey Pasciuto

    Closing Thoughts:


    Mikey emphasizes that EPR fees should be viewed as part of doing business, not as a barrier to sustainability. By focusing on operational efficiency and informed packaging decisions, companies can reduce costs, minimize waste, and support a circular economy. Cory and Mikey agree: the future of packaging lies in balancing performance, recyclability, and system-wide thinking.

    Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors!

    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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    28 mins
  • How Patagonia Turns Packaging Into a Brand Statement with Jennifer Patrick
    Dec 14 2025

    Episode Title: Patagonia Iconic Brand and Sustainability Leader (Jennifer Patrick) Global Packaging and Branding Director

    Guest: Jennifer Patrick, Global Packaging and Branding Director at Patagonia

    Summary:

    Jennifer shares her journey from photography, creative direction, and print production to leading global packaging and branding at Patagonia, an iconic brand known for sustainability. She discusses how sustainability influences every decision, innovative packaging changes that saved millions of plastic pieces and pounds of paper, and how technology like QR codes transformed customer engagement.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    • Jennifer’s career path and creative background
    • Patagonia’s sustainability-first approach in packaging
    • Removing 37 million plastic Swiftachs
    • Hang Tag redesign saving 175,000 pounds of paper
    • Leveraging QR codes for global engagement and activism
    • Customer feedback and data insights
    • Patagonia’s Work in Progress impact report
    • Advice for brands and consumers on sustainability

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Patagonia's Progress Report
    • Patagonia’s sustainability initiatives
    • NetPlus material innovation

    Contact:

    Follow Patagonia on Instagram or visit Patagonia.com for updates and the impact report.

    Closing Thoughts:

    Jennifer emphasizes that small shifts can create big impacts in packaging and sustainability. She encourages collaboration across industries and conscious consumer behavior to drive meaningful change.

    Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors!

    Chapters

    00:00
    The Journey to Patagonia: A Unique Background

    02:42
    Sustainability at the Core of Packaging Decisions

    05:33
    Innovative Packaging Solutions and Their Impact

    08:11
    Engaging Customers Through Technology

    10:55
    Building Community and Feedback Loops

    13:46
    Patagonia's Role in Environmental Responsibility

    16:39
    Future Innovations and Product Developments

    https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • USA Senator Heidi Campbell on EPR in Red States
    Dec 7 2025

    Summary:

    In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Senator Heidi Campbell to discuss her journey from music to politics, her passion for environmental issues, and her groundbreaking work on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Tennessee. Senator Campbell shares insights into the “Waste to Jobs” initiative, the challenges of implementing EPR in a red state, and why this approach could transform recycling infrastructure across the Southeast.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    • Senator Campbell’s background in music and transition into public service
    • The origin and goals of Tennessee’s Waste to Jobs program
    • Why EPR legislation matters and how it can succeed in conservative states
    • The role of Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) in harmonizing recycling efforts
    • Challenges with landfill capacity and the Jackson Law in Tennessee
    • Opportunities for businesses to lead in creating effective EPR models
    • Insights from the See Change Sessions 2025 event and collaboration across industries
    • The importance of harmonization to avoid 50 different EPR bills for brands
    • Potential for deposit return systems and why beverage companies resist them
    • How EPR can create jobs, reduce waste, and support a circular economy

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Tennessee Waste to Jobs initiative and film (nominated for a Nashville Film Award)
    • Circular Action Alliance (current PRO for several states)
    • Tennessee Environmental Council
    • See Change Sessions and OPLN events

    Contact:

    Senator Campbell encourages outreach from individuals and organizations interested in sustainability. Her contact information is available on official Tennessee legislative pages.

    Closing Thoughts:

    Senator Campbell emphasizes that EPR is not just an environmental solution—it’s an economic opportunity. By building recycling infrastructure and creating jobs, Tennessee can lead the way for other states. Cory and Senator Campbell agree that collaboration between brands, legislators, and communities is key to making circular economy principles a reality.

    Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors!

    Chapters

    00:00
    Introduction to Sustainable Packaging and Senator Campbell

    01:51
    Senator Campbell's Journey into Public Service

    05:35
    Insights from Sea Change Event

    08:13
    Waste to Jobs Program in Tennessee

    14:12
    Engaging with the Community and Future Plans

    18:08
    Challenges and Opportunities in Recycling

    https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
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