🌱 In this episode of Crazy About Packaging, the CAP Pack — Natalie, Mike, and Jonathan — are joined by Paige Greenberg, Sustainable Packaging Engineer at Plastic Ingenuity, to break down one of the most overused (and misunderstood) parts of packaging today: sustainability buzzwords.
We’re talking about those words we see everywhere — recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, circular, reusable — and digging into what they actually mean, how they’re misused, and why it matters.
🔍 Tune in to explore:
The differences between biodegradable, compostable, and oxo-degradable (yes, there’s a big one)
What “circularity” really looks like
How reuse systems can fall short without infrastructure and consumer buy-in
Why terms like “sustainable” are values-driven, and how that shapes strategy
What manufacturers and brands can do to bring clarity instead of confusion
🎯 If your team is trying to make smart, sustainable packaging choices — or just trying to understand what all these labels mean — this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website. Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram, and drop us a note at icpg@impactgroup.co with any packaging buzzwords you want us to tackle next. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming. We’ll see you in the next episode!
Crazy About Packaging: Season 3, Episode 1 – The Blunder Years💥
Welcome back to a new season of Crazy About Packaging! In our Season 3 premiere, the CAP Pack — Natalie, Mike, and Jonathan — take a look back at some of the biggest packaging fails we’ve seen (and a few we’ve personally been part of).
From melted PLA containers to packaging you need scissors to open, this episode is full of real-world examples of what happens when good ideas miss the mark. And more importantly, what we can learn from them.
🔍 Tune in to explore:
Why well-intentioned “sustainability” moves can create new problems for consumers
Real stories from the CAP Pack’s past projects, from nacho cheese disasters to melted prototypes
The small details that make or break a package once it hits the real world
🎯 If you’ve ever had a packaging concept fall apart in testing (or worse, in-market), you’re not alone. This episode is packed with cautionary tales and a few laughs, and it just might help you avoid your own blunder.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website. Join the conversation on LinkedIn and Instagram, and email us your packaging fail stories at icpg@impactgroup.co. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next — we’ll see you in the next episode!
♻️ In this episode of Crazy About Packaging, we’re joined by Nyssa Thongthai, Senior Project Manager at How2Recycle, to talk about one of the most confusing areas in packaging today: recycling. Why is it so difficult to know what can be recycled — and what’s actually being done to fix the problem?
Nyssa shares her technical expertise from over a decade in polymer development and sustainable packaging assessment, and helps us understand why recycling rules vary so much, what How2Recycle really evaluates, and how we can move toward a more consistent, functional system.
🎧 This episode, get clarity on real-world recycling issues like:
Why recycling isn’t the same in every city — and what that means for packaging designers and consumers
How outdated recycling facilities limit what gets accepted, even if the material is recyclable elsewhere
The five criteria How2Recycle uses to determine whether packaging is recyclable in practice — not just in theory
What it will take to shift from a fragmented system to one that works for consumers, brands, and recyclers
Why designing packaging for recyclability from the start is the most effective fix
🧠 You’ll also hear why even packaging experts second-guess recycling labels, and how consumer awareness is helping drive the industry forward. Nyssa breaks down the system piece by piece and shares practical insights for building packaging that actually gets recycled.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website, and join the conversation on LinkedIn and Instagram. Subscribe to stay up to date on the latest packaging insights and industry voices!
In this episode of Crazy About Packaging, the CAP Pack take aim at one of the biggest sources of confusion in the industry: packaging misinformation.
From dramatic headlines to misquoted studies, there’s no shortage of bad information floating around. This episode takes on 10 of the most common myths about plastics and sustainability (and explains what’s actually true).
This isn’t about defending poor design or pretending everything’s working fine. It’s about getting clear on the facts, so teams can make better decisions without getting sidetracked by noise.
🔍 Tune in to explore:
Why “all plastic is bad” is an oversimplification that misses the real story
How alternative materials like glass and paper may create more problems than they solve
What “biodegradable” actually means, and why it doesn’t always help
The truth about recycling: where it works, where it doesn’t, and why that’s changing
How shifting the blame to plastic distracts from the real issue — infrastructure and behavior
🎯 Whether you're new to packaging or deep in the sustainability weeds, this episode breaks down the myths that keep teams stuck and gives you the clarity to move forward.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website. Join the conversation on LinkedIn and Instagram, and email us your questions at icpg@impactgroup.co. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next — we’ll see you in the next episode!
📦 In this episode of Crazy About Packaging, the CAP Pack — Natalie, Mike, and Jonathan — dive into one of the most complex moves a packaging team can make: replacing materials.
⚙️ Whether it’s a shift from polystyrene to polypropylene or a move into molded fiber or paperboard, changing materials impacts everything from machinery to consumer experience. This episode breaks down why these changes happen, what makes them so hard, and how to do it without bringing your operations to a halt.
🔍 Tune in to explore:
Why regulatory pressure, sustainability goals, and product performance often trigger material shifts
How equipment limitations and team misalignment can turn a simple swap into a costly project
Real-world examples of successful transitions and what made them work
Tips for navigating the process, from trial runs to team coordination
🎯 If you’ve ever asked, “Can’t we just use a greener material?” this episode is for you. Material changes affect more than just the packaging. They ripple across procurement, operations, and the supply chain. We’ll show you how to approach them the right way.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website. Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram, and drop us a note at icpg@impactgroup.co if your team is facing a packaging pivot. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next — we’ll see you in the next episode!
♻️ In this episode of Crazy About Packaging, hosts Natalie and Jonathan are joined by Brittany LaValley, Vice President of Material Systems at The Recycling Partnership, to unpack how the Polypropylene Recycling Coalition is reshaping the future of polypropylene (PP) recovery.
🌟 From the unexpected story of how Brittany transitioned from fine arts to recycling innovation to the strategic moves behind regaining polypropylene’s “widely recyclable” label, this episode takes you behind the curtain of a material many overlook—but that plays a critical role in the circular economy.
🔍 Tune in to explore:
🎯 Whether you're a packaging pro or just passionate about sustainability, this episode delivers the inside scoop on how collaborative, cross-industry action is making polypropylene recycling more effective and more accessible than ever before.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website. Join the conversation on LinkedIn and Instagram, and email us your questions at icpg@impactgroup.co. Subscribe to stay in the loop on all things packaging!
Crazy About Packaging: Season 2, Episode 8 – Using Life Cycle Analysis for Smarter, More Sustainable Packaging Decisions
📦 In this episode of Crazy About Packaging, the C.A.P. Pack is joined by sustainability consultant Neil Shackleton to dig into the world of life cycle analysis (LCA). You’ve heard the term, but what does it actually mean for packaging — and why should brand owners and manufacturers care?
🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:
What life cycle analysis really is — and how it goes way beyond just recyclability
Why data-driven sustainability decisions matter more than feel-good assumptions
How brands can use LCA to avoid costly mistakes and greenwashing
Real examples of how companies used LCA to lower environmental impact and cut costs
Why measuring five key environmental indicators (not just carbon) leads to better packaging choices
💡 Whether you’re a packaging engineer, procurement lead, or brand owner, this episode will give you practical tools to approach sustainability with confidence — and back it up with data.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website, and join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes packed with insights for smarter packaging decisions.
🗣️ How do words shape the way we think about plastics? In this episode of Crazy About Packaging, the C.A.P. Pack sits down with Dr. Joanna Gavins, a cognitive linguist from the University of Sheffield, to explore how language influences public perception of plastic, recycling, and sustainability.
🎧 Tune in to learn:
💡 Whether you're in packaging, marketing, or sustainability, this episode is packed with insights on how language can be a tool for real change.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website, and join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest discussions shaping the packaging industry!
The conversation around microplastics is filled with myths—but what’s the real story? In this episode of Crazy About Packaging, Natalie, Mike, and Jonathan welcome back Dr. Chris DeArmitt, a leading plastics expert and independent environmental scientist, to separate fact from fiction.
🌍 What you’ll learn in this episode:✔️ Are microplastics as harmful as the headlines suggest?✔️ How do media narratives fuel misinformation about plastics?✔️ Why do life cycle analyses show that plastic alternatives may not be as eco-friendly as they seem?✔️ Do microplastics actually degrade, or do they persist indefinitely?
Dr. DeArmitt debunks common myths using peer-reviewed data and shares insights from his upcoming book, Shattering the Plastics Illusion. If you want science-based answers on microplastics, sustainability, and the future of packaging, this episode is a must-listen.
🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website, and join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on the latest in sustainable packaging!
🌍 In this episode of Crazy About Packaging, we’re joined by Crystal Bayliss, Director of Strategy and Engagement at the U.S. Plastics Pact, to explore the evolving landscape of packaging regulations. Crystal shares her journey from procurement to sustainability leadership, offering valuable insights on regulatory changes, voluntary commitments, and industry collaboration.
🎧 This episode, discover the latest trends in packaging laws and compliance, such as:
🤝 Additionally, you’ll learn how collaboration is driving sustainable packaging solutions, as Crystal highlights inspiring success stories, from Walmart’s community recycling units to Kraft Heinz’s PCR partnerships, proving that teamwork drives real change.
💡 Get actionable tips to stay ahead in sustainable packaging. Stay informed on sustainability trends and regulatory shifts shaping the future of packaging. Don’t miss this insightful discussion packed with actionable tips for staying ahead.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website, and join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. Subscribe to catch the latest episodes and industry insights!
🎙️ Welcome to the final Crazy About Packaging podcast of 2024! This episode is packed with insights into the year’s most influential packaging trends and the regulations shaping the sustainability landscape.
🌍 Join Natalie, Mike, and Jonathan as they review the biggest trends of 2024, including the rise of innovative materials, machine-learning in recycling, and global policy shifts. They also share ICPG’s 2024 highlights and reveal how these milestones are paving the way for a more sustainable future.
♻️ Key topics covered in this episode include:
Paperization of Packaging: Exploring the shift from plastic to fiber-based materials and the challenges in recyclability.
Ocean-Based Feedstocks: Examining the promise and hurdles of using marine materials like seaweed for single-use packaging.
Machine Learning in Recycling: How new technology and automation are revolutionizing material sorting and recycling efficiency.
Recyclability Labeling: The growing push for clear, localized labels to guide consumers in proper recycling.
Scaling Up Reuse Programs: The expansion of reuse models in urban areas and their potential for mainstream adoption.
📦 The episode also highlights major policy updates like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Reduction Act, and the Global Plastics Treaty, all of which are reshaping the future of packaging.
🏆 Don’t miss ICPG’s 2024 milestones, including ICPG’s XPP material winning the U.S. Plastics Pact Innovation Award for recyclability, incorporating lifecycle analysis (LCA) for XPP, among others.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website, and join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. Together, let’s celebrate the progress of 2024 and get excited about what’s to come in 2025!
🎙️Welcome back to Crazy About Packaging! In this episode, Natalie, Mike, and Jonathan are joined by Kate Bailey, Chief Policy Officer at the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), to explore the challenges and solutions for creating a circular economy for plastics in North America. Discover the myths surrounding recycling and what it really takes to make recycling effective across the U.S.
🌍 Kate Bailey brings nearly 20 years of experience in the recycling industry, offering expert insights into policy and hands-on solutions. She discusses how better access to recycling, especially in underserved areas, and smarter packaging design can significantly improve recycling rates.
♻️ Did you know that while only 9% of plastics are recycled, this number includes items not meant for curbside bins? Kate explains how everyday items like plastic bottles and tubs are recycled at higher rates, and why policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are critical to boosting infrastructure and participation in recycling programs.
📦 Learn how the APR Design Guide is pushing for smarter, more recyclable packaging, and why better packaging decisions, from labels to caps, can make or break the recycling process.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website, and join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. Together, let’s get crazy about packaging and work towards a more sustainable future!
Welcome back to Crazy About Packaging! In this episode, Natalie, Mike, and Jonathan team up with food waste expert Angel Veza from ReFED to explore how packaging plays a crucial role in addressing the U.S. food waste crisis. Discover staggering statistics, innovative solutions, and learn how packaging can help reduce food waste, combat climate change, and save money.
🌍 Angel Veza, Senior Manager at ReFED, joins the show to share her expertise in food waste reduction. With her culinary background and sustainability focus, Angel leads initiatives at ReFED that drive impactful, data-driven solutions across the supply chain.
📊 Did you know that 38% of food in the U.S. goes uneaten, equating to 7.6 million tons of waste? Angel breaks down the financial and environmental impacts, painting a vivid picture of the waste's true cost—$444 billion, or 2% of U.S. GDP.
♻️ While packaging often gets a bad rap, Angel reveals how smart design and innovation—like barrier packaging, resealable options, and improved date labels—can extend shelf life and prevent food from going to waste.
🌡️ Explore cutting-edge solutions like sensors that detect spoilage and temperature-sensitive packaging. Angel emphasizes that reducing food waste will require multiple strategies working in unison for a lasting impact.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website, and join the conversation on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Together, let’s get crazy about packaging and make a difference in reducing food waste.
Season 2 kicks off with an exciting dive into the value of sustainable packaging assessments. In this episode, we’re joined by guest host Sarah Webber from Plastic Ingenuity, who walks us through how these assessments are transforming the industry by identifying sustainable, cost-effective packaging solutions.
♻️ In this month’s recycling trivia game, Natalie challenges Mike, Jonathan, and Sarah to figure out if a cracker dip package is recyclable. Their answers might surprise you!
🌍 Discover the four key steps of a sustainable packaging assessment, from defining goals and assessing current packaging to creating a gap assessment and executing the plan.
🔍 Learn about the specific challenges healthcare packaging faces in sustainability and how industry leaders are pushing for change despite the slow adoption of recyclable materials.
📈 Hear how sustainable packaging assessments are helping companies meet corporate and government sustainability targets without breaking the bank.
Join us for a knowledge-packed episode filled with practical insights, expert advice, and real-world applications for sustainable packaging. Whether you’re a packaging professional, sustainability advocate, or curious about the future of packaging, this episode offers valuable information for everyone.
Don’t forget to connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X to join the conversation! Interested in being a guest host or have questions? Email us at ICPG@impactgroup.co – we’d love to hear from you!
Dive into the world of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with our hosts on Season One's final episode of the Crazy About Packaging podcast. This must-listen episode explores the innovative solutions that extend shelf life while maintaining food quality, making it perfect for anyone interested in food packaging technology and sustainability.
♻️ In this month’s recycling trivia game, Natalie challenges Mike and Jonathan with a tricky ground turkey package. Can they determine if it’s recyclable without knowing the material?
🌍 Learn the basics of MAP and its origins. Jonathan shares how this technology, initially popular in Europe, revolutionized food packaging in the U.S., extending the shelf life of products like bagged salads.
🥓 Discover the versatile uses of MAP across various food categories. From case-ready meats to fresh produce and snack products, see how MAP keeps food fresher for longer.
🔬 Explore recent advancements in MAP materials and sealing techniques and what the future holds for this essential packaging technology.
Join us for an episode packed with expert knowledge, practical insights, and real-world examples. Whether you’re a packaging professional, sustainability enthusiast, or just curious about how your food stays fresh longer, this episode offers something for everyone.
Listen now or visit our website for more information at www.icpg.co and don’t forget to join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. Have a question or are interested in joining us as a guest host? Email us at ICPG@impactgroup.co – we love hearing from our listeners!
Welcome back to this month’s episode of Crazy About Packaging!
🎙️ Explore Form Fill and Seal (FFS) Packaging: This episode dives deep into the world of Form Fill and Seal (FFS) packaging. We'll break down the basics: feeding roll stock material, forming it into packaging shapes, filling it with products, and sealing to protect the contents. Learn why this efficient process is essential for modern packaging needs.
🔍 Benefits of FFS: Discover the key advantages of FFS packaging, such as its efficiency and minimal labor requirements, making it perfect for high-volume products like yogurt cups and medical items. FFS is projected to be the fastest-growing packaging process through 2028, thanks to its versatility and ability to maintain product sterility, ensuring food safety and quality.
⚙️ Challenges in FFS: Despite its many benefits, FFS packaging faces significant challenges. Maintaining sterility and avoiding downtime during the multiple stages of the process are crucial. Hear real-world examples of the complexities involved, including incidents that highlight the importance of material compatibility and process integrity.
🌱 Material Considerations and Sustainability: As the industry shifts away from traditional materials like polystyrene due to environmental concerns, finding recyclable and efficient alternatives is crucial. ICPG's XPP polypropylene emerges as a promising solution, offering similar performance to polystyrene without extensive retooling. This innovation addresses both performance and sustainability challenges, contributing to a greener future for packaging.
📅 Stay Connected: Interested in all things packaging? Follow ICPG on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram to join the conversation! Don’t forget to subscribe and listen to Crazy About Packaging on Spotify, Apple, or at www.icpg.co.
Welcome back to this month’s episode of Crazy About Packaging!
🎙️ Explore Retort Processing: This episode dives deep into retort processing, answering the question, “What is retort packaging?” and exploring its modern applications in robust plastic containers like high-barrier polypropylene. Learn about the evolution from metal cans to today's advanced materials.
🏆 Award-Winning Innovation: We kick off with exciting news! ICPG’s XPP polypropylene solutions have won the recyclability category in the 2024 U.S. Plastics Pact Sustainable Packaging Innovation Award!
♻️ Can I Recycle That?: Join Natalie as she introduces a multi-layer, high barrier co-extruded polypropylene with an EVOH barrier fruit cup from her pantry to play our favorite game, "Can I Recycle That?" and help us determine if the fruit cup is safe for recycling streams.
🔍 What is Retort?: Discover the retort process, involving high temperatures and pressure to sterilize food within its container. This method, originally for metal cans, is now used for products like soups and stews in plastic containers, extending shelf life and ensuring safety. Learn about the benefits of retort packaging, including robust materials and extended shelf life, as well as the challenges like "retort shock" and how advances in co-extrusion processes mitigate these issues.
🌱 Sustainability Focus: Retort packaging made from polypropylene is fully recyclable. Uncover this and more regarding recycling as the C.A.P. Pack emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices and how polypropylene, especially with EVOH, contributes to a more sustainable future.
📅 Stay Connected: Interested in all-things packaging? Follow ICPG on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to join the conversation! And don’t forget to subscribe and listen to Crazy About Packaging on Spotify, Apple, or at www.icpg.co.
🎙️ In this month’s episode, we explore the process, sustainability, and innovations of thermoforming
🗣️ Join the C.A.P. Pack and special guest, Conor Carlin, a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in plastics and packaging, as he discusses the intricacies of thermoforming. Conor brings a wealth of knowledge from his international work and his current role as the president of SPE.
📦 Thermoforming plays a crucial role in various industries, especially in packaging. This episode delves into how thermoforming works, its applications in everyday products, and its significance in advancing sustainable packaging solutions.
♻️ Natalie returns with her popular segment, "Can I Recycle That?", challenging our perceptions of recycling. This time, she questions the recyclability of a thermoformed coffee cup, with insights from our guest and hosts on the complexities of recycling plastic materials.
👂 Gain a deeper understanding of thermoforming, from its technical aspects to its environmental impact. The discussion also covers the challenges and future prospects of recycling thermoformed products, emphasizing the importance of innovation and collaboration in the industry.
🔗 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on our website, www.icpg.co.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for a comprehensive exploration of packaging technologies and their implications on our world!
🔍 In our latest episode of "Crazy About Packaging," we dive deep into the world of plastics, unraveling the misconceptions and uncovering the truths with our guest, Dr. Chris DeArmitt, PhD, FRSC, FIMMM. With his extensive background as a plastic materials consultant, PhD chemist, and author of "The Plastics Paradox: Facts for a Brighter Future," Dr. DeArmitt brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective on the environmental impact of plastics.
📘 Dr. DeArmitt shares insights from his rigorous research, including over 3,000 hours spent reviewing scientific studies, to challenge the common narrative surrounding plastics. He emphasizes the importance of basing opinions on solid research rather than feelings or misinformation.
🔬Tackling myths head-on, Dr. DeArmitt addresses common beliefs about plastic waste, the longevity of plastics, and the often-overlooked benefits that plastics bring to the environment when compared to other materials. Through life-cycle analyses, he illustrates how plastics, in many cases, are the greenest option available, effectively reducing overall waste.
♻️ This episode also sheds light on the complexities of single-use plastics, exploring the unintended consequences of banning plastics without considering sustainable alternatives. Dr. DeArmitt stresses the importance of striving for materials that cause the least harm, advocating for informed decision-making based on comprehensive environmental impacts.
🗣️ Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges the stigma surrounding plastics and encourages a more nuanced understanding of their role in our world.
Tune into "Unwrapping the Plastics Paradox" on Spotify or Apple to unravel the myths and discover the facts about plastics. Let's rethink our perceptions and move towards a future where environmental decisions are informed by science, not sentiment.
If you’re interested in reading Dr. DeArmitt’s research and book, it can be accessed online at https://plasticsparadox.com.
🚀 Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of aseptic packaging in the latest episode of Crazy About Packaging! This episode, we're peeling back the layers of this crucial process that keeps our food safe and extends its shelf life. Here's what you can expect:
🔍 Can I Recycle That? Join Natalie as she challenges us with the ultimate question: can you recycle a polystyrene pudding cup? Discover why recycling isn't always straightforward, especially with certain packaging materials.
🧪 The Science Behind Aseptic Packaging: Ever wonder how your food remains safe and tasty without refrigeration? Learn about the unique sterilization techniques that make aseptic packaging a game-changer in the food industry.
🍲 From Dairy to Drinks: Aseptic packaging isn't just for liquids anymore. Explore its evolution and how it's now keeping a wide array of food products, from dairy to soups, fresh and contaminant-free.
🤔 A Closer Look: Dive into Mike's firsthand experience with the aseptic packaging process. It's a story about the unique perspective gained from days spent observing the creation of countless coffee creamers — a testament to the mesmerizing, yet repetitive nature of industrial efficiency.
🌿 Sustainability in Focus: With the world changing, the push for recyclable materials is stronger than ever. Find out how materials like XPP polypropylene are setting new standards for sustainable packaging.
🔮 What’s Next? The future of aseptic packaging is bright with innovation aimed at combining safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Get a glimpse of what's on the horizon for this vital industry.
Don’t miss this in-depth exploration into aseptic packaging — where science meets sustainability. Tune in on Spotify, Apple, or our website and join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Crazy About Packaging Episode 14: Exploring the Aseptic Packaging Process awaits your ears!