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:

• How a study of 4.5 million words revealed a major disconnect between consumers, brands, and policymakers on plastic discussions.
• Why companies’ sustainability messaging can unintentionally alienate consumers—and what to do instead.
• The surprising power of clear, direct language (and why telling people what not to do is sometimes more effective).
• How overusing eco-friendly buzzwords can actually make consumers less likely to trust a brand’s sustainability claims.
• Strategies to shift the narrative around plastics from “waste” to “resource.”

💡 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:

📦 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 [email protected] – 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 [email protected] – 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.