In the "Product & Packaging Powerhouse" Megan Young Gamble speaks with Rhodes Yepsen, Executive Director of Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI )to break down the differences between compostable and biodegradable packaging, the importance of clear certification, and how labeling and policy can help fight greenwashing. Rhodes shares his unique journey from journalist to industry leader, explains how BPI is building bridges between brands, retailers, composters, and policymakers, and highlights why systems and collaboration are essential as composting infrastructure develops in the U.S. The episode also provides actionable resources for both consumers and businesses on composting best practices, debunks common misconceptions, and previews the upcoming BPI Summit in Atlanta. If you’re interested in sustainable packaging, circular systems, or composting policy, it’s packed with insights and practical advice.

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[Powerhouse Guest Rhodes Yepsen’s LINKS]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhodesyepsen/
• Company Website : https://bpiworld.org/

Additional Links

• Learn about Biodegradable Vs Compostable here : https://bpiworld.org/biodegradable-vs-compostable
• BPI Summit in Atlanta (September 15th–17th) : https://bpiworld.org/events

Quotes and Hooks:  

1. Biodegradability is the big circle and compostability is the smaller circle as a subset.
2. You need the consumer to understand what they’re going to do with that item when they’re finished with it.
3. Composting is inherently local, we’re not going to ship our food scraps over to another country in Asia to reprocess them.
4. The exciting thing, and the daunting thing, about systems change is how complex it is.
5. Water your home compost bin like you water your garden. (A practical tip from BPI’s backyard composting study.)