Welcome to the Sustainable Design Lab podcast by Veritiv. Hosted by Chris Bradley and Brodie Vander Dussen, this show is your go-to resource for cutting-edge insights into the world of sustainable packaging. Join us as we reimagine packaging innovation and turn every decision into a powerful act of sustainability.

In this episode, Nathan Pajka, a Sustainability Manager at Metsä Board, shares how the Finnish paperboard company is transforming packaging sustainability through innovative materials, fossil-free manufacturing, and strategic approaches to emerging regulations.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Nordic forest management and fiber technology enable the production of lighter, stronger paperboard
• Why virgin fiber can outperform recycled materials for food safety and barrier properties
• The pathway to fossil-free manufacturing through biomass energy and mill electrification
• How lightweight paperboard reduces carbon emissions across the entire supply chain
• Why EPR regulations are accelerating the shift from plastic to fiber-based packaging solutions
• The future of sustainable barrier coatings and their role in plastic replacement
  
  

Nathan Pajka is a Sustainability Manager at Metsä Board, a leading Finnish paperboard company specializing in lightweight, high-performance packaging solutions. With diverse experience spanning healthcare, energy, and environmental services, he brings a comprehensive understanding of packaging sustainability and material innovation to his role. As a key voice in fiber-based packaging development, Nathan focuses on helping brands transition to more sustainable solutions while meeting strict performance and regulatory requirements. His expertise in EPR compliance, carbon footprint reduction, and barrier technology development has positioned him as a valuable resource for companies seeking to reduce their environmental impact through innovative packaging solutions.

The information presented in this episode is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Previous guests include: Sam Boex & Bella Collins of Flexi-Hex, Nathan Pajka of Metsä Board, John Felts of Cruz Foam

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

1. Plastic-Free Paper Packaging: Flexi-Hex on Designing for Luxury and Sustainability
2. How Metsä Board Is Redesigning Packaging From Forest to Shelf with Nathan Pajka
3. The Future of Foam: Compostable Materials That Perform with John Felts