In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Trei Johnson to discuss the future of plastic packaging and the challenges of recycling flexible materials. Trei shares his path from studying sustainability at Cornell to impactful roles at Unilever and Mars Wrigley before joining Accredo Packaging to lead its sustainability strategy. He highlights Accredo’s unique story as a family-owned company founded by Vietnamese immigrants and its commitment to operating with 100% wind power and developing recyclable packaging solutions.

Key Topics Discussed

• Trei’s career journey from Cornell to Unilever, Mars Wrigley, and Accredo Packaging
• How Accredo was founded and its family-run values that support long-term sustainability
• “Sustainable Packaging, Sustainably Produced” — what that motto means for Accredo
• Challenges in plastic recycling and how consumer education plays a key role
• Progress in store-drop flexible film recycling and regulatory momentum
• The growing consumer demand for compostable and bio-based plastics
• California’s stance on compostable materials and how policy impacts brand decisions
• Industry collaboration at events like SPC Boston and the importance of thought leadership
• Trei’s career advice for young professionals with sustainability degrees — combining broad environmental skills with functional expertise in R&D, marketing, or engineering
• The power of LinkedIn for career growth and building a professional brand

Resources Mentioned

• Accredo Packaging — Sustainable Packaging, Sustainably Produced
• API Group (Acredi Packaging’s parent organization)
• 7th Generation Recyclable Stand-Up Pouch
• Napa Recycling
• Sway
• Cruz Foam

Contact

Listeners can connect with Trei Johnson on LinkedIn for insights and industry collaboration opportunities.

Closing Thoughts

Cory and Trei discuss the promise and complexity of creating more sustainable plastics. They agree that true progress will come from collaboration across the value chain, policy alignment, and consumer engagement. Their conversation underscores that the future of packaging is not about a single solution but a diverse set of innovations driven by shared commitment to a cleaner planet.

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

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Sustainable Packaging and Trei Johnson

01:12
Trey's Journey into Packaging and Sustainability

04:41
Accredo Packaging: A Unique Story

08:35
Sustainable Practices at Accredo

10:41
Challenges and Advancements in Plastic Recycling

13:11
The Future of Compostable Packaging

16:37
Advice for Aspiring Sustainability Professionals

keywords sustainable packaging, Trei Johnson, Accredo Packaging, recycling, compos

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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.