Packaging Today Show

Are Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) taxes actually funding better recycling systems, or are they just another way for governments to extract cash from businesses without results? And how should US brands prepare for their own EPR regulations?

In this episode, Adam Peek breaks down the latest developments in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees and their impact on UK retailers. With Marks & Spencer’s CEO calling these new taxes a retail raid, we explore whether these fees are truly driving better recycling infrastructure or simply draining businesses of resources. Adam also dives into how UK retailers expect to pay £2 billion in EPR fees, and what that could mean for jobs, wages, and consumer prices.

For US brands, this is a wake-up call—EPR regulations are rolling out state by state, and companies need to get ahead of data tracking, reporting, and compliance before they face similar economic pressures. Tune in to learn how brands can navigate these regulations without losing their bottom line.

In this episode, Evelio Mattos, Corey Connors, and Adam Peek dive into the world of sustainable packaging with Prashant from Triac. The discussion centers around Starbucks' new compostable cold cups, whether they’re truly better for the environment, and if they solve more problems than they create. The team also explores the importance of LCAs (Life Cycle Assessments) in sustainable packaging, breaking down how brands can use data to make informed decisions rather than falling into greenwashing traps. Plus, with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees coming into play, Prashant shares insights on how companies can save money and stay compliant by leveraging LCAs and smart packaging choices.

Is this the worst flexo-printed packaging you've ever seen?

Join Evelio Mattos, Adam Peek, and Cory Connors as they dive into this week’s Pack of the Week, featuring the Savannah Bee Company’s honey trio packaging. We break down everything from the design, print quality, and die cuts to the insert engineering that keeps the bottles and honeycomb in place.

Can this package survive the scrutiny of seasoned packaging professionals, or is it just another flexo-printed disaster? Tune in for an in-depth analysis, a little roasting, and expert insights into what makes packaging truly great.

About the Show:
The Packaging Podcast is where industry pros tear apart the good, the bad, and the ugly of packaging design. Hosted by Evelio Mattos, Adam Peek, and Cory Connors, we break down real-world packaging to uncover what works, what doesn’t, and what brands can do better. Whether you’re a designer, manufacturer, or packaging enthusiast, we’ve got something for you.

Evelio Mattos and Adam Peek dive into the latest disruption in the beverage aisle: Coca-Cola’s Simply Pop. As the giant steps into the prebiotic soda space, we break down the packaging, branding, and marketing behind this new launch. Is it a smart move or just another corporate attempt to cash in on a health trend? We compare it to industry leaders Olipop and Poppy, discussing design choices, claims of digestive benefits, and whether or not these drinks actually deliver on their promises. Plus, we explore the consumer psychology behind choosing “healthy” soda alternatives and whether people are being duped by clever branding.

In this episode, Evelio Mattos and Adam Peek break down the biggest challenge brands face in retail—getting noticed. They tackle a real-world question from Reflow, a brand struggling to stand out on Walmart shelves. From the science of eye tracking to the power of packaging contrast, the duo explores why some products disappear into the background while others demand attention. Expect insights on color choices, branding mistakes, and why seeing your product is just as important as knowing what it does. If you want to boost sales through smarter packaging design

In this episode of Packaging Today Show, hosts Evelio Mattos and Adam Peek break down the latest tariffs on aluminum and what it means for the packaging industry. With aluminum prices set to rise due to a 25% tariff, brands are facing a tough choice: pass on the cost to consumers, shift to plastic, or find new solutions. The discussion dives into the complexities of aluminum production, recycling realities, and why this tariff could shake up the entire supply chain. Can we really "Buy American" when it comes to aluminum? And what does this mean for sustainable packaging?

Tune in to find out.

Mentions & Links:

• Ball Corporation

• Novelis

• Liquid Death

• Coca-Cola

Let's design your packaging -  / eveliomattos  Download the tools to design your own packaging -https://idpdirect.com/design-guides/Connect with Adam:  / adampeek  Connect with Cory:  / cory-connors  Live from Texas, Adam Peek joins Evelio Mattos and Cory Connors to unpack the future of label production and packaging sustainability. Adam shares takeaways from the CIRM User Group, where automation in label printing is improving efficiency for packaging manufacturers. Meanwhile, the team debates the endless war between BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) and PE (polyethylene) labels—why some are recyclable and others aren’t, and what that means for brands looking to make sustainable choices.Of course, the show wouldn’t be complete without some sarcasm. The team takes a jab at the idea that turning plastic waste into jellyfish art is a real solution. Spoiler alert: It’s not. While recycling and repurposing are crucial, we can’t “art” our way out of the plastic crisis. Instead, the focus needs to be on improving recycling infrastructure, material choices, and the circular economy.At the end of the day, the key takeaway is simple: Labels matter. The right material choice can mean the difference between a product that contributes to the landfill and one that integrates into a sustainable future. But one thing is for sure—labels are not packaging. And Adam is tired of saying it.Tune in to hear the full debate, get insider insights from the packaging world, and maybe—just maybe—learn why Superman is still MIA when it comes to solving our plastic problems.Mentions:CERM User Group -https://cerm.netSpec Right Summit -https://specright.comHow2Recycle -https://how2recycle.infoIDP Direct -https://idpdirect.comJoin packaging industry experts Evelio Mattos, Cory Connors, and Adam Peek each week on the “Packaging Today Show” LIVE!Unpack the world of packaging design, manufacturing, and sustainability. From analyzing the latest packaging trends and packaging regulations to sharing insider tips on how to design packaging that stands out on retail shelves, this show offers a front-row seat to the decision-making and creative processes behind global packaging strategies.Gain practical guidance on how to make packaging more eco-friendly and cost-effective, as well as insights into sustainable packaging solutions that reduce waste and carbon footprints. Learn the art and science of packaging manufacturing, explore new materials, and master techniques to elevate brand experiences. Perfect for packaging procurement managers, creative directors, brand owners, and designers, the “Packaging Today Show” cultivates a growing community dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and education in the world of packaging.Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard:https://streamyard.com/pal/d/66735240...

Evelio Mattos (Packaging Unboxd) and Cory Connors (Sustainable Packaging Podcast) break down the best and worst of this year’s Super Bowl ads, questioning whether the $8 million price tag is worth it in today's digital landscape. They also tackle Unilever’s pledge to make all plastic packaging recyclable by 2035—is it progress or just PR? Plus, a deep dive into the challenges and potential of refillable packaging, with examples from Dove, Dip, and Loop. Is sustainability still a luxury, or are brands finally making it accessible? Tune in for an unfiltered discussion on packaging, branding, and what’s really driving consumer behavior.

This week, Evelio Mattos and Brodie Vander Dussen dive into the Pack of the Week, analyzing a viral packaging post that’s got designers talking. From bold minimalism to the Gen Z aesthetic, they explore how color, shape, and tactile elements are reshaping packaging trends.

Is beige dead? Are bright, playful, fidget-like designs the future of beauty and personal care packaging? And what happens when every brand starts "disrupting"?

Tune in for fresh insights on what's working in packaging today, what Gen Z really wants, and why standing out on the shelf is trickier than ever.

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What exactly is a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), and why should brands care? Evelio Mattos, Cory Connors, and Adam Peek break it all down—what LCAs measure, how they impact sustainability claims, and why startups should be paying attention. From material choices to transportation emissions, they cover how LCAs can shape packaging decisions and even influence Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees.

Plus, Adam and Cory are heading to the SpecRight Summit—will they bring back game-changing insights or just basketball stats? Tune in for sustainability talk, packaging industry news, and plenty of laughs along the way.