Welcome to the Sustainable Design Lab podcast by Veritiv. Hosted by Chris Bradley, 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, Chris dives into Colorado's unique approach to packaging EPR in this comprehensive overview and comparison with Oregon's program. Chris unpacks key differences in fee structures, composting initiatives, and eco-modulation incentives.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Colorado's EPR program prioritizes composting infrastructure and incentivizes certified compostable packaging
• Why Colorado's fee structure differs from Oregon's
• How to qualify for eco-modulation incentives in Colorado
• The strategic approach to reuse and refill systems in Colorado, including complete fee exemptions for qualifying programs
• Why Colorado's balanced approach to recycling and composting creates new opportunities for sustainable packaging design
  
  

Chris leads the Sustainable Design Lab at Veritiv, where he oversees a 20,000-square-foot R&D facility in Silicon Valley and manages a team of over 60 packaging engineers, industrial designers, and sustainability experts. As a leading authority in sustainable packaging innovation, he specializes in helping companies navigate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and develop cost-effective sustainable packaging solutions. Chris' expertise spans packaging design optimization, regulatory compliance, and sustainable material innovation, making him uniquely qualified to guide businesses through the emerging landscape of EPR legislation.

The information presented in this episode is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. 

Welcome to the Sustainable Design Lab podcast by Veritiv. Hosted by Chris Bradley, 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, Chris breaks down Oregon's complex 397-page EPR plan into actionable insights, exploring fee structures, compliance requirements, and money-saving opportunities through sustainable design.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Oregon's EPR fee structure works
• The Strategic Application of the State Adjustment Factor (SAF) to prevent gaming the system with non-recyclable materials
• How to leverage eco-modulation bonuses for up to $50,000 per SKU through Life Cycle Assessments
• Why the Uniform Statewide Collection List (USCL) will standardize recycling across Oregon
• How to strategically shift from high-fee materials to lower-fee alternatives
  
  

Chris leads the Sustainable Design Lab at Veritiv, where he oversees a 20,000-square-foot R&D facility in Silicon Valley and manages a team of over 60 packaging engineers, industrial designers, and sustainability experts. As a leading authority in sustainable packaging innovation, he specializes in helping companies navigate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and develop cost-effective sustainable packaging solutions. Chris' expertise spans packaging design optimization, regulatory compliance, and sustainable material innovation, making him uniquely qualified to guide businesses through the emerging landscape of EPR legislation.

The information presented in this episode is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. 

Welcome to the Sustainable Design Lab podcast by Veritiv. Hosted by Chris Bradley, 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 the first episode of the Sustainable Design Lab podcast, host Chris Bradley, leader of Veritiv's Sustainable Design Lab, gives an overview of the EPR Masterclass series. In this series, Chris breaks down how five US states have enacted EPR legislation that will fundamentally reshape packaging costs and compliance requirements by 2025. Perfect for packaging designers, business owners, and sustainability leaders, this multi-part series delivers actionable strategies to minimize fees, maximize incentives, and transform regulatory challenges into competitive advantages through smart sustainable design.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to navigate EPR laws across five U.S. states and prepare for upcoming legislation in additional states
• The fundamental principles of EPR and their impact on packaging costs and design requirements
• Why eco-modulation fees create financial incentives for sustainable packaging innovation
• How to transform EPR compliance into a competitive advantage through innovative packaging redesign
• Why early adoption of sustainable design strategies can lead to significant cost savings before program implementation
  
  

Chris leads the Sustainable Design Lab at Veritiv, where he oversees a 20,000-square-foot R&D facility in Silicon Valley and manages a team of over 60 packaging engineers, industrial designers, and sustainability experts. As a leading authority in sustainable packaging innovation, he specializes in helping companies navigate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and develop cost-effective sustainable packaging solutions. Chris' expertise spans packaging design optimization, regulatory compliance, and sustainable material innovation, making him uniquely qualified to guide businesses through the emerging landscape of EPR legislation.

The information presented in this episode is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. 

Welcome to the Sustainable Design Lab podcast by Veritiv. Hosted by Chris Bradley, 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.

Before listening to this episode, make sure you’ve checked out EPR Masterclass Overview (Episode 1) in the podcast series. In this episode, Chris breaks down how EPR laws are reshaping packaging sustainability across the US, exploring key concepts like producer obligations, ecomodulation fees, and state-specific requirements.

What You’ll Learn:

• How EPR laws are transforming packaging responsibility
• Who qualifies as a "producer" under new regulations
• The critical role of Producer Responsibility Organizations in managing compliance and fee collection
• Why ecomodulation fees can range from $0.10 to $2.58 per pound based on material recyclability and sustainability
• The current implementation timeline for EPR across five states, starting with Oregon in July 2025
  
  

Chris leads the Sustainable Design Lab at Veritiv, where he oversees a 20,000-square-foot R&D facility in Silicon Valley and manages a team of over 60 packaging engineers, industrial designers, and sustainability experts. As a leading authority in sustainable packaging innovation, he specializes in helping companies navigate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and develop cost-effective sustainable packaging solutions. Chris' expertise spans packaging design optimization, regulatory compliance, and sustainable material innovation, making him uniquely qualified to guide businesses through the emerging landscape of EPR legislation.

The information presented in this episode is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. 

Welcome to the Sustainable Design Lab podcast by Veritiv. Hosted by Chris Bradley, this show is your go-to resource for cutting-edge insights into the world of sustainable packaging.

Each episode dives deep into advanced materials, circular economy strategies, and real-world innovations, offering clear, actionable guidance for packaging engineers, brand leaders, and decision-makers.

From seaweed-based packaging to compostable alternatives, we break down complex sustainability topics into clear, actionable ideas that can drive meaningful change.

Join us as we reimagine packaging innovation and turn every decision into a powerful act of sustainability. Subscribe now to the Sustainable Design Lab podcast on your favorite streaming platform.