Sustainable Packaging Show Podcast

CEOs petition EU to delay PPWR, CalRecycle SB 54 regulations 
take effect, Loblaw hits 90% recyclable packaging compliance, 
Tetra Pak launches aluminum-free aseptic carton (June 5, 2026)

Your sustainable packaging news briefing. This episode: 
the packaging industry publicly split over Europe's packaging 
waste deadline, California's packaging recycling regulations 
now in effect with a fee structure that could cost plastic 
packaging more according to one industry group, Canada's 
largest retailer enforcing recyclable packaging standards for 
its own-brand products, and Tetra Pak's 60-year aluminum 
barrier problem solved at commercial scale.

This episode's stories:
- CEOs petition EU Commission to postpone enforcement of PPWR
- CalRecycle SB 54 implementing regulations take effect
- Loblaw's recyclability push could reshape packaging design 
  across North America
- Tetra Pak's paper-based carton breaks new ground

Links & Sources:
- CEOs petition EU Commission to postpone enforcement of PPWR
  — Packaging Europe
  — https://packagingeurope.com/news/ceos-petition-eu-commission-to-postpone-enforcement-of-ppwr/14215.article
- 120 companies call on EU to keep PPWR on schedule
  — Packaging Gateway
  — https://www.packaging-gateway.com/news/eu-ppwr-regulation-schedule/
- CalRecycle approves SB 54 regulations
  — Resource Recycling
  — https://resource-recycling.com/plastics/2026/05/02/calrecycle-approves-sb-54-regulations/
- SPC Packaging Policy Roundup
  — Sustainable Packaging Coalition
  — https://sustainablepackaging.org/2026/05/21/packaging-policy-news/
- Loblaw's recyclability push could reshape packaging design 
  across North America
  — Resource Recycling
  — https://resource-recycling.com/recycling/2026/05/14/loblaws-recyclability-push-could-reshape-packaging-design-across-north-america/
- Tetra Pak's paper-based carton breaks new ground
  — Food and Drink Technology
  — https://www.foodanddrinktechnology.com/news/66433/tetra-paks-and-sterilgarda-alimentis-paper-based-aseptic-carton-breaks-new-ground/
- Tetra Pak invests €60 million into pilot plant
  — Packaging Europe
  — https://packagingeurope.com/news/tetra-pak-invests-60-million-into-pilot-plant-for-paper-based-carton-barriers/13843.article

Resources:
📖 Book: SustainablePackagingBook.com
🌐 Platform: PackagedSustainable.com

About the Show:
The Sustainable Packaging Show delivers concise briefings 
on what's real, what's hype, and what you need to know. 
Hosted by Michael Markarian, author of Sustainable 
Packaging Revolution.

Compost Blocked, rPET Plants Close, PP Cups Succeed (Feb 3, 2026)

Your bi-weekly sustainable packaging briefing. This episode: NOSB decision on compostable bioplastics, Canadian study on food waste vs. packaging reduction, simplification that cut plastic 80%, domestic rPET crisis, and what infrastructure success actually takes.

This episode's stories:
- NOSB blocks compostable bioplastics from organic-certified systems
- Food waste prevention beats minimal packaging  
- Simplification: 80% plastic reduction through elimination
- rPET plants closing despite recycled content mandates
- PP cups achieve "widely recyclable" after years of investment

Links & Sources:
- NOSB decision - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/national-organic-standards-board-votes-against-compostable-materials-national-list/809526/
- Canadian food waste study - Canadian Packaging - https://www.canadianpackaging.com/general/new-federal-study-backs-function-first-approach-to-sustainable-produce-packaging-185862/
- Simplification design - Packaging World - https://www.packworld.com/leaders-new/business-drivers-specialty/sustainability/article/22958183/simplified-quiche-package-cuts-plastic-up-to-80
- rPET closures - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/postconsumer-recycled-content-domestic-market/810444/
- PP cups recyclable - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/polypropylene-cups-how2recycle-label-recycling-access/811016/

Resources:
📖 Book: SustainablePackagingBook.com
🌐 Platform: PackagedSustainable.com

About the Show:
The Sustainable Packaging Show delivers bi-weekly briefings on what's real, what's hype, and what you need to know. Hosted by Michael Markarian, author of Sustainable Packaging Revolution.

Your bi-weekly briefing on sustainable packaging headlines. This episode: Congress introduces the PACK Act to create federal labeling framework, California's compostable packaging policy contradiction, EU's PPWR initial enforcement begins in 7 months, US Plastics Pact reality check on industry progress, and Dubai completes phased single-use plastic ban.

This episode's stories:

PACK Act: Federal framework would preempt non-identical state labeling requirements

California challenge: Two policies create difficult compliance scenario for compostable packaging

EU PPWR: Initial enforcement begins August 2026

US Plastics Pact: Progress report shows forward movement, tight timeline to 2030 goals

Dubai Ban: Four-phase single-use plastic ban fully implemented

Links & Sources:

PACK Act introduced - Packaging Digest - https://www.packagingdigest.com/sustainability/legislation-reshapes-packaging-sustainability-claims

California compostable policy challenge - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/compostable-packaging-organics-revolution-foods/807789/

EU PPWR enforcement timeline - European Commission - https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste/packaging-packaging-waste-regulation_en

US Plastics Pact 2024-25 report - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/us-plastics-pact-2024-2025-progress-report/809387/

Dubai plastic ban completion - Dubai Municipality - https://www.dm.gov.ae/2025/12/24/dubai-to-enforce-final-phase-of-single-use-plastic-ban-from-2026/

Resources:

Book: SustainablePackagingBook.com

Platform: PackagedSustainable.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelmarkarian/

About the Show:

The Sustainable Packaging Show delivers bi-weekly briefings on what's real, what's hype, and what you need to know. Hosted by Michael Markarian, author of Sustainable Packaging Revolution.

After 3 years of work, my new book Sustainable Packaging Revolution hit #1 New Release on Amazon in Environmental Economics and Green Business! 

In this episode, I'm sharing why I wrote it, what's inside, and where the podcast is headed in 2026.

Get The Book: SustainablePackagingBook.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn!

Joined by Jeremy Bowers of Givr Packaging to learn about their sustainable packaging solutions!

Subscribe to stay up to date on the latest sustainable packaging solutions hitting the market, as well as news and updates in the world of sustainable packaging!

Learn more about Givr on Packaged Sustainable: 

Looking to find sustainable packaging suppliers? Try PS today: https://www.packagedsustainable.com/

Mike's family business, Contempo Packaging: www.contempopackaging.com

As many of you know, my family business services the cannabis industry. This new product got written about in Forbes! 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/benjaminadams/2025/03/31/can-this-child-resistant-cigarette-box-make-cannabis-products-safer/

The promise of creating a healthier planet through sustainable packaging is amazing, but what about human health? Aren't both important?

This is a "conversation starting" episode.

Is there a chance that we could be making decisions that are better for the planet, but worse for human health?

If you have done studies or are an expert on the topic, let's do an episode together sharing what you know! 

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn

Are you short on time, but still want to know what is going on in the world of sustainable packaging? This episode is for you! 

Lots of news and trends as the eco friendly packaging world is charging ahead full speed.

Want to do a podcast episode with Mike? Connect on LinkedIn! 

Oregon EPR packaging laws are furthest along with a reporting requirement starting March 31. According to 3/3/25 CAA webinar, producers will be invoiced starting in July.

Page 200 is where the fees begin, note these fees are subject to change between now and July: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/64260ed078c36925b1cf3385/t/675367976db4842d3ae3ce43/1733519262653/Final_OR_PP3.pdf

CAA Website: https://circularactionalliance.org/

Are you a producer with questions? You can email [email protected]

Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content shared is not intended to create, nor does it establish, an attorney-client relationship. You should consult with a qualified attorney or professional for advice regarding your specific legal situation.