CAA EPR NPE and CAN
This week on the Packaging Today show, myself and Cory Connors ???? covered some fun topics which Deciphr AI summarized nicely for me below in the article. What AI doesn't know is that it was my head shaving intro that totally carried and kept this episode from being mid no cap.
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The Future of Sustainable Packaging: Insights from NPE 2023 and Beyond
The world of packaging is constantly evolving, with an increasing focus on increasing sustainability and adapting to new regulations. At the forefront of these conversations are dynamic events such as NPE 2023, the National Plastic Expo, where professionals like Cory Connors and thought leaders within the industry gather to discuss the latest trends, technological innovations, and governing bodies impacting packaging today.
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Key Takeaways:
Navigating New Packaging Legislation: The Rise of EPR Laws
With the establishment of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws in states such as California, Colorado, and Oregon, it's clear that the packaging industry is under pressure to adapt to new, eco-centric regulations. As Cory Connors remarks during his visit to NPE 2023, "it kind of has to be an oligopoly kind of a… arrangement for this to work," highlighting the need for centralized organizations like the Circular Action Alliance (CAA) to provide guidance and governance for these new requirements.
As EPR laws mandate that producers must complete registration forms by specific deadlines, the identification of who qualifies as a 'producer' is under scrutiny. The definition ranges from brand owners to packaging manufacturers, indicating a vast reach of the legislation. Connors and many others in the industry suggest that turning to resources such as the CAA is essential for brands to navigate these nuances responsibly.
The Debate on "Infinitely Recyclable" Packaging
A hot topic at NPE 2023 and within the packaging community is the notion of materials being 'infinitely recyclable.' During the event, Adam Peek posed an intriguing question: "What happens to the aluminum? Does it actually break down in salt water like it did in the sodium hydroxide water?". As Peek notes, when companies like Liquid Death advertise their aluminum cans as more sustainable alternatives to plastic, discussions rise about the accuracy and implications of such claims. Connors offers that while the inner plastic liners provide necessary protection for certain products, concerns arise when considering the entire life cycle of the packaging.
Peek ardently challenges the idea that aluminum can be recycled indefinitely, stating, "it's also inaccurate in terms of the can itself because that plastic liner is not recycled into plastic liner again; it's burned off." This contributes to a broader debate about what true recyclability means in terms of material value and end-of-life applications—an essential dialogue for anyone in the industry.
Embracing the Circular Economy in Packaging Products
Another key theme from the NPE show that Connors shares involves witnessing first-hand the recycling processes that are pushing the circular economy forward. Live demonstrations of plastics being reformed into new products capture the innovative spirit of sustainability efforts at the event. As Cory puts it, "They're actually going to do live recycling at this event…Pretty cool."
Special mention is given to products like Trex decking, which is made from recycled plastic and wood—a prime example of a circular solution that extends the life of materials. The product's durability and reground potential exemplify how the circular economy is dynamically active in the packaging and materials sector.
As we've explored today, the landscape of sustainable packaging is at an innovative crossroads. Companies must become increasingly diligent in response to EPR laws and evolve their sustainability narratives to truthfully account for the complexities of recycling and material lifecycle. The conversations and developments shared at NPE 2023 underscore the momentum toward more responsible packaging solutions that offer tangible benefits to our environment. With industry leaders and governing bodies collaborating to define new standards for sustainability, we look ahead to a transformative era for packaging—one built on transparency, innovation, and circular principles.
Branding, Visual Design, AI Strategy, Website Design, Packaging, Illustration
10 个月Nice recap! Thanks or sharing this.