Disrupting the Toxic Food System with Jason Burke

WHEW! What a week!

Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) in Boston was incredible! Got to see my good friend Paul Nowak who is doing some incredible work there at GreenBlue Org . Make some content with Cory Connors ???? and Laura Foti . Meet world changers like Jill Tomlinson , Chris Bradley , Kevin Davis CPPL , Treijon Johnson, CPP , Jon Smieja , Rob DiPalma (you and Ted Taitt are going to crush this Podcast episode), Brodie Vander Dussen , Tyler Matusevich , Marcu Alexander , Mikey Pasciuto , Patricia Burguete , Daniella Kohler , NGOC TRAN , and I’m sure others that I can’t remember to tag right now. Make sure you connect with all of these fine packaging people.

THEN, I flew right back to SLC for Silicon Slopes Summit where Erica Rankin and I finally met in person! Her second People of Packaging Podcast episode is set to drop in the next few weeks. So stoked for her new iteration of packaging for Bro Dough.

FINALLY, one of my more favorite new people, Jason Burke , and I were able to get our podcast episode launched. He and his team at Noble Made and the New Primal are disrupting the broken food systems and packaging is playing a big role in the disruption. Check out the episode wherever you listen, but if you don’t have time to check the whole thing out, below is an article written by Deciphr.Ai to help summarize the conversation (as always, HUGE thanks to Specright for always holding us down as a sponsor)

Disrupting the Toxic Food System: A Journey of Innovation and Impact

By Adam Peek

Introduction to the main themes

In a world where convenience and processed foods dominate the market, there is a growing need for healthier, more sustainable alternatives. Jason Burke, the founder of The New Primal and Noble Made, understands this need all too well. His journey from financial services to the food industry was driven by a desire to make a positive impact on people's health and disrupt the broken and toxic food system.

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Jason shares his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced, and the importance of consumer education and access to real food. He also delves into the role of packaging in the food industry and the need for innovation to align with sustainability goals.

In-depth exploration of each theme

1. From financial services to the food industry

Jason's journey into the food industry was unexpected. Growing up in section eight housing, he developed an entrepreneurial spirit early on. After his parents were diagnosed with chronic illnesses attributed to diet and lifestyle, he became passionate about food and its impact on health. This led him to learn how to cook and pay attention to ingredients. He started making homemade beef jerky as a desk snack, which quickly gained popularity among his colleagues. This unexpected demand sparked the idea of starting a business in the better-for-you meat snacks industry.

"I had six of these microwave-sized dehydrators in my little kitchen condo at the time, and my wife goes out on a girls' night out and comes home and is like, 'Look, you've got to get this stuff out of our house. Everything we have smells like smoke.'" - Jason Burke

2. Disrupting the broken and toxic food system

The New Primal's mission is to disrupt the broken and toxic food system by offering low-sugar pantry staples and protein snacks made with real food ingredients. Jason believes that access to clean label food is a fundamental right, especially in low-income communities where healthy options are scarce. By creating products that are both nutritious and delicious, he aims to provide consumers with a better choice and raise awareness about the benefits of sustainable agriculture.

"If you looked at my LinkedIn profile, it says that I'm disrupting a broken and toxic food system at The New Primal. And really, that is at the core of what we do." - Jason Burke

3. The role of packaging in the food industry

Packaging plays a crucial role in the food industry, especially when it comes to preserving the integrity and shelf life of products. Jason had to navigate the complex world of USDA regulations and packaging requirements when scaling up his business. He learned about the different types of packaging materials and consulted with packaging engineers to ensure that his products would maintain their quality and freshness.

"We had to consult with people about the different types of layers, and there were two or three different types of applications that people suggested the most." - Jason Burke

4. Balancing sustainability and functionality in packaging

While sustainability is a top priority for The New Primal, Jason acknowledges the challenges of finding packaging materials that are both eco-friendly and functional. He initially explored the idea of using compostable packaging but realized that the infrastructure for composting was not widely available. Balancing the need for sustainable packaging with the need to protect the product and maintain its shelf life is an ongoing challenge for the company.

"I had a real philosophical debate about using multilayer high barrier protection film that's going to last who knows how long. But I was doing more good by supporting and raising awareness around grass-fed beef." - Jason Burke

Analysis of the implications and potential impact of the themes

Jason's journey and the mission of The New Primal highlight the need for change in the food industry. By offering healthier alternatives and promoting sustainable agriculture, the company is making a positive impact on people's health and the environment. However, the challenges of scaling up and finding sustainable packaging solutions demonstrate the complexities of disrupting the current food system.

The role of packaging in the food industry cannot be underestimated. It not only protects the product but also influences consumer perception and purchasing decisions. The need for functional and sustainable packaging materials is crucial to align with the company's mission and reduce the environmental impact of the food industry.

While progress has been made in terms of consumer awareness and demand for healthier options, there is still a long way to go. Education and access to real food remain key factors in creating a sustainable and equitable food system. By offering products in retail stores and online platforms, The New Primal aims to reach a wider audience and provide consumers with the choice to make healthier decisions.

Conclusion and future outlook

Jason Burke's journey from financial services to the food industry is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the desire to make a positive impact. The New Primal's mission to disrupt the broken and toxic food system through healthier alternatives and sustainable practices is commendable. However, the challenges of scaling up and finding sustainable packaging solutions highlight the need for collaboration and innovation in the industry.

As consumer awareness and demand for healthier options continue to grow, there is an opportunity for the food industry to embrace change and prioritize sustainability. By working together, entrepreneurs, packaging engineers, and regulatory agencies can find solutions that balance functionality, sustainability, and consumer needs.

The future outlook for The New Primal and the broader food industry is promising. With continued education and access to real food, consumers can make informed choices that benefit their health and the environment. By supporting brands like The New Primal, consumers can contribute to the disruption of the toxic food system and create a more sustainable future.

References:

Peek, A. (Host). (n.d.). Disrupting the Toxic Food System with Jason Burke [Audio podcast episode]. In People of Packaging. Retrieved from [link to podcast episode]

Note: The article is based on the verbatim quotes from the podcast episode "Disrupting the Toxic Food System with Jason Burke" from the People of Packaging podcast. The quotes have been used directly from the transcript provided.