Turning Consumer Concern into Actionable Insights: New SPC Resources on Plastics & Fiber

Have you seen headlines like “Americans Are Sick of Single-Use Packaging Pollution”? In this issue of Unpacked, we’re sharing two resources that speak to the public sentiment around packaging sustainability. The first is our article, “Seven Ways to Reframe the Plastics Conversation,” which is packed with tips for turning consumer despair into actions like recycling and reuse.

Next is our newest SPC resource, “Considerations for Non-Wood Fiber Use in Packaging,” which covers the sustainability potential and limitations around the trendy “tree-free” fiber packaging.?

In each, we’re excited to share the research-backed insights and ideas needed to push sustainable packaging practices forward. You can also look out for updates like the latest SPC Policy Roundup, challenges in pharma packaging, and news on SPC Advance—where I hope to see you soon! Thanks for reading.?

- Olga Kachook,?Director, Sustainable Packaging Coalition, GreenBlue

From Awareness to Action: Seven Ways to Reframe the Plastics Conversation?

From marine plastic pollution to microplastics in drinking water, there’s no question that the plastic pollution crisis has reached a tipping point. But disillusionment breeds inaction—and the solutions to these problems, like reuse and improved recycling, rely on action.

To support a truly circular plastics economy, we need to balance the plastics conversation to inspire action.?

We can do that by providing people with information, motivation, and opportunity. When we do, they can better understand: the purpose of certain plastics, the potential of reuse, and the pragmatics around recycling. Learn seven ways to turn plastics awareness into action.

Read the Article.

SPC Unveils Guide for Non-Wood Fiber Packaging?

Packaging is in a new era of “Paperization.” Innovations in barrier coatings and performance paired with consumer interest in plastic alternatives have pushed paper into formats that used to be considered plastic-only territory.

The spread of paperization comes with a spike in interest for alternative, or non-wood, fiber. That’s why we’re excited to unveil our latest resource: Considerations for Non-Wood Fiber Use in Packaging.?

In this resource, we’re unpacking alternative fibers’ roles, limitations, and potential for organizations interested in understanding whether these “tree-free” fibers are a good fit for their packaging.

View the Resource.

Ready for SPC Advance? Moving Further and Faster on Carbon Reduction?

Have you made your plans to attend SPC Advance yet? This year, we’ll be meeting in Chicago from September 30 - October 2 to explore moving Further and Faster to reduce carbon emissions with better packaging.

At SPC Advance, members will have the opportunity to:

• Put sustainable packaging into practice.With workshops and panels covering everything from Store Drop-off to consumer eye-tracking research, you’ll get the actionable insights you need to put sustainable packaging into practice.
• Build their extended sustainability team.With 600 attendees, at SPC Advance breakout sessions and networking breaks, attendees can connect and collaborate to reduce carbon emissions through better packaging.
• See the city, see its sustainability impact.From walking tours of Chicago and trips to Intelligentsia Coffee to tours of recycling facilities and education centers, we’ll explore the city and its sustainability initiatives.

Register for SPC Advance Today.

Already registered for SPC Advance? Make sure to secure your room and book your lodging at the venue today.

In Other News

• Registration is open for SPC Engage 2024 in Amsterdam—co-located with Packaging Europe’s Sustainable Packaging Summit on November 11.?
• Don’t forget to save the date for SPC Impact 2025, where we’ll gather from April 28 - May 1 in Seattle to advance sustainable packaging.?
• Interested in becoming a sponsor for SPC Impact 2025? Check out opportunities to sponsor the 800+ attendee event today.?
• What’s going on in state houses and Congress? SPC’s August Policy Roundup covers the need-to-know packaging policy updates.
• Wondering why sustainable pharma packaging is so difficult? SPC’s Paula Leardini helps explain in this Waste 360 article.
• Are “tree-free” fibers the answer? Well, they’re not a silver bullet. Learn more in Olga Kachook’s latest Trellis article.