278 - Packaging Today with special guest Brian Davis and new intro made by AJ Peek!

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About the Guest(s):

Brian Davis is a seasoned packaging engineer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. A Michigan State University alum, Brian specializes in foam packaging and has recently transitioned his expertise to the aerospace sector, designing packaging for aerospace components. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Brian now resides in Orlando, Florida, where he continues to contribute to innovative packaging solutions.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of Packaging Today, hosts Adam Peek, Evelio Mattos, and Cory Connors are joined by packaging engineer Brian Davis. The conversation kicks off with light-hearted banter about their YouTube channel and humorous anecdotes about sustaining a podcast amid various restrictions. They then delve into significant discussions on foam packaging, sustainable packaging alternatives, and the real-world challenges companies face in achieving their sustainability goals.

The episode offers invaluable insights into the packaging industry's efforts to move away from polystyrene towards more sustainable materials like molded pulp and mycelium-based alternatives. Brian shares his expertise on the intricacies of foam packaging and highlights the complexities of implementing reusable plastics as a more sustainable option. The hosts also discuss industry trends, including the National Restaurant Association's focus on sustainable packaging, and touch upon major brands like Mars and Unilever struggling to meet their 2025 sustainability targets.

Key Takeaways:

* Sustainable Packaging Trends: The episode covers the National Restaurant Association's recent focus on sustainable packaging, especially the transition away from polystyrene.

* Challenges in Achieving Sustainability Goals: Discussion on major brands like Mars and Unilever acknowledging their struggles to meet 2025 sustainability packaging targets.

* Foam vs. Alternative Materials: Brian Davis provides a detailed comparison between expanded polystyrene (EPS) and more sustainable alternatives such as molded pulp and plastic crates.

* Reusability and Market Adoption: Insights into the challenges and benefits of moving from single-use wooden crates to reusable plastic crates in different regions of the USA.

* Composting Challenges: An in-depth look at the practical difficulties of compostable packaging, including the requirements for high-temperature commercial composting facilities.

Notable Quotes:

* Brian Davis: "You can't recycle expanded polystyrene in a regular recycle stream; it has to be recycled by the manufacturer."

* Adam Peek: "The answer is not always moving away from plastic to a paper-based alternative. That's not always the right answer."

* Cory Connors: "These EPR laws are going to force restaurants to stop using styrofoam or polystyrene if you're technical, for to-go containers."

* Evelio Mattos: "When it comes to targets, what's real? What do you think is realistic? And do you have any clients that are going through this?"

* Brian Davis: "The logistics of getting it from the supplier to the warehouse takes time and less people are willing to make that leap. It's hard to get some traction going initially."

Resources:

* Brian Davis on LinkedIn - Connect with Brian for insights and expertise on packaging engineering.

* National Restaurant Association - Explore the latest trends in sustainable packaging in the restaurant industry.

* Michigan State University - Learn more about their packaging engineering program.

* EPS Industry Alliance - Information on the recyclability and benefits of expanded polystyrene.

* Compost Manufacturing Alliance - Learn about field testing programs for compostable materials.

Stay tuned to Packaging Today for more enlightening discussions on the latest in packaging innovations and sustainability trends. Don't forget to subscribe and join us for our next episode!

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