Sustainability Episodes

We speak with Valerie Hawks, Head of Production & Sustainability @ Interact Boulder to understand how production supports design in executing at the highest level. We discuss the importance of getting your hands dirty and learning the language of production and manufacturing. Learn where to begin a career in packaging production. Keep up with Valerie online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-hawks-137865/ Interact Boulder: https://interactboulder.com Sustainable Packag...

We speak with Brandi Parker, Head of Realization @ Pearlfisher where she manages a team that converts designs and ideas into reality. Her extensive knowledge of packaging design and production allows her to know what questions to ask even before a project begins and how to provide designers the direction they need. Learn how to begin your path into a career of production design and packaging as well as how to round out your design knowledge by leaning into packaging manufacturing. Ke...

Everyone talks about sustainable packaging, but what exactly is it? Well, that depends, and our guest Tom Szaky agrees as sustainability depends on many factors. In this episode we discuss what is sustainability, the business of recycling, and most importantly what designers need to know in order to design sustainable packaging. Tom Szaky is globally recognized for his eco-entrepreneurial successes that allowed some of the world's largest brands to partner with him to reduce packaging waste. ...

Beau Peck Director of Marketing and Zero Waste at The Pro Recycling Group, breaks down the value for packaging designers to understand what happens to your packaging once it's discarded. We talk about the benefits of pre-sorted recycling of packaging and the downsides to closed lid systems. We also touch on the confusion caused by mixed packaging materials, compostable packaging, and film laminates used in pouch packaging. The rising use of mono material packaging is a key finding, and som...

In our first episode we discuss the realities of sustainable packaging design and what to consider when considering sustainable materials. Our guest is Nikki Withington, owner of Square 1 Packaging Solutions and NPD based in New Zealand. We speak to Nikki about how she helps her clients navigate sustainability from product and packaging design to what happens to their packaging materials long after they're gone. If you're thinking about sustainable packaging, you are going to want to listen to h...