Today on the Packaging Today Show, we’re diving into two massive shifts in the world of packaging—one corporate, one legislative—and what they signal for your next packaging move.
🧰 Segment 1: IKEA’s Tiny Bag, Big Impact
You’ve probably never thought twice about the little plastic baggie of bolts and screws in your IKEA furniture box—until now. IKEA is replacing those fitting bags with paper-based alternatives made from wood production waste. Sounds simple, right? But this change could cut 1,400 tons of virgin plastic annually and reshape how brands approach “invisible” packaging. We break down:
Why this isn’t just a paper swap
How in-house bag production creates closed-loop potential
The opportunity this opens up for your brand (yes, even if you're not IKEA)
⚖️ Segment 2: Maine’s EPR Law Gets a Rewrite
Maine led the charge in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws back in 2021—but now it's rewriting the rules. Depending on who you ask, it's either a win for practical recycling or corporate sabotage. We unpack:
What the new law actually changes
Who’s for it, who’s fighting it, and why
What this “shared responsibility model” means for your packaging team
📦 Bonus POVs:
Why paper packaging isn’t a hero unless it’s actually recycled
What brands should do today to future-proof against EPR legislation
If you're a packaging designer, sustainability lead, or supply chain manager, this episode is your cheat sheet to understanding where regulations and big-brand moves are pointing the industry next.
