In today’s episode of Packaging Today, we’re mixing a bit of news, innovation, and viewer-submitted design to give you a full spectrum of what’s hot—and what’s maybe not—in packaging.
Breaking News — State-Level EPR Laws Are Here
We dig into the Food Safety Magazine article detailing the rollout of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws across California, Maine, Washington, and beyond. These new rules could hit every link of the food and beverage supply chain, from brand owners to importers. But are these laws helping drive sustainable progress or just driving up packaging costs?
A Plastic That Dissolves in Seawater?!
Japan may have just dropped a mic in the fight against marine plastic waste. A new plastic that dissolves in seawater within an hour and biodegrades in soil in just over a week could be a game-changer. But is it ready for prime time—or are we still too addicted to durability?
Viewer Submission – Trader Joe’s Fudge Packaging
We showcase and review a real-world example sent in by a viewer. This fudge box from Trader Joe’s gets a design breakdown from Evelio: what works, what could work harder, and why thoughtful coatings and layered storytelling turn this otherwise simple box into a rich experience (pun intended).
Instagram Pack of the Week:
We also spotlight one of the most culturally rich and visually powerful beer packaging designs in America—Vine Street Brewing’s cans by Whiskey Design. This isn’t just award-winning packaging, it's award-winning storytelling.
From The Cookout to Jazzman, we unpack how this Black-owned Kansas City brewery collaborated with a design team that didn’t just decorate cans—they channeled culture, history, and joy into every inch of the brand.
🎯 Tune in to hear:
Why EPR laws might change how you design food packaging
Whether the Japanese seawater-dissolving plastic is genius or greenwashed
A live critique of layered storytelling in packaging via a sweet submission
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