# 78 - Talking sustainable designs with Brad Walling and John Perkins from Westrock

- Show: [People of Packaging](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging)
- Published: 2021-10-05
- Length: 32m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-10-05-78-talking-sustainable-designs-with-brad-walling-and-john-perkins-from-westrock
- Listen: https://encase.substack.com/p/78-talking-sustainable-designs-with-c93

## Summary

Brad Walling and John Perkins from WestRock discuss their sustainable packaging innovations, specifically a minimalist paperboard wrap for Heinz multi-packs that replaces single-use plastic shrink film. They explain how the 'cluster wave' patented feature and high-speed automation allow for a design that is both environmentally superior in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and robust enough for supply chain integrity. The conversation also covers their work on replacing plastic can collars with fiber-based solutions and the regulatory and consumer pressures driving these changes in the beverage industry.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-10-05-78-talking-sustainable-designs-with-brad-walling-and-john-perkins-from-westrock#t=6) Introduction: Brad Walling and John Perkins from WestRock
- [5:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-10-05-78-talking-sustainable-designs-with-brad-walling-and-john-perkins-from-westrock#t=356) Heinz Multi-Pack Wrap: Designing for Minimalism and Brand Equity
- [9:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-10-05-78-talking-sustainable-designs-with-brad-walling-and-john-perkins-from-westrock#t=558) Automation and the Cluster Wave: Ensuring Supply Chain Integrity
- [14:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-10-05-78-talking-sustainable-designs-with-brad-walling-and-john-perkins-from-westrock#t=897) Expanding Minimalist Wraps to Food Cans and Pet Food
- [23:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-10-05-78-talking-sustainable-designs-with-brad-walling-and-john-perkins-from-westrock#t=1409) Replacing Plastic Can Collars with Fiber-Based Solutions
- [28:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-10-05-78-talking-sustainable-designs-with-brad-walling-and-john-perkins-from-westrock#t=1687) Legislation, Consumer Behavior, and the Path to Zero Plastic

## Topics

- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- WestRock (company)
- Heinz (product)
- Tesco (company)
- Michigan State University (other)
- Georgia Tech (other)
- Campbell's (product)
- Coke (company)
- Anheuser-Busch (company)

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- [40: Agglomerated Cork](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2018-08-03-40-agglomerated-cork) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [The Race to Replace Plastic: 2026 SF Climate Week](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-06-04-the-race-to-replace-plastic-2026-sf-climate-week) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [Founder Feature: Woo Pailet of LOO](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2024-11-15-founder-feature-woo-pailet-of-loo) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
- [#260 - Packaging Changes as you Grow with Evie's Snacks and Belmark](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2026-08-04-260-packaging-changes-as-you-grow-with-evies-snacks-and-belmark) (The Startup CPG Podcast)

## Citing this page

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