Hardware Podcasts

261 - These frauds have no idea about packaging!!

People of Packaging · 15 May 2024 · 34m

What this episode covers

Evelio Mattos, Adam Peek, and Cory Connors discuss the inaccuracy of marketing claims like '100% recyclable' or 'infinitely recyclable,' using a LinkedIn debate with Liquid Death's CEO as a case study. They argue that all packaging materials, including aluminum and corrugated cardboard, suffer from material loss during recycling and often contain non-recyclable components like plastic liners or inks. The group emphasizes the need for honest labeling to avoid greenwashing and highlights the importance of consumer education and simplified recycling infrastructure to improve rates in the US.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Liquid Death, Meyers Packaging, Nike, Macy's, Dude Wipes, Post
Products
The Scrapp App
Also
Weird Al Yankovic

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • How I Built This · 43m

    Making garbage useful with Tom Szaky of TerraCycle

    Tom Szaky, co-founder and CEO of TerraCycle, recounts his journey from a Princeton dorm room to building a multimillion-dollar recycling enterprise. He details the early pivot from selling worm poop fertilizer in reused soda bottles to solving the broader waste crisis by partnering with brands like Stonyfield and Clif Bar to collect non-recyclable packaging. Szaky explains the economics of voluntary funding for waste management and introduces Loop, TerraCycle’s reusable packaging initiative, which aims to make traditional recycling obsolete by enabling infinite reuse of containers from brands like Tide and Häagen-Dazs.

    Starting a product companySourcing & supply chain
    9 chapters

  • How I Built This · 28m

    HIBT Lab! UNLESS Collective: Eric Liedtke

    Eric Liedtke, former Global Brand President at Adidas, explains his transition from revitalizing a major sportswear brand to founding UNLESS Collective, a startup creating 100% plant-based, biodegradable apparel. He details the environmental failures of the fashion industry, specifically the persistence of plastic waste and the limitations of recycling, which drove his decision to leave Adidas. Liedtke discusses the technical challenges of sourcing non-plastic materials, such as cellulose-based threads and water-based inks, and the supply chain complexities of manufacturing in the US and Portugal while maintaining a zero-waste ethos.

    Sustainability & circular productsMaterials & manufacturing processes
    6 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 33m

    Founder Feature: Woo Pailet of LOO

    Woo Pailet, co-founder and head of marketing for LOO, explains how a four-person founding team created a plant-based, flushable wipe brand with fully recyclable packaging to combat microplastic pollution. She details the rigorous R&D process, including GD4 compliance testing for flushability and the selection of natural plant pulp fibers, as well as the challenges of finding manufacturers willing to produce a novel format. Pailet discusses the company's bootstrapped financial model, their strategy of destigmatizing wipes through premium design and targeted sampling in New York City, and their upcoming participation in Expo West.

    Starting a product companyMaterials & manufacturing processes
    6 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 40m

    Pure Gold Series: How to Fight Climate Change as an Emerging Brand with Seth Goldman

    Seth Goldman, co-founder of Honest Tea and CEO of Eat the Change, discusses how emerging CPG brands can drive climate action through specific, verifiable commitments rather than vague marketing. He details Eat the Change’s five planet-based commitments, including using only plant/fungi-based ingredients, avoiding food waste, selecting water-efficient crops, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring access for all. Goldman also addresses the practical challenges of sustainable packaging, the rigorous process of organic certification, and the strategic importance of making radical product changes rather than incremental improvements to disrupt the market.

    Sustainability & circular productsMarketing & brand
    8 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 39m

    Founder Feature: Justin Wolff of Junk Theory

    Justin Wolff, co-founder of Junk Theory, explains his mission to end the plastic era in beauty by creating the first skincare line entirely packaged in aluminum. He details the brand's genesis, which stemmed from his previous social enterprise work and a realization that 'clean beauty' often ignored packaging waste. Wolff discusses the challenges of developing curbside-recyclable metal packaging, avoiding white-label formulas, and achieving organic growth through PR and radical ingredient transparency rather than paid ads. He also shares insights on fundraising, retail strategy, and the importance of product quality to drive impact.

    Packaging designStarting a product company
    8 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by People of Packaging. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.