# 302 - Can paper really replace rigid plastics? Boardio thinks so!

- Show: [People of Packaging](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging)
- Published: 2025-01-23
- Length: 36m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2025-01-23-302-can-paper-really-replace-rigid-plastics-boardio-thinks-so
- Listen: https://encase.substack.com/p/302-can-paper-really-replace-rigid

## Summary

Jen Jablonski, Max Goodman, and Alex Werne from Graphic Packaging discuss Boardio, a flat-packed paperboard packaging solution that replaces rigid plastic containers. The guests explain how Boardio’s unique manufacturing process—shipping flat and assembling on-site—drastically reduces transportation carbon emissions and warehousing needs compared to pre-formed cans. They highlight the product’s 90% paperboard composition, curbside recyclability, and durability, while addressing the complexities of EPR regulations and the importance of balancing sustainability with product protection and shelf life.

## Chapters

- [0:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2025-01-23-302-can-paper-really-replace-rigid-plastics-boardio-thinks-so#t=4) Introduction: Jen Jablonski, Max Goodman, and Alex Werne on Boardio
- [6:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2025-01-23-302-can-paper-really-replace-rigid-plastics-boardio-thinks-so#t=360) History of Boardio: From AR Packaging's Sika Can to Modern Boardio
- [13:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2025-01-23-302-can-paper-really-replace-rigid-plastics-boardio-thinks-so#t=796) Manufacturing Efficiency: Flat-Packed Logistics and Carbon Reduction
- [18:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2025-01-23-302-can-paper-really-replace-rigid-plastics-boardio-thinks-so#t=1107) Sustainability Strategy: The 4 Ps and Holistic Lifecycle Analysis
- [22:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2025-01-23-302-can-paper-really-replace-rigid-plastics-boardio-thinks-so#t=1349) Regulatory Challenges: EPR Laws, Food Waste, and Product Protection
- [28:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2025-01-23-302-can-paper-really-replace-rigid-plastics-boardio-thinks-so#t=1694) Market Expansion: Co-packer Networks and New Categories in 2025

## Topics

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

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Graphic Packaging (company)
- Boardio (product)
- AR Packaging (company)
- Sika Can (product)
- Mentos (product)
- Vital Proteins (product)
- Club Coffee (company)
- Mother Parkers (company)
- JJM Packaging (company)
- Combined Technologies (company)
- Nestle (company)
- Nesquick (product)
- Cadbury (product)
- Pack Expo (other)
- TikTok (other)
- PPWR (other)

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- [Electronica 24: Steve Driver on Fresh Talent and Green Tech in the PCB World](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-12-19-electronica-24-steve-driver-on-fresh-talent-and-green-tech-in-the-pcb-world) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Building the Rails to Eliminate Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles with Manuela Zoninsein, CEO and Founder at Kadeya](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2023-04-27-building-the-rails-to-eliminate-single-use-plastic-water-bottles-with-manuela-zo) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [304: How to Build a Manufacturing Company from First Principles with Supersede CEO Sean Petterson](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-09-29-304-how-to-build-a-manufacturing-company-from-first-principles-with-supersede-ce) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [40: Agglomerated Cork](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2018-08-03-40-agglomerated-cork) (Thoroughly Considered)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2025-01-23-302-can-paper-really-replace-rigid-plastics-boardio-thinks-so. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to People of Packaging.