Sustainable Packaging Show Podcast
It's a podcast dedicated to sustainable packaging! Join host Michael Markarian, CEO of Contempo Specialty Packaging, on his mission to end greenwashing in packaging. It's not going to be easy, but it's going to be worth it. We will discuss how to actually create packaging that is good for the planet and will debate the many angles of eco-friendly and green packaging! We hope that we bring a great deal of education to the world through this podcast, so that more major brands and startups choose environmentally sustainable packaging.
Sustainable Packaging Show Podcast
January 20, 2026: Federal Labeling Framework, California's Catch-22, EU Enforcement
Your bi-weekly briefing on sustainable packaging headlines. This episode: Congress introduces the PACK Act to create federal labeling framework, California's compostable packaging policy contradiction, EU's PPWR initial enforcement begins in 7 months, US Plastics Pact reality check on industry progress, and Dubai completes phased single-use plastic ban.
This episode's stories:
PACK Act: Federal framework would preempt non-identical state labeling requirements
California challenge: Two policies create difficult compliance scenario for compostable packaging
EU PPWR: Initial enforcement begins August 2026
US Plastics Pact: Progress report shows forward movement, tight timeline to 2030 goals
Dubai Ban: Four-phase single-use plastic ban fully implemented
Links & Sources:
PACK Act introduced - Packaging Digest - https://www.packagingdigest.com/sustainability/legislation-reshapes-packaging-sustainability-claims
California compostable policy challenge - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/compostable-packaging-organics-revolution-foods/807789/
EU PPWR enforcement timeline - European Commission - https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste/packaging-packaging-waste-regulation_en
US Plastics Pact 2024-25 report - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/us-plastics-pact-2024-2025-progress-report/809387/
Dubai plastic ban completion - Dubai Municipality - https://www.dm.gov.ae/2025/12/24/dubai-to-enforce-final-phase-of-single-use-plastic-ban-from-2026/
Resources:
Book: SustainablePackagingBook.com
Platform: PackagedSustainable.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelmarkarian/
About the Show:
The Sustainable Packaging Show delivers bi-weekly briefings on what's real, what's hype, and what you need to know. Hosted by Michael Markarian, author of Sustainable Packaging Revolution.