Sustainable Packaging Show Podcast

Compost Infrastructure Reality, Function Over Form, Supply Chain Crisis (Feb 3, 2026)

Michael Markarian

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0:00 | 13:04

Compost Blocked, rPET Plants Close, PP Cups Succeed (Feb 3, 2026)

Your bi-weekly sustainable packaging briefing. This episode: NOSB decision on compostable bioplastics, Canadian study on food waste vs. packaging reduction, simplification that cut plastic 80%, domestic rPET crisis, and what infrastructure success actually takes.

This episode's stories:
- NOSB blocks compostable bioplastics from organic-certified systems
- Food waste prevention beats minimal packaging  
- Simplification: 80% plastic reduction through elimination
- rPET plants closing despite recycled content mandates
- PP cups achieve "widely recyclable" after years of investment

Links & Sources:
- NOSB decision - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/national-organic-standards-board-votes-against-compostable-materials-national-list/809526/
- Canadian food waste study - Canadian Packaging - https://www.canadianpackaging.com/general/new-federal-study-backs-function-first-approach-to-sustainable-produce-packaging-185862/
- Simplification design - Packaging World - https://www.packworld.com/leaders-new/business-drivers-specialty/sustainability/article/22958183/simplified-quiche-package-cuts-plastic-up-to-80
- rPET closures - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/postconsumer-recycled-content-domestic-market/810444/
- PP cups recyclable - Packaging Dive - https://www.packagingdive.com/news/polypropylene-cups-how2recycle-label-recycling-access/811016/

Resources:
📖 Book: SustainablePackagingBook.com
🌐 Platform: PackagedSustainable.com

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.