In this episode, Cory Connors sits down with David Glover of 3M to preview what attendees can expect from 3M's booth at PACK EXPO, taking place October 18–21 in Chicago. David shares his 14-year journey at 3M — from product specialist to global sales trainer to portfolio marketing manager — and explains why he considers himself a "tape nerd." The conversation covers 3M's long history of packaging innovation, the growing challenge of sealing high-recycled-content corrugate, and the new products 3M is bringing to PACK EXPO to help customers meet sustainability goals without sacrificing performance.

Key Topics Discussed:

• David Glover's career path at 3M: product specialist, converter markets, packaging territory sales, global sales trainer, and now portfolio marketing manager for box sealing tapes
• Why packaging is the "last line of defense" for manufacturers and the cost of getting it wrong
• 3M's history of innovation: invention of Scotch Brand tape in 1929 (Richard Drew and William McKnight) and the case sealer in 1969
• The rising challenge of sealing boxes made with higher percentages of recycled content, including reduced flexural stiffness and inconsistent fiber surfaces
• The "chemistry vs. physics" framework David uses to evaluate any packaging application
• New product launches debuting at PACK EXPO: RC Plus tape head — designed for consistent sealing on lightweight, highly recycled-content boxes, with bolt-on attachments for customization
• 571 Plus sustainable paper tape — a high-performing adhesive that bonds to up to 100% recycled material
• Where the packaging industry is headed on sustainability: custom-printed tape, recycled content, and evolving state and global legislation
• The scale of PACK EXPO International — roughly 48,000 attendees at Chicago's McCormick Place

Chapters: 

00:35 Introduction to Sustainable Packaging
01:07 Introduction to Sustainable Packaging and David Glover's Background
04:14 The Importance of Packaging in Manufacturing
07:15 3M's Innovation and History in Packaging
12:02 Upcoming Innovations at Pac Expo International
15:10 Sustainability Trends in the Packaging Industry
18:08 Future Directions in Sustainable Packaging

Resources Mentioned:

• PACK EXPO International
• 3M Booth: N5720
• 3M
• 3M RC Plus + Sealing System

Contact:

Attendees can visit 3M at Booth N5720 at PACK EXPO International to see the equipment and new products in person.

Closing Thoughts:

Cory and David highlight how 3M's century of innovation continues to evolve alongside the packaging industry's shift toward recyclable, reusable, and more sustainable materials — and invite listeners to stop by the 3M booth in Chicago to see it firsthand.

Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors!

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I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap. 

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