In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes back Julianne Strunk and introduces Kelsey LaCoursiere as they discuss 3M's latest packaging innovations and their upcoming PACK EXPO International booth in Chicago. Julianne shares a career update, including her recent move into a marketing management role overseeing all of 3M packaging in North America, as well as personal news that she's expecting her second child. Kelsey steps into the spotlight as the new owner of 3M's Matic case sealer and sustainable packaging portfolio. The conversation dives into why tape adhesion is becoming more challenging as recycled and alternative fiber content (like eucalyptus) increases in corrugate, along with emerging trends in carry handles, recycling stream considerations, and where 3M sees sustainable packaging headed over the next five to ten years.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Julianne's transition into a marketing management role and Kelsey's move into the 3M Matic and sustainable portfolio
• 3M's frontline marketing internship program and how interns are contributing fresh insight, including AI perspectives
• 3M's role as founding sponsor of the podcast and the value of reaching a sustainability-focused audience
• Why recycled corrugate and non-tree fibers like eucalyptus make it harder for tape to adhere, and how 3M's tape line is engineered to address this
• Growth trends in the carry handle market, including bundling, sustainability drivers, and new global use cases
• The growing importance of recycling streams and post-consumer considerations, including 3M's recyclable 570 paper tape
• Customer demand for custom-printed tape and the shift from water-activated tape to paper tape
• 3M's long-term focus on marrying sustainable consumable products with sustainable automation
• A preview of 3M's PACK EXPO 2026 booth in Chicago, centered on a new recycled corrugate "sealing made simple" campaign

Resources Mentioned:

• 3M Packaging
• 3M Box Sealing Equipment
• 3M Primary Packaging
• PACK EXPO International, Chicago, 2026

Contact:

To connect with 3M's packaging team directly, reach out through their support page.

To find 3M at PACK EXPO International 2026 in Chicago, check the exhibitor directory and plan your visit here.

Support our Sponsors 

Learn more here:

- 3M

- Specright

- Forest 

https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved

Connect with Cory

Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/

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

This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.