Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic Packaging

Join industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers as we explore the future of packaging through the lens of sustainability. Hosted by Cory Connors, an industry expert with over 25 years of experience, and presented by Atlantic Packaging, the leader in innovative sustainable solutions, we dive into what’s working (and what’s not) from cutting-edge materials to circular design strategies that can reduce waste and protect our planet. Each episode blends real data, expert insights, and a dose of fun to help you stay informed and inspired. Whether you're in the packaging industry or simply passionate about sustainability, this podcast is your weekly go-to resource for making smarter, greener choices.

Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic Packaging is a business podcast hosted by Cory Connors, with 428 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Cory Connors hosts Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors presented by Atlantic Packaging, a business show with 428 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #428

  The Barcode Revolution Is Coming | Teresa Williams

  Sep 13, 202624 minS6

  In this episode, Cory Connors talks with Teresa Williams , Director of Strategic Accounts for GS1 US, about Sunrise 2027 — the biggest shift in retail packaging data in 50 years. Teresa explains how the industry is transitioning from the traditional 1D linear UPC barcode to a data-rich 2D barcode (a QR code powered by GS1 Digital Link), why it matters for brands and retailers, and how companies can start preparing now. The two also discuss Teresa's path into the AIDC (automatic identification and data capture) space, what GS1 US actually does, and the regulatory forces — from the Food Supply Chain Modernization Act to EPR laws — accelerating the change. Key Topics Discussed: Teresa's background in AIDC (automatic identification and data capture) and her path to GS1 US What GS1 and GS1 US are, and how they support 300,000+ businesses across 25+ industries What Sunrise 2027 (globally, Ambition 2027) actually means — and why there's no hard "sunset" date for 1D barcodes How the new 2D barcode (GS1 Digital Link) can hold expiration dates, batch/lot numbers, allergen info, and sustainability stories on a single scan The first UPC-coded product ever sold: Wrigley's Juicy Fruit Gum, in 1974 Consumer demand driving the shift — nearly 80% of shoppers say they're more likely to buy if they can scan a code for more product information Regulatory drivers: the Food Supply Chain Modernization Act, DSCSA (healthcare), and state EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) laws What happens if a brand doesn't adopt — no register rejection, but a growing competitive disadvantage Practical first steps: starting with accurate GS1 identifiers, dual marking (printing both barcode types), and using labels before committing to new packaging GS1 US's solution provider directory for point-of-sale hardware, software, and barcode printing partners GS1 US Connect and the "Beyond the Barcode" exhibit Advice for brands: don't go it alone — loop in solution providers, marketing, and product development; take a "crawl, walk, run" approach Chapters: 00:00 – Preparing for Sunrise 2027 00:27 – Introduction 00:53 – Meet Teresa Williams 03:41 – What Is GS1? 05:58 – What Is Sunrise 2027? 09:28 – The First UPC Barcode 10:26 – Why 2D Barcodes Matter 11:31 – What Happens If Brands Don’t Transition? 12:36 – Industry Response & Regulations 14:19 – Sunrise 2027 Resources 15:42 – How Brands Can Prepare 17:21 – Finding a Solution Provider 18:31 – Challenges of Transitioning to 2D 20:08 – What’s Next for Sunrise 2027? 21:35 – Connect with Teresa & GS1 US Resources Mentioned: GS1 US Sunrise 2027 hub GS1 US homepage Sunrise 2027 dedicated email Teresa Williams on LinkedIn Contact: Listeners with questions about the 2D barcode transition can reach the GS1 US Sunrise 2027 team at sunrise2027@gs1us.org , visit gs1us.org , or connect with Teresa Williams directly on LinkedIn. Support our Sponsors: 3M: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/packaging-shipping-fulfillment-us/applications/sealing-recycled-corrugate/ Specright: https://www.specright.com/ Forest: https://www.forest-pkg.com/ https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved 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.

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  Episode #427

  How Atlantic Packaging Built an 80-Year Legacy of Innovation | Rusty Carter, Bill Balkcum, & Wes Carter

  Sep 6, 20261h 7mS6

  Recorded live on stage at Atlantic Packaging's National Sales Meeting, this special episode traces Atlantic Packaging's remarkable 80-year journey from a small-town North Carolina newspaper to a billion-dollar, family-owned leader in sustainable packaging. Host Cory Connors sits down with CEO Rusty Carter, VP Bill Balkcum, and President Wes Carter to unpack the company's origin story, its evolution into packaging, the sales-driven culture that has defined it for decades, and the values the family hopes will carry the business into its next generation. Key Topics Discussed: Rusty Carter's roots in the newspaper business at the Tabor City Tribune, and the "band of brothers" who shaped his early view of hard work and loyalty The company's gradual migration from newspapers and office supplies into industrial and institutional distribution Bill Balkcum's early career at Dillard Paper Company and his first encounters with Rusty as a competitor The 1980 move to Wilmington, the acquisition of Crown Box, and Atlantic's pivotal shift toward packaging The rise of stretch film, garment film, and linear low-density film in the 1980s packaging boom Competing against industry giant Dillard Paper Company and using innovation and differentiation to win business Building a value-added business through die cutting, converting, and printing capabilities The transformational 1999 Henley acquisition and its role in creating a true regional and eventually national footprint Why Atlantic has remained a sales-driven organization, with leadership staying close to customers What Rusty Carter is most proud of: the people, the culture, and passing the torch to the next generation The core values guiding Atlantic's future: integrity, honesty, gratitude, and environmental responsibility Chapters: 00:24 Introduction and Legacy of Atlantic Packaging 01:07 Introduction to the Sustainable Packaging Podcast 02:10 Early Days in the Newspaper Business 08:15 Transition to Atlantic Packaging 12:04 Competing in the Packaging Industry 18:21 The Move to Wilmington and Crown Box Acquisition 25:07 Evolution of Packaging and Automation 32:10 Differentiation in the Packaging Market 36:16 The Evolution of Leadership and Sales Culture 43:22 Transformational Acquisitions: The Henley Impact 48:23 Investing in Value-Added Services 59:50 Pride in Legacy and Culture 01:03:23 Core Values for Future Generations Resources Mentioned: Atlantic Packaging History Contact: Listeners interested in learning more about Atlantic Packaging can visit atlanticpackaging.com . Wes Carter - LinkedIn Atlantic Packaging - LinkedIn Atlantic Packaging - Linktree Closing Thoughts: Rusty and Bill reflect on eight decades of risk-taking, relationships, and reinvention, from hot-type newspaper tables to a national packaging powerhouse, and share why culture, not just growth, is the legacy they're most proud of building. Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! 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.

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  Episode #426

  Inside Europe's Toughest Packaging Law | Anna Perlina

  Aug 30, 202624 minS6

  In this episode, Cory Connors sits down with Anna Perlina , a sustainable packaging and EU PPWR consultant with Integrity Solutions, to unpack why the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is reshaping how companies — even those outside Europe — think about packaging strategy. Anna traces her path from leading global packaging procurement at a major FMCG company to founding her own consultancy, and explains how the PPWR has turned "sustainable packaging," once a vague and subjective goal, into a concrete, common playing field with a roadmap running through 2040. The two also preview this November's Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht, where they both serve as ambassadors. Key Topics Discussed: Anna's journey from corporate packaging procurement to founding Integrity Solutions Why PPWR gives companies a concrete, common definition of "sustainable packaging" for the first time The business case for regulatory certainty: why clear rules unlock long-term investment in new materials and equipment The real-world testing and scale-up challenges of switching packaging formats (including a cautionary tale about pickle jars) Anna's role as an ambassador for the Sustainable Packaging Summit and her speaking history with Packaging Europe webinars and panels Reflections on last year's Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht, including moderating the "paper vs. plastic" panel What's new for the 2026 Summit: three full days of programming, EU commissioner participation, and lessons learned from the PPWR's first milestone (August 12, 2026) Why non-EU companies should study the PPWR now, even if they don't sell into Europe Practical tips for attending the Summit, including train travel to Utrecht Chapters: 00:16 Introduction to Sustainability and Consulting 02:59 Understanding PPWR and Its Impact on Packaging 05:37 Challenges in Sustainable Packaging Implementation 10:06 The Role of the Sustainable Packaging Summit 12:46 Insights from the Last Summit and Future Expectations 15:23 Practical Tips for Companies on Sustainability 18:07 Conclusion and Networking Opportunities Resources Mentioned: Integrity Solutions — Anna Perlina's sustainable packaging and EU PPWR consultancy Anna Perlina on LinkedIn Sustainable Packaging Summit, Utrecht — November 10–12, 2026, at the Beatrix Theatre, Jaarbeurs European Commission PPWR overview and guidance Contact: Listeners can connect with Anna Perlina on LinkedIn, where she regularly publishes free expert content and practical guidance on navigating the PPWR. 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.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #425

  Packaging Waste Needs a Seat at the Policy Table | Jackie Hope Glass

  Aug 23, 202628 minS6

  In this episode, Cory Connors sits down with Delegate Jackie Hope Glass of the Virginia House of Delegates to talk about the road that led her from community organizing to the statehouse, and what that experience has taught her about building real partnerships between policymakers and the packaging industry. Jackie shares how a habit of "minding other people's business" turned into a grassroots homework program for neighborhood kids, then a school board run, and eventually a seat in the General Assembly. She and Cory also dig into their shared experience at See Change Sessions in Vermont, the case for a national Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, and why she believes industry has a bigger role to play at the policymaking table than most people realize. Key Topics Discussed: Jackie's path from Navy veteran and community organizer to Virginia state legislator The origin story of her neighborhood "homework house" and how it led to public service Reflections on See Change Sessions in Vermont and why the event felt different from a typical industry conference How packaging and sustainability professionals can build real relationships with state legislators California's SB 54 and the challenges of getting states aligned on Extended Producer Responsibility Why Jackie sees packaging waste as a design and systems issue, not a moral one Jackie's "6 Cs" framework for guiding her legislative focus (creative, circular, coastal resilience, crime aversion, care, and cyber) CitizenU, Jackie's summer civic education program and policy pitch contest for constituents of all ages The realities of serving as a citizen legislator in Virginia's part-time General Assembly Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Delegate Jackie Glass 02:14 Journey to Politics: From Community Service to Delegate 04:31 The Impact of C-Change: A Unique Policymaking Experience 08:54 Bridging the Gap: Industry and Politics Collaboration 11:19 The Six Cs: Guiding Principles for Policy 13:34 CitizenU: Empowering Citizens Through Education 15:55 Legislative Projects: Making a Difference in Virginia 19:39 Extended Producer Responsibility: A National Perspective 23:06 The Urgency of Environmental Action 26:06 SSP intro animation v1.mp4 Resources Mentioned: Delegate Jackie Hope Glass, Virginia House of Delegates, 93rd District See Change Sessions, Burlington, Vermont Packaging Matters at See Change Sessions Contact: Listeners interested in connecting with Delegate Glass's office about legislation, community programs, or CitizenU can reach out through her official Virginia House of Delegates page. Support our Sponsors: 3M https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/packaging-shipping-fulfillment-us/applications/sealing-recycled-corrugate/ Specright: https://www.specright.com/ Forest: https://www.forest-pkg.com/ 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.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #424

  What’s Next for the U.S. Plastics Pact? | Crystal Bayliss

  Aug 16, 202625 minS6

  In this episode, Cory Connors sits down with Crystal Bayliss , Executive Director of the U.S. Plastics Pact, to unpack a pivotal year for the organization. Crystal shares how a sustainability sign on an office water cooler sparked her personal journey from food and ingredient procurement into packaging sustainability, and how that path led her to the Pact — first as a member representative, then as a program manager, and eventually to the organization's top leadership role. Cory and Crystal dig into the departure of major member companies ahead of the 2025 targets, why the original goals were always meant to be a "blank sheet of paper" starting point, and what comes next as the Pact rolls out new, more flexible ways for companies to engage. The conversation also covers the recent leadership transition at the Pact, the case for voluntary industry action paving the way for smart regulation, and the newly released Film & Flex Circularity framework tackling one of packaging's most contentious materials. Key Topics Discussed: Crystal's path from procurement into plastics sustainability and up through the U.S. Plastics Pact Why major brands (Walmart, Mars, Mondelez, Nestlé) stepped back from the Pact ahead of the 2025 deadline The reality behind the 2025 targets: only ~50% of packaging reusable/recyclable/compostable and 11% recycled/bio-based content achieved, against 100% and 30% goals New, more flexible engagement tiers coming soon for Pact members with narrower packaging portfolios The recent CEO transition and Crystal's move from Director of Strategy & Engagement to Interim CEO to Executive Director Voluntary industry action vs. mandatory regulation, and how the Food Safety Modernization Act offers a precedent California's SB 54 and the Pact's role advising policymakers The new "Journey to Film & Flex Circularity" framework and the unique challenges of flexible film packaging Atlantic Packaging's circular stretch film recycling system in North Carolina What gives Crystal hope for the future of sustainable packaging amid regulatory uncertainty Resources Mentioned: U.S. Plastics Pact Journey to Film & Flex Circularity : A Framework of Necessary Design, Collection, and End Market Levers California SB 54, Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Ellen MacArthur Foundation's New Plastics Economy Initiative Contact: Listeners interested in learning more about the U.S. Plastics Pact or its upcoming membership options can visit usplasticspact.org . Support our Sponsors: 3M https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/packaging-shipping-fulfillment-us/applications/sealing-recycled-corrugate/ Specright: https://www.specright.com/ Forest: https://www.forest-pkg.com/ Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors! 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.

  ListenShow Notes

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