In this episode of Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors, Cory welcomes back returning guest Julianne Strunk from 3M. The discussion centers on 3M’s latest innovation campaign — Recycled Sealing Made Simple — which addresses the growing challenges brands face as recycled content becomes more common in corrugated packaging.

Julianne talks about her journey at 3M, the rise of recycled corrugate in the marketplace, the performance issues customers are experiencing, and how 3M is responding with tapes, equipment, and systems designed for today’s packaging realities. The episode also touches on 3M’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, as well as big announcements coming at PACK EXPO.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Recycled corrugate is increasing, causing weaker boxes and adhesion issues.
• 3M launched “Recycled Sealing Made Simple” to fix sealing problems on recycled board.
• New sustainable tapes include recyclable paper tape and recycled‑content backing.
• Improved tape heads & automation reduce box damage, jams, and re‑taping.
• 3M strengthens industry role as a founding sponsor of the podcast.
• More innovations coming, with major releases planned for PACK EXPO.

Resources Mentioned:

Website: 3M
Julianne Strunk: LinkedIn
3M: LinkedIn
3M sustainable packaging tapes and automation equipment

Contact:

Companies interested in learning more about 3M’s sustainable packaging solutions or partnership opportunities can reach out through their 3M representative or distributor network.

Closing Thoughts:

Cory and Julianne emphasize how rapidly packaging materials are changing and how vital it is for brands to adapt with solutions designed for higher‑recycled‑content substrates. 3M continues to lead with thoughtful innovation, strong customer partnerships, and systems that align sustainability with performance. The episode encourages listeners to rethink adhesion challenges, explore automation upgrades, and stay tuned for new 3M product releases.

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

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.

In this episode, Cory Connors speaks with Lydia Geddes from Lorax EPI about how her team helps companies navigate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) globally. Lydia shares her personal journey from sociology graduate to EPR expert, the evolution of Lorax EPI, and why data management is the cornerstone of compliance. They discuss the rapid changes in EPR legislation, the challenges businesses face, and why Lorax EPI’s hands-on approach beats AI-powered shortcuts.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Lydia’s career path and how COVID reshaped her trajectory
• What Lorax EPI does and why it’s a global leader in EPR compliance
• The complexity of EPR reporting and why data is king
• How Lorax EPI supports businesses with last-minute compliance needs
• The rise of EPR in North America and its impact on global brands
• Why AI tools fall short for nuanced EPR legislation
• Lorax EPI’s growth, global footprint, and commitment to client collaboration
• Future trends: Will EPR ever be standardized worldwide?
• Practical advice for companies starting their EPR journey
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Lorax EPI website: loraxcompliance.com
• Lorax EPI LinkedIn page
• Circular Action Alliance webinars

Contact:
Reach out to Lydia and her team:

Email: lgeddes@loraxcompliance.com
Info: info@loraxcompliance.com
Website: loraxcompliance.com

Closing Thoughts:

Lydia emphasizes that EPR is here to stay—and it’s only getting more complex. Businesses that act now to gather comprehensive data and partner with experts will be better prepared for the future. Lorax EPI’s combination of technology and human expertise makes them an invaluable resource for companies navigating this fast-changing landscape.

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

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

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.

In this episode of Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors, we dive into an innovative solution tackling two major environmental challenges: textile waste and packaging sustainability. Kaie Kaas-Ojavere shares her journey from the fashion industry to co-founding KIUD, a company transforming textile waste into durable, reusable packaging. She explains how KIUD’s material is created, its benefits for e-commerce and circular systems, and the company’s vision for scaling globally.

Kaie also discusses the challenges of textile recycling, the importance of controlled waste streams, and how KIUD’s boxes have already proven their durability in real-world use cases. With extended producer responsibility and packaging regulations on the rise, Kaie highlights why reusable packaging is gaining traction and how KIUD is leading the way.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Kaie’s background in fashion and why she pivoted to sustainability
• The origin of KIUD and its mission to repurpose textile waste
• How KIUD’s packaging is made and why it’s different from cardboard
• Benefits of reusable packaging for e-commerce and telecom industries
• Challenges in textile recycling and scaling post-consumer waste solutions
• Durability testing: boxes lasting 10–15 reuse cycles
• Printing options and branding considerations for KIUD packaging
• Future plans: expanding globally and improving material strength
• Business model for fashion brands: recycling + buy-back commitment
• Potential applications beyond packaging (industrial, hospitality, etc.)

Resources Mentioned:

KIUD official website: www.kiud.io
LinkedIn: KIUD Company Page
EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

Contact:

To learn more or request samples, visit www.kiud.io or connect with Kaie Kaas on LinkedIn.

Closing Thoughts:

Kaie and Cory emphasize the importance of creative solutions to reduce waste and promote circularity. KIUD’s approach demonstrates how innovation can turn industry byproducts into valuable resources, paving the way for a more sustainable future in packaging.

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

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

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.