EPR reporting isn't just a regulatory box to check — it's the most complete packaging data set most companies have ever had. In this episode, packaging engineers Jessica Schwartz and Eric Abraham break down how brands are turning EPR compliance data into real business strategy: cost reduction, supplier RFPs, material redesign, and innovation roadmaps.

Topics covered: the historical gaps in packaging data, building a single source of truth, EPR as a cross-functional governance challenge, the recyclable film innovation curve, why the regulatory clock is outpacing packaging development cycles, and how brands like Target are using packaging redesign as a competitive edge.

If your organization is still managing EPR in disconnected spreadsheets — or you're not sure your source reduction plan is where it needs to be — this conversation lays out the playbook for moving from reactive compliance to strategic packaging decisions.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Beyond Compliance, meet Jessen & Eric
00:57 – Why packaging data has historically been a mess
02:29 – Eric's binder-and-specnum days at Nestlé (the "before EPR" era)
04:09 – The "Build It Once, Use It Everywhere" framework
06:01 – Two ways companies are handling EPR today (static spreadsheets vs. living data)
06:56 – Harmonizing data into a single source of truth
12:37 – EPR as a cross-department governance problem
14:19 – Recyclable films, runnability, and the innovation curve
16:22 – Why the regulatory clock outruns the packaging development clock
22:01 – Real-world example: Target's shelf disruption & on-pack innovation
22:59 – Reformulation as your packaging redesign "moment of truth"
25:06 – Early adopters vs. EPR fatigue — flipping the mindset
26:38 – EPR as a competitive advantage, not a government takeover
28:01 – PPWR deadline & why compliance is the next big expansion
29:00 – How to get help organizing your EPR data
29:37 – Sign-off

#EPR #PackagingData #Sustainability #PPWR #PackagingEngineering #CircularEconomy

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Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com