In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Dave Ford, founder and partner of Circle by OPLN, to discuss how neutral convening is transforming collaboration around the plastic crisis. Dave shares the origin of the Circle Program, the launch of the Legislator Guide for Circular Policy, and how bringing policymakers, industry, and NGOs together has shaped national conversations on EPR, DRS, and circularity. He reflects on the early days of OPLN, the pivotal expeditions that exposed leaders firsthand to plastic pollution, and how these experiences built a foundation for trust, shared understanding, and meaningful systems‑level change.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Launch of the Legislator Guide for Circular Policy and how it simplifies complex EPR/DRS concepts for elected officials.
• Circle Program origins: taking legislators and cross‑value‑chain stakeholders to locations with implemented EPR and deposit‑return systems worldwide.
• See Change Sessions outcomes, including cross‑sector collaboration and the decision to build the guide as a living digital resource.
• The importance of neutral convening—bringing petrochemical leaders, NGOs, policymakers, and brands together without an advocacy agenda.
• OPLN’s origin story, including expeditions to the Atlantic Garbage Patch that united 165 participants across the plastics ecosystem.
• The increasing need for education, readiness, and implementation support for companies navigating new EPR laws.
• How messaging around circularity shifts between regions, including emerging momentum for circular policy in Southern states.

Resources Mentioned:

• Circle by OPLN – circlenetwork.co
• Legislator Guide for Circular Policy
• The Recycling Partnership
• Ocean Conservancy
• Atlantic Packaging & A New Earth Project

Contact:
Dave Ford on LinkedIn
OPLN on LinkedIn: OPLN

Closing Thoughts:
Cory and Dave emphasize the transformative power of bringing all stakeholders—industry, government, and NGOs—into one room, with neutrality, transparency, and shared learning as the foundation. They highlight the importance of experiential education, cross‑sector collaboration, and the continued evolution of circular policy work as states and companies prepare for the future of EPR.

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 of Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors, Cory sits down with Mikey Pasciuto to explore SCRAPP’s evolution from a recycling app to a comprehensive zero-waste platform. Mikey shares insights on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), operational waste costs, and why businesses should design for efficiency rather than just policy. They dive into real-world examples, challenges in recycling infrastructure, and how SCRAPP helps brands navigate complex waste streams and regulations.

Key Topics Discussed:

• SCRAPP’s journey: from barcode-scanning recycling app to full-service waste accounting platform
• The role of data in predicting and reducing waste generation
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): what it means for brands and why it matters
• Operational costs of waste management and strategies to reduce them
• Real-world case studies: balancing packaging design, food waste reduction, and EPR fees
• Why designing for operations beats designing for policy
• The importance of recycled content mandates and eco-modulation
• Challenges in recycling markets, infrastructure funding, and material economics
• Standardization of recycling rules vs. local market realities
• Universal landfill bans and their impact on creating new recycling markets

Resources Mentioned:

• SCRAPP Zero Waste Platform
• Oregon Recycling Modernization Act
• Carton Council recycling grants
• Toyota Kanban and Six Sigma principles (applied to packaging logistics)

Contact:

To learn more or connect with Mikey:
Website: www.scrappzero.com
LinkedIn: Mikey Pasciuto

Closing Thoughts:

Mikey emphasizes that EPR fees should be viewed as part of doing business, not as a barrier to sustainability. By focusing on operational efficiency and informed packaging decisions, companies can reduce costs, minimize waste, and support a circular economy. Cory and Mikey agree: the future of packaging lies in balancing performance, recyclability, and system-wide thinking.

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.

Guest: Jennifer Patrick, Global Packaging and Branding Director at Patagonia

Summary:

Jennifer shares her journey from photography, creative direction, and print production to leading global packaging and branding at Patagonia, an iconic brand known for sustainability. She discusses how sustainability influences every decision, innovative packaging changes that saved millions of plastic pieces and pounds of paper, and how technology like QR codes transformed customer engagement.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Jennifer’s career path and creative background
• Patagonia’s sustainability-first approach in packaging
• Removing 37 million plastic Swiftachs
• Hang Tag redesign saving 175,000 pounds of paper
• Leveraging QR codes for global engagement and activism
• Customer feedback and data insights
• Patagonia’s Work in Progress impact report
• Advice for brands and consumers on sustainability

Resources Mentioned:

Patagonia's Progress Report
Patagonia’s sustainability initiatives
NetPlus material innovation

Contact:

Follow Patagonia on Instagram or visit Patagonia.com for updates and the impact report.

Closing Thoughts:

Jennifer emphasizes that small shifts can create big impacts in packaging and sustainability. She encourages collaboration across industries and conscious consumer behavior to drive meaningful change.

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

Chapters:

00:00
The Journey to Patagonia: A Unique Background

02:42
Sustainability at the Core of Packaging Decisions

05:33
Innovative Packaging Solutions and Their Impact

08:11
Engaging Customers Through Technology

10:55
Building Community and Feedback Loops

13:46
Patagonia's Role in Environmental Responsibility

16:39
Future Innovations and Product Developments

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.