Why are we talking trash? Why this column now? Packaging has entered a new era. Sustainability is no longer a priority because it’s competing with inflation, tariffs, retailer requirements, legislation, supply chain instability, and consumer skepticism. The industry needs conversations that acknowledge those realities without losing sight of long-term progress.
Our new column, Trash Talk, from Interact Sustainability Manager Valerie Hawks, explores that tension and maybe even offers some hope for the future.
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1 response to “Trash Talk: We Used To Talk About Replacing Plastic. Now, Not So Much”
I see only the small and local brands holding on to their sustainability standards and looking for innovation for better packaging options. Regulation will be the only meaningful way forward as big brands and corporations will never give up profits for sustainability. Big brands raised their prices, they got the tariff refunds and the consumer is left with a higher cost and the responsibility to recycle, to reduce and reuse, and figure out how to afford their grocery bill.