The packaging industry stands at a critical inflection point as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies gain momentum across the United States. In this revealing conversation with Rob Kesabowski, Managing Director for Packaging Optimization at NTT Data, we cut through the complexity to understand how these regulations are reshaping the entire packaging landscape.
Rob brings over 20 years of packaging expertise to explain how EPR shifts waste management costs from consumers back to manufacturers and brands. While this concept has existed for decades in Europe, it's now taking root in America state by state, beginning with Oregon and soon expanding to Colorado and California. The implications are far-reaching - companies must now track exactly what materials they're using, how much packaging they're selling into each state, and prepare for fees that could significantly impact their bottom line.
What makes this conversation particularly valuable is how Rob balances the financial reality with the innovative potential. These policies create economic incentives for more sustainable packaging by making less recyclable materials more expensive. We explore real examples where previously cost-prohibitive sustainable options become competitive when EPR fees are factored in, potentially accelerating the adoption of greener packaging technologies.
The discussion dives into the practical challenges companies face - from data infrastructure needs to navigating the complex requirements across different states. As the president of the revitalized IOPP Packaging Consultants Council, Rob also shares insights on how packaging professionals are mobilizing to address these changes collectively.
Whether you're a packaging professional, sustainability manager, or simply curious about how these policies might affect the products you buy, this episode provides a clear roadmap through the changing regulatory landscape. Subscribe now to stay ahead of the packaging industry's sustainable transformation and discover how these changes might actually lead to better, more environmentally responsible packaging solutions.
To connect with Rob on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robkaszubowski/
If you want to learn more about NTT Data:
And if you are in need of a packaging consultant:
