106: Emerging Trends in Sustainable Packaging with Max Teplitski and Andrew Stephens

Fresh Takes On Tech

Are you passionate about fresh, healthy produce and a cleaner planet? In this first episode of our six-part series, we highlight the vital connection between packaging practices in the produce industry and the urgent need for sustainability. We'll explore the delicate balance between ensuring top-quality, pathogen-free products and reducing the environmental footprint left by packaging waste.

Max Teplitski, Chief Science Officer at the International Fresh Produce Association, and Andrew Stephens, Senior Policy Advisor at the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, join us to discuss the rapid advancements in sustainable packaging. Listen in to learn about the UN's plastic treaty, the future of plastic packaging over the next five years, and emerging trends to keep an eye on in packaging.

Key Takeaways

• How packaging contributes to environmental damage.
• Why our growers and exporters need to be in on the conversation.
• If we are moving fast enough to fix the packaging problem.
• What the UN’s plastic treaty is.
• How PLU stickers have both helped and hindered the packaging problem.
• Emerging trends to keep an eye on in packaging.

Guest Resources

• Andrew Stephens: LinkedIn
• Max Teplitski: LinkedIn

Show Links

International Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/

Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/