281 - Google goes plastic free with their packaging

People of Packaging Podcast

You can go get the Google Plastic Free Packaging guide for free!

Connect with Miguel on LinkedIn!

About the Guest(s):

Miguel Arevalo is a distinguished member of Google's packaging team. With extensive expertise in sustainable packaging solutions, Miguel has significantly contributed to Google's transition to plastic-free packaging. His role involves collaborating with various partners and leveraging innovative materials to create environmentally friendly packaging solutions. He has been a pivotal figure in Google's efforts to share their sustainable practices through comprehensive guides and open-source collaborations.

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Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode, the hosts Evelio Mattos, Adam Peek, and Cory Connors dive into the innovative world of sustainable packaging with special guest Miguel Arevalo from Google. The conversation unfolds around Google’s transition to plastic-free packaging, highlighting the efforts, challenges, and triumphs experienced along the journey. Listeners will get an inside look at how one of the world's leading tech companies leverages sustainability to impact not just their products but the industry as a whole.

The episode begins with the hosts discussing recent trends and exciting news in the packaging industry, setting the stage for Miguel Arevalo to introduce Google's groundbreaking plastic-free packaging initiative. Keywords like "sustainable packaging", "Google packaging", and "plastic-free" are intricately woven throughout, painting a vivid picture of the meticulous processes and innovative strategies employed by Google's packaging team. From selecting the right materials to ensuring recyclability and collaborating with advanced mills, the episode offers a deep dive into the meticulous attention to detail and forward-thinking that defines Google's approach to sustainability.

Miguel shares valuable insights around the various technical and logistical issues tackled throughout the project. He delves into the specifics of material selection, advancements in UV varnishes, and the backward compatibility with existing recycling technologies. The narrative is bolstered by examples, including partnerships and contributions from industry giants like Veritif and Shandong Kylie, offering listeners a comprehensive guide on achieving similar sustainable packaging feats. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge, especially for brands keen to adopt and adapt sustainable practices within their own packaging systems.

Key Takeaways:

* Google's Plastic-Free Transition: Learn about Google's comprehensive approach to eliminating plastic from its packaging, focusing on sustainability and innovation.

* Material Selection and Innovation: Discover the meticulous process behind choosing the right materials and collaborating with advanced mills like Veritif and Shandong Kylie.

* Sustainable Partnership and Collaboration: Understand the importance of partnerships in the journey towards sustainable packaging solutions.

* End-of-Life Considerations: Gain insights into how Google ensures that its packaging is easily recyclable and environmentally friendly at the end of its lifecycle.

* Technical Advancements in UV Coatings: Explore the advancements and ongoing research in UV coatings that make them a viable and sustainable option for packaging.

Notable Quotes:

* "At the end, convenience is key. It's very hard to try to change the behavior. And consumers will not be able to distinguish if this is a plastic or if this is a paper." – Miguel Arevalo

* "We aim for progress, not perfection, in a way. So we wanted to make sure that we're taking the right steps toward a much better solution." – Miguel Arevalo

* "This is a complete departure because there it's texture. You can see the recycled fibers in there." – Adam Peek

* "Our main goal was if they have everything that they can get from the box, you can put it in the recycle bin and make sure it can become something else in the future." – Miguel Arevalo

* "Let's make it evidently something that you can see and say, yes, this is something that should go in the paper recycle bin." – Miguel Arevalo

Resources:

* Google Blog: Google's Plastic-Free Packaging Guide is available for download, along with an informative video detailing their sustainable packaging journey.

* Western Michigan University: For those interested in the technical aspects of recyclable and repulpable coatings, check out the resources at WMU's recycling testing center.

Stay tuned and listen to the full episode to dive deeper into the future of packaging sustainability with insights from Google's innovative journey. For more exciting and informative episodes, make sure to subscribe to our podcast.

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