What It Takes to Build a Better Recycling System | Jordan Fengel

In this episode of Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors, Jordan Fengel, President of the Carton Council, joins Cory to discuss the progress and ongoing challenges in expanding food and beverage carton recycling across North America. Jordan shares insights from the Carton Council’s work to increase household access to recycling, its recent progress around California’s SB 343 recyclability criteria, and the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding in improving recycling infrastructure. He also explains why consistent national standards for recyclability claims matter, how misinformation can undermine progress, and why packaging must protect products and prevent food waste while supporting circularity. From visiting material recovery facilities (MRFs) to advocating for better recycling policy, Jordan emphasizes that no single organization can solve these challenges alone. The path forward depends on collaboration among brands, manufacturers, recyclers, policymakers, communities, and consumers. Chapter List:  00:25 Introduction to Sustainable Packaging 00:49 Introduction and New Role at Carton Council 03:34 Progress in Carton Recycling 09:36 California's SB 343 and Its Impact 13:36 Challenges in Recycling and Consumer Education 13:51 Advocacy for Sustainable Packaging 18:08 The Role of EPR Funding 24:20 Future of Carton Recycling and Community Engagement Resources Mentioned The Recycling Partnership (TRP): https://recyclingpartnership.org/  Resource Recycling Systems (RRS): https://www.recycle.com/  Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI): https://fpi.org/  Poly Coated Paper Alliance: https://www.polycoatedpaperalliance.com/  Michigan State University: https://msu.edu/  Contact: Listeners interested in connecting with Jordan Fengel are encouraged to reach out via LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanfengel/  Support our Sponsors: 3M: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/packaging-shipping-fulfillment-us/applications/sealing-recycled-corrugate/  Specright: https://www.specright.com/  FOREST-PKG: https://www.forest-pkg.com/ https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here:  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.