Reporting ready: How Leading Brands Turn EPR Data Into Enterprise Strategy

EPR reporting isn't just a regulatory box to check — it's the most complete packaging data set most companies have ever had. In this episode, packaging engineers Jessica Schwartz and Eric Abraham break down how brands are turning EPR compliance data into real business strategy: cost reduction, supplier RFPs, material redesign, and innovation roadmaps. Topics covered: the historical gaps in packaging data, building a single source of truth, EPR as a cross-functional governance challenge, the recyclable film innovation curve, why the regulatory clock is outpacing packaging development cycles, and how brands like Target are using packaging redesign as a competitive edge. If your organization is still managing EPR in disconnected spreadsheets — or you're not sure your source reduction plan is where it needs to be — this conversation lays out the playbook for moving from reactive compliance to strategic packaging decisions. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Beyond Compliance, meet Jessen & Eric 00:57 – Why packaging data has historically been a mess 02:29 – Eric's binder-and-specnum days at Nestlé (the "before EPR" era) 04:09 – The "Build It Once, Use It Everywhere" framework 06:01 – Two ways companies are handling EPR today (static spreadsheets vs. living data) 06:56 – Harmonizing data into a single source of truth 12:37 – EPR as a cross-department governance problem 14:19 – Recyclable films, runnability, and the innovation curve 16:22 – Why the regulatory clock outruns the packaging development clock 22:01 – Real-world example: Target's shelf disruption & on-pack innovation 22:59 – Reformulation as your packaging redesign "moment of truth" 25:06 – Early adopters vs. EPR fatigue — flipping the mindset 26:38 – EPR as a competitive advantage, not a government takeover 28:01 – PPWR deadline & why compliance is the next big expansion 29:00 – How to get help organizing your EPR data 29:37 – Sign-off #EPR #PackagingData #Sustainability #PPWR #PackagingEngineering #CircularEconomy If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE! Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com  Jessie Schwartz - [email protected]