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What is flexible packaging? Why can't we recycle MLPs? Is the future of packaging paper, plastic, or something else entirely? If you've ever asked yourself any of these questions, don't miss the chance to get answers from a senior VP at the biggest sustainable packaging company in all of North America! 🧻 This week on Good Garbage, Ved Krishna meets Allison Scales, the first female VP of Printing and Graphics at Atlantic Packaging: an 80 year old company that started as a newspaper exposing the KKK, and now leads the charge in sustainable packaging. Allison teaches us all about the challenges, achievements and hope for the future in the world of packaging from her 14 years of experience at Atlantic!  🎧 Full episode on Spotify & Apple: https://www.goodgarbage.info In this episode with Allison Scales: • Flexible packaging: Basics and Evolution • Materials and equipment used in flexible packaging • Sustainability and end-of-life challenges • Innovations in paper and biopolymer packaging • Atlantic's history and growth in the packaging industry • Challenges in converting and alternative materials • Future trends in sustainable packaging Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Allison Scales and Atlantic Packaging 01:59 Allison's leadership journey and early influences 06:06 Career trajectory and key learnings in printing industry 11:03 Basics of flexible packaging and its importance 12:00 Materials and equipment in flexible packaging production 13:45 Evolution and significance of flexible packaging in daily life 16:52 Multilayer structures and their role in shelf life extension 18:51 Industry standards and decision factors for packaging structures 21:59 Challenges of recycling multilayer flexible packaging 24:04 Complexity of printing and converting flexible materials 27:05 Atlantic's equipment innovations for sustainable packaging 36:55 Atlantic's history from newspaper to diversified packaging company 43:58 Atlantic's initiatives in sustainable packaging solutions 49:56 Future growth plans and industry evolution 56:06 Challenges in customer adoption and industry change 57:06 What does Good Garbage mean to Allison? Good Garbage is a podcast about sustainable materials, packaging and regeneration, hosted by Ved Krishna — conversations with the innovators, scientists and founders building a cleaner planet. The question behind every episode: what is good garbage? Atlantic Packaging:  https://www.atlanticpkg.com ▶ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodGarbage 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 🔗 More: https://www.goodgarbage.info 💌 Contact us: [email protected]

Hello, hello! It's Good Garbage News! 🗞️September was a month filled with groundbreaking transformations in the packaging and sustainability world. Learn about everything from cookies made out of plastic bottles to Oman giving zero duty access to 99% of India's exports in this episode! 🌐🎙️ Hosted by Sargam Krishna & Kumar Niketan 🔬 Innovation:• Ellen MacArthur Foundation launches the PaperFlex Consortium• Lactips & SmartSolve team up to launch the PureNil 0, the world's first 100% plastic-free, dispersible, printable, flexible packaging substrate• Mondelez International replaces their PET trays with paper trays for their flagship European cookie range across 25 markets• Researchers at Southern Illinois University develop a groundbreaking upcycling process, turning PET bottles into edible cookies (Funded by NASA)• SWM International launches the FIVE™, a fluorine-free, oil & grease resistant paper🌐 Industry:• The India-EU Trade Deal has been sent to the European Union Council for approval to sign• GST on Indian paper bags has come down to 5%, while plastic stays at 18%• India-Oman Trade deal: Oman gives zero duty access to over 99% of India's exports and is set to push out plastic bags• US tariffs on Indian goods have fluctuated between 50-10% over the last year, and a new law opens up the possibility of tariffs going up to 100%• Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal visits the US to push for an Interim Trade Deal• India's DGTR recommends an anti-dumping duty of up to $376 on Indonesian multi-layer paperboard💌 Reach out to us at ⁠[email protected]⁠ for feedback or questions!🔗 Never miss an episode by following us on all our socials by clicking on the links below:Website: https://www.goodgarbage.infoInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/goodgarbagepodcast/⁠YouTube: www.youtube.com/@GoodGarbage Powered by Pakka

Is branding simply marketing, sales and manipulation, or can it go beyond the superficiality into value systems, transparency and even hope? According to this week's guest, branding, is "being".  In this Good Garbage episode, Ved Krishna sits down with Raphael Bemporad, Founder of BBMG- a branding consultancy working with companies the world needs. Raphael believes in the ability to use business to create positive change for a more just, equitable and sustainable society. Having worked with huge brands like Nike, Target and PepsiCo (to name a few), Raphael brings to this conversation over two decades worth of expertise from the world of marketing! 📊 🎧 Full episode on Spotify & Apple: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 🧠 In this episode with Raphael Bemporad: • Raphael's background in philosophy and family influence • The origin story of BBMG and its mission • The role of branding in social and environmental impact • Case studies of brands like Just Salad and North Face • Strategies for small startups to scale impact • The New Story of Nature and the culture code • Challenges and opportunities in sustainable packaging • The importance of radical transparency and trust • Cultural signals influencing environmental engagement • The nature loop: reconnect, act, belong 🎙️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Raphael's background 02:06 From family roots to social justice and business 03:46 Raphael's journey from philosophy to branding 06:47 Founding BBMG and early projects 12:03 The gelato business and entrepreneurial spirit 18:54 Core principles guiding impact-driven business 24:02 Working with mission-driven brands like Seventh Generation 29:05 Case study: Just Salad and sustainable impact 36:02 Challenges in scaling sustainable packaging 40:47 The new story of nature and culture signals 47:09 Influencing regulators and consumer activism 53:08 The importance of trust, transparency, and honesty 01:00:08 Building resilient brands and community impact 01:05:01 The role of mentorship and community in propagation 01:20:00 The new story of nature and the culture code 01:29:00 Closing thoughts and future outlooks Good Garbage is a podcast about sustainable materials, packaging and regeneration, hosted by Ved Krishna — conversations with the innovators, scientists and founders building a cleaner planet. The question behind every episode: what is good garbage? BBMG Website: https://bbmg.com Raphael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com ▶ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodGarbage 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 🔗 More: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 💌 Contact us: [email protected]

Hello, hello! It's Good Garbage News! 🗞️ Every month, in addition to our regular episodes with Ved's interviews, we post an industry update with the latest updates in both sustainable packaging and packaging regulations all across the world. 🎙️ Hosted by Sargam Krishna & Kumar Niketan  🔬 Innovation: • Zerocircle's heat-sealable coating as a potential replacement for PE coatings on paper cups • The Starbucks Global Innovation Challenge to help the company look for a compostable material to replace their plastic cups and lids • Researchers at Hassanuddin University have developed a biodegradable film for food packaging out of coconut cellulose • Polymateria has created a technology that helps plastic degrade within 2 years • Cirkla to open its first fiber food-tray manufacturing facility in Georgia, United States 🌐 Industry: • The UN Global Plastic Treaty ensures production caps as binding and looks into financing the transition away from plastics • Europe's packaging and packaging waste regulations (that apply to all 27 member states) have come into force starting this August • The federal court in Oregon, United States has upheld the state's recycling modernization act in full • Paper and paperboard packaging have been brought into the Extended Producer Responsibility Framework for the very first time in India • FSSAI's Packaging Amendment Regulations now require small format packaging used for tobacco products to be made out of biodegradable materials • The governments of Korea, Japan and Taiwan have mandated a minimum of 10% recycled content in all plastic products, which is set to rise to 30% by 2030 💌 Reach out to us at [email protected] for feedback or questions! 🔗 Never miss an episode by following us on all our socials by clicking on the links below: Linktree: https://pakka.com/podcast/?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=profile&utm_campaign=good_garbage_podcast&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAadOJN0Sm1QJjoG4RZnzndr98pJquZyTMmMIlIMIwT47X70F2pXf2Fu94De-2w_aem_-GsIopi6F-6vTBCwv4kGIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodgarbagepodcast/ Powered by Pakka

Did you know that the little packets of chips we consume everyday are the hardest to recycle? Meet the man who took this challenge and turned it into eyewear! 🕶️ This week, Ved Krishna sits down with Anish Malpani, Founder and CEO of Without- a brand "recycling the unrecyclable" and doing it ethically. Anish quit his dream job in New York to find his true purpose in this amazing Pune-based start-up that makes eyewear, packaging, yarn and more from MLP and textile waste that everyone else refuses to touch!  Without has created the world's first sunglasses made from 100% recycled chip packets using its patented technology. And this innovation goes hand-in-hand with employing, upskilling and educating India's waste pickers. Anish and his team are proof that it is possible to run ethical businesses at scale for a world without waste and poverty. 🌱 🎧 Full episode on Spotify & Apple: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 🧠 In this episode with Anish Malpani: • How Anish quit his dream job in New York and found his way back to India • India's waste-pickers and everything that's wrong with the system • Building a business out of the most rejected material • Developing cutting-edge technology to solve the hardest problem first • Scaling manufacturing and impact • Balancing profitability with social good 🎙️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Anish Malpani and Without 01:49 Anish's childhood in Aurangabad and early memories 05:59 Career at iHeart Media and move to New York 08:09 Reflections on privilege and purpose 10:04 Journey to Guatemala and impact learning 12:02 Starting Without and the focus on waste and poverty 14:47 Innovations in plastic recycling technology 20:11 Building a social enterprise with impact at the core 24:55 The significance of the name 'Without' 29:48 Challenges with waste pickers and informal workers 35:03 The science behind multi-layer plastic recycling 40:11 Scaling technology and manufacturing processes 44:57 Future vision for Without and impact goals 49:53 Building a culture of fairness and dignity 59:54 Funding journey and investor relations 01:09:54 The importance of social impact and B Corp certification 01:15:09 The role of storytelling and marketing 01:19:59 Scaling plans and long-term vision 01:23:02 Closing thoughts and appreciation Good Garbage is a podcast about sustainable materials, packaging and regeneration, hosted by Ved Krishna — conversations with the innovators, scientists and founders building a cleaner planet. The question behind every episode: what is good garbage? Without's Website: https://without.live/about-us/ Without's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmadewithout/ ▶ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodGarbage 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 🔗 More: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 💌 Contact us: [email protected]

Biodegradable and compostable are not the same word — and the man who put PLA into packaging explains exactly where the difference lives. In this Good Garbage episode, Ved Krishna talks with Dr. Ramani Narayan, Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University and the scientist behind PLA as we know it, about how the legacy polymer was created in his lab, what polymerization really means, and who is responsible for compostability and end of life. Part 2 of 2. 🎧 Full episode on Spotify & Apple: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 🧠 In this episode with Dr. Ramani Narayan: • History and science of PLA • Biodegradability in biomedical vs. environmental contexts • Feedstock sources for lactic acid • Polymerization processes and properties • Blending and compounding of bioplastics • End-of-life management and composting standards • Scaling production of bioplastics • Future directions in microbial and bio-based polymers 🎙️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and overview of the discussion 00:26 History of PLA and its medical uses 02:24 PLA's biodegradability in the human body vs. environment 05:20 Environmental challenges and misconceptions about PLA 07:30 Cargill's entry into the PLA market and legacy polymer 14:23 Feedstock sources and economics of lactic acid production 31:01 Polymerization process and properties of bioplastics 42:02 Fossil vs. biomass feedstocks and their implications 53:43 End-of-life management: industrial vs. home composting 01:20:19 Future scale and capacity of bioplastics production 01:34:48 The concept of Good Garbage and waste management Good Garbage is a podcast about sustainable materials, packaging and regeneration, hosted by Ved Krishna — conversations with the innovators, scientists and founders building a cleaner planet. The question behind every episode: what is Good Garbage? 🌱 ▶ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodGarbage 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 🔗 More: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 💌 Contact us: [email protected]

Hello, hello! This week, we sit down with the OG of biopolymers and the man behind PLA as we know it today-- the one and only Dr. Ramani Narayan, Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University. In this masterclass episode, he teaches us everything to know about biodegradability: from the science to the myths.  🎧 Full episode on Spotify & Apple: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 🌱 In this episode: • Biodegradability as a property, not a magic solution • Standards for biodegradation and compostability • The role of microbial activity and environmental factors • Misconceptions about plastic breakdown times • The importance of proper waste management and composting • The science of microplastics and environmental impact • The difference between natural and synthetic biodegradable materials 🎙️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and guest background 01:08 Ramni Narayan's journey from basketball to biopolymers 03:19 How did Dr. Narayan get into organic chemistry and biopolymers? 08:44 The evolution of biopolymers and their market potential 15:25 Understanding biodegradability vs. compostability 22:18 Standards and testing for biodegradation 36:45 Environmental conditions affecting biodegradation rates 44:44 The role of waste management and composting 01:00:09 The science of polymer breakdown and microbial activity 01:12:20 Impact of temperature and environment on degradation 01:22:51 Clarifying misconceptions about biodegradable plastics Good Garbage is a podcast about sustainable materials, packaging and regeneration, hosted by Ved Krishna — conversations with the innovators, scientists and founders building a cleaner planet. The question behind every episode: What is Good Garbage? ▶ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodGarbage 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 🔗 More: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 💌 Contact us: [email protected]

Hello, hello! 🌱 Join us this week for a conversation with the amazing Anita Shah, who spent two decades of her life doing humanitarian work in places like Lebanon, Iraq and Somaliland — leaving it all behind to serve the planet.  Shah founded Green Stem Products Ltd. as the first of its kind manufacturing facility in her homeland of Kenya to create biodegradable and compostable tableware products. Her journey began with a bank account emptied to support a big dream. Now, her facility produces hundreds of thousands of pieces a month and won the 2025 Sustainability Brand Awards! 🌳 With a 70% female team, Green Stem's mission goes beyond packaging solutions. They also provide employment opportunities to people with hearing impairments, albinism and ex-female convicts.  Shah is an economist, nutritionist, yoga instructor, aid worker and businesswoman. Who better to learn from about service to the self, people and the planet? 🌍 In this episode with Anita Shah: • How Jainism and Iyengar Yoga have influenced a life of service for Shah • How Kenyan supermarkets and turtles ignited a passion for sustainable solutions • The difficulties of starting a business with nothing but a leaf-pressing machine • The challenges with pulping and thermoforming  • Figuring out scaling and investments for a smaller business  🎙️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:42 Empathy Through Humanitarian Work 07:59 The Role of Yoga and Meditation 11:17 Jainism and Environmental Connection 13:34 Transitioning from Humanitarian to Environmental Work 19:05 The Birth of Green Stem 25:42 Innovating Sustainable Packaging 28:49 Challenges in Pulping Technology 34:50 Achieving Quality in Small Scale Pulping 39:25 Thermoforming Technology and Future Plans 49:10 Choosing the Right Technology for Thermoforming 52:43 Understanding the African Market and Product Development 57:40 Challenges in Pricing and Production Efficiency 01:01:30 Raw Material Sourcing and Transportation Issues 01:05:33 Innovations in Coating Technology 01:19:55 Vision for the Future of GreenStem 🌱 Good Garbage is a podcast about sustainable materials, packaging and regeneration, hosted by Ved Krishna — conversations with the innovators, scientists and founders building a cleaner planet. The question behind every episode: What is Good Garbage?  🌐 Green Stem's Website: https://greenstemproducts.com 📱 Green Stem's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/green__stem?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== ▶ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodGarbage 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 🔗 More: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 💌 Contact us: [email protected]

Hello, hello! 🌱 In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna is joined by Efrat Friedland, Founder of materialscout and Co-Founder of Positive Plastics. They speak at length about Friedland's journey from being a designer to leading two businesses, her experience running a Materials Library and her view of the future of material science. 🧪 🧠 Together, we will be diving deep into big questions about the world of sustainable materials: • Why is greenwashing harmful? • Can plastic simply be labelled "good" or "bad" without nuance? • If a product breaks down, should it be repaired or replaced? • Who is ultimately responsible for the functioning of the products we buy? • Are bioplastics a good fit for every product? ... and much, much more! If you are someone who is fascinated by the world of material science, or simply want to learn more from an industry expert like Friedland, this episode is for you!  🌐 Follow & Listen materialscout: https://www.materialscout.com Positive Plastics: https://www.positiveplastics.eu Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube Instagram: @goodgarbagepodcast LinkedIn: Good Garbage Podcast

Hello, hello! In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna sits down with Nima Vakili, Founder & CEO of Safa Bioworks, for a fascinating conversation on circularity, biomaterials, and what it really takes to build sustainable systems in a world still dependent on fossil resources. Coming from a family deeply rooted in petrochemicals and polymer manufacturing, Nima shares his journey from growing up around industrial plastics to creating a company focused on transforming agricultural and organic waste into high-value biomaterials. This conversation explores the intersection of material science, circular economy, innovation, and long-term thinking—while also diving into personal stories about nature, leadership, business, and the role of optimism in creating systemic change. From recycling carpets and creating closed-loop manufacturing systems to building biobased alternatives in the UAE, Nima explains why sustainability isn’t about eliminating plastics overnight—it’s about designing smarter pathways for the future. 🎙️ What This Episode Explores This conversation goes beyond the usual sustainability narrative and explores what happens when someone from the heart of the petrochemical industry begins asking bigger questions. Can biopolymers coexist with traditional materials? What does circularity actually look like at an industrial scale? How do countries create ecosystems that enable innovation? And what can nature teach us about regeneration and systems thinking? Through personal reflections and practical insights, this episode uncovers how sustainability becomes meaningful when it moves from ideology to execution. If you've ever wondered: •⁠  ⁠Can bioplastics realistically complement traditional plastics?  • Why are circular manufacturing systems difficult to scale?  • How do regional policies shape sustainable innovation?  • What role does nature play in inspiring industrial solutions?  • What happens when business and environmental ambition intersect? This episode answers these questions with honesty, curiosity, and optimism. 🧠 In This Episode, You'll Learn •⁠  ⁠How Nima transitioned from petrochemicals into sustainable innovation  • The realities and limitations of bioplastics adoption  • Why circularity is more than recycling  • The role of agricultural and organic waste in future materials  • Lessons from building closed-loop manufacturing systems  • How the UAE is enabling climate-tech and sustainable infrastructure  • Why long-term thinking matters in sustainability  • The relationship between business, storytelling, and impact  • How nature inspires innovation and regenerative thinking  • Why the future of materials must focus on diversification—not replacement This episode is for anyone curious about the future of materials, sustainability, circular economy, and building systems that create value beyond waste. 🎬  Credits Producer: Utsav Kurchania Video Editor: Sargam Krishna 🌐 Follow & Listen Safa BioWorks: https://safabioworks.com/company  Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Instagram: @goodgarbagepodcast LinkedIn: Good Garbage Podcast 💭 Let’s Talk If you had to redesign packaging from scratch— Would you choose biodegradable materials, plastic alternatives, or an entirely new system? Why?

Hello, hello! In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna sits down with sustainability content creator Aashima Aghi to explore how conscious living, mindful consumption, and everyday lifestyle choices can create a meaningful impact on both personal well-being and the planet. Aashima shares her journey from being a curious child to becoming one of India's leading voices in sustainability content. From discovering healthier habits during the COVID lockdown to building a platform around sustainable living, she reflects on how small personal changes can inspire broader societal shifts. The conversation covers everything from conscious parenting and reusable products to consumer psychology, minimalism, and the growing commercialization of everyday life. With practical examples and personal experiences, Aashima highlights why sustainability is not about perfection, but about making informed, mindful choices that work for both people and the environment. 🎙️ What This Episode Explores This conversation goes beyond common sustainability advice and dives into the real behaviors that drive overconsumption. From the commercialization of childhood and disposable lifestyles to reusable alternatives and conscious consumerism, Aashima shares practical insights on how individuals can rethink their relationship with products, convenience, and consumption. The discussion also explores how brands can make sustainability aspirational, how storytelling influences purchasing decisions, and why the future of sustainable living depends as much on mindset shifts as it does on innovative products. If you've ever wondered: •⁠  ⁠Can sustainability become a natural part of everyday life?  • Why do we continue to overconsume even when we know better?  • How can parents make more conscious choices for their children?  • Are reusable products actually better for our lifestyle and not just the environment?  • How can brands make sustainable choices more appealing to consumers? This episode answers these questions with honesty, personal stories, and practical takeaways. 🧠 In This Episode, You'll Learn •⁠  ⁠How Aashima's sustainability journey began during the COVID lockdown  • The connection between healthy habits, mindful living, and sustainability  • Why buying less is often the most sustainable choice  • The impact of overconsumption and the commercialization of childhood  • Practical approaches to conscious parenting and mindful purchasing  • The benefits and challenges of reusable products and sustainable alternatives  • How personal experience drives lasting behavioral change  • Why convenience culture fuels waste and overconsumption  • How brands can make sustainability more attractive through storytelling and design  • The growing importance of community-driven and purpose-led brands  • Why sustainability should be viewed as a lifestyle rather than a trend Whether you're beginning your sustainability journey, looking to reduce waste in your daily life, or interested in understanding the psychology behind consumer behavior, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating positive change- one mindful choice at a time. 🎬  Credits Producer: Utsav Kurchania Video Editor: Sargam Krishna 🌐 Follow & Listen Aashima's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planetfirstplease?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Aashima's YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@sustainabilitywithaashima?si=vXRvJWiOW5N2zHGY Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Instagram: @goodgarbagepodcast LinkedIn: Good Garbage Podcast 💭 Let’s Talk If you had to redesign packaging from scratch— Would you choose biodegradable materials, plastic alternatives, or an entirely new system? Why?

Hello, hello!  In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna sits down with Vaibhav Anand, Founder & CEO of Bambrew, to unpack how sustainable packaging is being redefined in India through innovation in biodegradable materials and scalable design. From building solutions for milk packaging to creating high-barrier compostable films, Vaibhav shares his journey from Jharkhand to leading one of India’s most exciting climate-tech startups. With deep insights into materials science, circular economy systems, and startup realities, this episode bridges the gap between sustainability theory and real-world execution. 🎙️ What This Episode Explores This conversation goes beyond buzzwords like eco-friendly, biodegradable, and green packaging and dives into the real challenges of building sustainable alternatives that actually work at scale. From flexible packaging and bioplastics to meta materials and compostable films, Vaibhav explains why the future of packaging isn’t about replacing plastic blindly—but about designing smarter, context-driven solutions. If you’ve ever wondered: - Can biodegradable packaging truly replace plastic in India? - What makes milk packaging so difficult to innovate? - How do startups scale sustainable materials in a price-sensitive market? This episode answers it practically and honestly. 🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn • Why sustainable milk packaging is a massive opportunity in India • The science behind high-barrier compostable films • What “meta materials” and “material agnosticism” really mean • How COVID accelerated product innovation in climate-tech • The biggest challenges in scaling eco-friendly packaging • Why mindset and systems are as important as materials • The role of bioplastics like PBAT in flexible packaging • How Bambrew is building solutions for a circular economy ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Vaibhav Anand and Bambrew 00:43 The importance of sustainable milk packaging in India 04:26 Early influences and journey into ecopreneurship 10:04 Vaibhav's entrepreneurial ventures before Bambrew 14:03 Impact of COVID-19 on Bamboo's product development 18:26 Development of home compostable mailers during pandemic 22:14 Meet the co-founder Kunal and their collaboration 24:03 Bambrew's core innovation: high barrier, compostable films 27:47 Meta materials and material agnosticism explained 30:14 Challenges in bringing sustainable packaging to scale 33:48 Focus on staples packaging and other high-impact categories 35:52 Overcoming market and mindset challenges 39:48 Material innovations: biophil platform and bio-based materials 44:11 Key materials: PBAT and downstream solutions 51:08 Future applications and long-term vision 01:01:45 Reflections on growth, aspirations, and impact 01:06:20 What does good garbage mean? Building a community 01:08:15 Closing thoughts and call for eco-entrepreneurs 🎬 Credits Producer: Tanishka Garg Video Editor: Sargam Krishna 🌐 Follow & Listen Vaibhav Anand: https://linkedin.com/in/vaibhav-anand Bambrew: https://www.bambrew.in/ Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Instagram: @goodgarbagepodcast LinkedIn: Good Garbage Podcast 💭 Let’s Talk If you had to redesign packaging from scratch— Would you choose biodegradable materials, plastic alternatives, or an entirely new system? Why?

Hello, hello! In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna sits down with Sandeep Kulkarni, Founder of Kool Earth Solutions and a global expert in sustainable packaging. With experience spanning PepsiCo’s Advanced Research team, packaging innovation, and circular economy systems, Sandeep brings a rare insider perspective into how materials, business realities, and sustainability intersect. 🎙️ What This Episode Explores This conversation goes beyond buzzwords like eco-friendly and biodegradable — and dives into the real science, trade-offs, and economics behind packaging materials. From paper bottles to plastic recycling, molded fiber, and biopolymers, Sandeep explains why there is no perfect material — only better decisions depending on context. If you’ve ever wondered: - Can paper really replace plastic? - Is glass actually more sustainable? - What happens to your plastic bottle after you throw it away? This episode answers it — honestly. 🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn • Why paper packaging isn’t as simple as it seems • The real difference between plastic, glass, and paper • How PepsiCo approached packaging innovation • Why recycling systems matter more than materials • The truth about bioplastics (PLA, PHA) • Why molded fiber hasn’t scaled yet • How barriers (oxygen, moisture) define packaging success • Why there is no one-size-fits-all solution in sustainability ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sandeep Kulkarni 01:30 Journey into PepsiCo & Advanced Research 04:50 Paper vs Plastic: Benefits & Challenges 07:45 Understanding hermetic sealing 09:40 Glass vs Plastic vs Paper comparison 17:30 Recycling systems: India vs global 21:30 What happens to plastic bottles 23:50 Chemicals in plastics explained 26:00 Evolution of paper packaging 28:40 Molded fiber: potential vs limits 31:30 Designing sustainable packaging 39:30 Why bioplastics struggle to scale 44:30 Starbucks Cup Challenge insights 50:30 Molded fiber cups: challenges 55:30 EPS vs paper debate 58:50 Reality of disposable chai cups 01:01:15 India’s recycled plastic policy 01:04:00 Multi-layer packaging challenges 01:08:00 Real-world failures in sustainable packaging 01:13:00 Designing the “perfect” wrapper 01:19:00 Can paper fully replace plastic? 01:23:00 Future of biopolymers 01:27:00 Purpose behind sustainability work 01:30:30 What gives hope for the future 🎬 Credits Producer: Tanishka Garg Video Editor: Sargam Krishna 🌐 Follow & Listen Sandeep Kulkarni: http://linkedin.com/in/sandeepkulkarni1 KoolEarth Solutions: https://koolearthsolutions.com/ Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Instagram: @goodgarbagepodcast LinkedIn: Good Garbage Podcast Business/queries: [email protected] 💭 Let’s Talk If you had to redesign packaging from scratch — Would you choose paper, plastic, or something entirely new? Why?

Can you eat the packaging instead of throwing it away? Hello, hello! In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna sits down with Naama Nicotara, founder of NakedPak, to explore a radical rethinking of food packaging, one where the wrapper disappears entirely. From her early inspiration to the material science behind algae-based films, Naama shares the journey of building NakedPak and challenging the very idea of what packaging should be. What began as a response to plastic pollution evolved into a bold innovation that merges food, material science, and design. This conversation dives into the realities of building a breakthrough sustainability product. From behavioural shifts and market confusion to food safety certifications and scaling production, Naama explains what it truly takes to move from concept to consumer. Together, Ved and Naama discuss: • The origin story behind NakedPak • Why algae became the material of choice • How edible packaging is developed in the lab • The science behind taste, shelf life, and food safety • Consumer psychology and behavioural change • Market positioning and the blurred line between meal and packaging • Certifications and regulatory hurdles • Accessibility, pricing, and commercial viability • Collaboration and the future of zero waste food systems • The episode closes with a reflection on what it really means to eliminate waste; not by replacing plastic with another material, but by questioning whether packaging is needed at all. 🎙️ Good Garbage features conversations with founders, scientists, and builders working to leave the planet cleaner — while asking one essential question: What is Good Garbage? 📌Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Naama Nicotara and NakedPak 03:12 The origin story and early inspiration 07:45 Why algae and edible materials? 12:20 Inside the lab: how the packaging is made 18:05 Taste, shelf life, and food safety concerns 24:30 Certifications and regulatory approvals 30:10 Market positioning: meal or packaging innovation 38:45 Pricing and accessibility 44:20 Consumer behaviour and comfort zones 52:15 Challenges in building a breakthrough idea 59:40 Collaboration and industry response 01:07:30 Scaling production and factory vision 01:15:00 The future of edible packaging 01:22:10 What is Good Garbage? Naama's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naama-nicotra-1b9232174/?originalSubdomain=il  NakedPak: https://www.nakedpak.com/ NakedPak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nakedpak/ NakedPak Instagram: https://share.google/n03pqrTXGwcu7z9vv Producer: Palakshi Aggarwal Video Producer: Sargam Krishna 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: /@GoodGarbage 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 📸 Follow on Instagram /@goodgarbagepodcast 📩 Send us your questions: [email protected]

Hello, hello! In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna sits down with Dr. Alexey Vishtal, a scientist and industry expert in pulp, paper, and sustainable packaging, to explore thematerial reality behind sustainability. From growing up in Russia to building his career in Finland, Alexey shares the journey that led him into material science — including a PhD focused on the stretchability of paper and years working inside a global corporation like Nestlé. Along the way, he gained rare insight into how sustainability actually moves (or stalls) inside large systems. This conversation goes beyond surface-level sustainability narratives and into the physics, constraints, and trade-offs that define packaging today. From water vapor barriers to economic viability, Alexey explains why materials — not intentions — ultimately decide what works. Together, Ved and Alexey discuss: Why paper performance is more complex than it seems What stretchability, barriers, and material limits really mean How regulation and consumer demand shape sustainability efforts What working inside Nestlé revealed about innovation at scale How nature offers clues for better material design Why collaboration is essential for the future of sustainable packaging The episode closes with a reflection on good garbage — and what it would take to design materials that truly belong in natural and industrial systems. 🎙️ Good Garbage features conversations with scientists, founders, and builders working to leave the planet cleaner — while asking one essential question: What is #GoodGarbage? 📌 Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Dr. Alexey Vishtal 03:04 From Russia to Finland: early influences 05:46 Discovering pulp & paper 09:00 The science of paper stretchability 12:10 Inside Nestlé: sustainability at scale 17:56 Regulation, consumers & real change 21:11 India, culture, and perspectives 29:52 Innovation in sustainable packaging 50:06 Why water vapor barriers are so hard 54:13 Learning from nature 01:01:20 The future of sustainable materials 01:24:19 Vision for the future of packaging Producer: Adriana Sánchez Uebelhoer Video Producer: Sargam Krishna 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: / @goodgarbage 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📸 Follow on Instagram: / @goodgarbagepodcast 📩 Send us your questions: [email protected]