Reducing Packaging Waste is Hard.
The “packaging format wars” pitting reusable vs compostable vs recyclable have been misguided at best and destructive at worst. Brands and retailers need to implement packaging strategies that can meet operational, financial and environmental goals today - not at some hoped-for future utopia where consumers and competitors have fundamentally changed their practices.
They need Packaging Reality, not fantasy.
I can help.
About Packaging Reality
Mike Newman
Mike is the founder of Packaging Reality. He is a leading expert in transforming logistics platforms from single-use to circularity, reducing the mountains of plastics and corrugated cardboard entering our waste stream while saving millions in packaging expenses as CEO of Returnity. Over the last 20+ years he worked at the intersection of supply chain and sustainability, including directing the Sierra Club's political operations in 20 states and building e-waste programs for companies such as Verizon, Walmart and Best Buy as the Sales and Marketing Vice President for ReCellular. Mike has an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, and lives in Brooklyn, NY
Why it Matters
Outsized Impact
Packaging is a significant driver of climate change and plastic waste. Consumers are frustrated by it, regulators are forcing change - and brands can’t afford to make the wrong economic or environmental choices.
Your Hero - or Heel - Moment
It’s hard to sort through packaging pitches and find something truly viable. I help eliminate wasted time and wasted investment, with realistic plans that are actionable and affordable.
Market Analysis and Segmentation
Past clients include Electrolux, Target, DS Smith, Stora Enso, Williams Sonoma and Roche
Projects
Product Stewardship, Take Back and Disposal
Past clients include Target, Verizon, AT&T, T Mobile, Best Buy, Walmart and Rent the Runway
Reuse System Development and Implementation
Past clients include Closed Loop Partners, Walmart, CVS, Target, Nike, Estee Lauder, FedEx, and UPS
Mike In the Press
How to measure reusable packaging success
“The creating of a common language and set of metrics is essential” to accurately measure the success of reusable packaging models.
Packaging Europe
Walmart tests ways to ditch single-use plastics
“You have to be cost competitive. It doesn’t matter how green it is. If it can’t be economically viable, it’s never going anywhere.”
Get in Touch!
Schedule a free 1:1 introductory session with me to discuss your packaging strategy needs.
