June 2026
Packaging Is Becoming More Than a Product Decision. It’s Becoming a Business Strategy.
Welcome to the Sustainable Design Lab Newsletter, your monthly update on the innovations, regulations, and real-world strategies reshaping the future of packaging. We’re sharing what we’re seeing across our labs, our supplier ecosystem, and the conversations happening with brands every day.
If you crave to have the latest insights, trends, and expert advice sent directly to your inbox or phone every month, then subscribe to Sustainable Packaging Newsletter now!
Dino Bars x Veritiv Wins at the DIELINE Awards
We are excited to share that Dino Bars x Veritiv earned 2nd Place in the Sustainable Design – Food category at the prestigious DIELINE Awards, one of the packaging industry’s most recognized global design competitions.
The project was recognized for taking a system-level approach to sustainability, balancing creativity, functionality, and environmental impact across the entire packaging experience.
Key highlights of the design include:
Simplified SKUs to reduce complexity and waste
Edible wafer paper wrappers that reduce mess and contributes to the customer experience
Structural updates that reduced unnecessary material usage
A playful outer carton design that doubles as an activity for kids before being recycled
More than a packaging redesign, the project focused on creating a better overall experience for both families and the environment while improving operational efficiency behind the scenes.
Recognition like this reflects where sustainable packaging innovation is heading: solutions that combine performance, scalability, customer experience, and sustainability together rather than treating them as tradeoffs.
Veritiv’s 2025 CSR Report is Now Live
Sustainability is increasingly becoming more than a long-term goal. It is helping shape how businesses innovate, grow, and create value across their operations.
Veritiv’s newly released 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility Report highlights how sustainability continues driving progress across packaging, supply chain solutions, business operations, and community impact.
This year’s report includes:
An EcoVadis score of 72 and a second consecutive Silver Medal, placing Veritiv in the top 15% globally
Continued investment in specialty packaging innovation and customer-focused solutions
Business growth through expanded capabilities and strategic integration efforts
Ongoing community impact initiatives, including support for Boys & Girls Clubs of America
More than a sustainability update, the report reflects a broader industry shift toward solutions that combine operational performance, innovation, and environmental responsibility together rather than treating them as separate priorities.
The Most Expensive Thing in the Box Might Be the Empty Space
One of the biggest packaging conversations happening right now is not just about materials. It is about air.
E-commerce growth has put a massive spotlight on dimensional efficiency because oversized packaging impacts far more than most people realize. A box that is only slightly too large can increase freight costs, reduce pallet efficiency, require more void fill, and create unnecessary transportation emissions at scale.
Some estimates show that up to 40% of e-commerce packages contain excess empty space, which is one reason right-sizing technology is becoming one of the fastest-growing areas in packaging automation.
Even small dimensional changes can create measurable impacts:
More units per pallet
Lower DIM weight charges
Reduced corrugated and void fill usage
Better warehouse efficiency
Fewer trucks needed across transportation networks
The bigger takeaway? Packaging is no longer operating in isolation. One structural change can impact logistics, sustainability, automation performance, operational costs, and customer experience all at once.
Turns out, one of the smartest ways to improve packaging performance is sometimes simply shipping less air.
Sway:
Turning Seaweed Into Scalable Packaging
In this episode, hosts Chris Bradley and Brodie Vander Dussen sit down with Julia Marsh to explore how seaweed-based materials are beginning to reshape conversations around compostable packaging. The discussion examines the opportunities and challenges surrounding alternative materials, including scalability, infrastructure, performance expectations, and end-of-life realities. The episode highlights why the future of sustainable packaging will require solutions that work not just environmentally, but operationally and commercially as well.
PlantSwitch:
Turning Agricultural Waste Into Compostable Packaging
In this episode, hosts Chris Bradley and Brodie Vander Dussen sit down with Dillon Baxter, CEO and Co-founder of PlantSwitch, to explore how plant-based, home-compostable materials are creating new possibilities for single-use packaging. The conversation breaks down how agricultural waste can be transformed into cost-competitive PHA alternatives, why bacteria-built polymers can perform like traditional plastic, and how PlantSwitch is addressing the cost barriers that have historically slowed adoption. They also discuss the difference between PLA and PHA, the challenge of changing consumer behavior, and why material innovation may be one of the most practical paths toward lower-waste packaging systems.
The Packaging Policy Clock is Ticking
Packaging regulations are moving faster than ever, and 2026 is shaping up to be a major turning point.
Here’s what’s happening:
Six U.S. states now require companies selling packaged products to report packaging data through the Circular Action Alliance (CAA) as part of new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws
Annual supply reporting deadlines for California, Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota, Washington, and Maryland are due May 31, 2026
The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) officially begins August 12, 2026, introducing new requirements around recyclability, restricted substances, and technical documentation for packaging sold into European markets
Additional EU recycled content and labeling requirements will continue phasing in through 2030 and beyond
The bigger trend behind all of this? Governments across the U.S. and Europe are increasingly pushing packaging toward greater accountability, clearer recyclability standards, and more measurable material transparency.
As regulations continue evolving, packaging conversations are becoming much bigger than materials alone. Compliance, reporting, infrastructure alignment, and long-term scalability are all becoming part of the equation.
Summer Fancy Food Show | June 28–30
The Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City brings together leaders across specialty food, retail, packaging, and innovation to explore the trends shaping the future of food and beverage. From emerging brands and evolving consumer expectations to sustainable packaging innovation, the event highlights how food products are being designed to balance performance, shelf appeal, functionality, and environmental impact. Through product showcases, networking, and educational sessions, attendees gain valuable insights into the future of food innovation and packaging strategy.
At the event, Veritiv will be showcasing innovative solutions including our TempSafe® cold chain solutions, and Phaper™ canisters, highlighting how smarter packaging systems can support both brand experience and long-term sustainability goals across food and packaging systems.
IDDBA 2026 | June 7–9
IDDBA 2026 brings together professionals from the dairy, deli, bakery, foodservice, and retail industries to explore the innovations shaping the future of fresh food. The event focuses on everything from merchandising and consumer trends to operational efficiency, packaging, and sustainability across food retail environments. Through expert-led education sessions, networking opportunities, and exhibitor showcases, attendees gain practical insights into how brands are modernizing food experiences while balancing freshness, performance, and evolving sustainability expectations.
Veritiv will feature sustainable, innovative packaging solutions designed to support food protection, product experience, and next-generation packaging performance across the supply chain.
Click Here to Read, Watch, Listen, or View Case Studies to Learn More
Click Here to Request a Packaging Evaluation Today
Click Here to Download the Full 2026 Sustainable Packaging Innovation Trends Report
Whether you’re preparing for EPR, exploring material innovation, or looking for LCA-backed decision-making, our team can help you build a future-forward packaging strategy.
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Whether it’s new material innovations or practical design strategies, we’ve got the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and drive your sustainability efforts forward.
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Masterclass: Cold Chain
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Whether your strategy includes colorful e-commerce boxes, corrugated displays, or both, sustainable practices are a must.
Masterclass: EPR
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Whether your strategy includes colorful e-commerce boxes, corrugated displays, or both, sustainable practices are a must.
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Whether your strategy includes colorful e-commerce boxes, corrugated displays, or both, sustainable practices are a must.
Cold Chain 101
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Want to learn more about
Sustainable Packaging?
We have created some resources to guide you in your transition to sustainable packaging:
Sustainably Packaged Magazine
Veritiv’s magazine dedicated to Sustainable Packaging insights, trends & ideas. Available for download now.
Sustainable Design Lab Podcast
Chris and Brodie chat with industry leaders about sustainable packaging options, new products, and how we can improve packaging sustainability.
EPR for Packaging Masterclass Series
A companion piece to Veritiv’s SDL Packaging Masterclass Podcast series that explores the big ideas reshaping packaging. This guide walks you through the key elements of EPR programs and what they mean for your packaging strategy.