In this episode of Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors, we dive into an innovative solution tackling two major environmental challenges: textile waste and packaging sustainability. Kaie Kaas-Ojavere shares her journey from the fashion industry to co-founding KIUD, a company transforming textile waste into durable, reusable packaging. She explains how KIUD’s material is created, its benefits for e-commerce and circular systems, and the company’s vision for scaling globally.

Kaie also discusses the challenges of textile recycling, the importance of controlled waste streams, and how KIUD’s boxes have already proven their durability in real-world use cases. With extended producer responsibility and packaging regulations on the rise, Kaie highlights why reusable packaging is gaining traction and how KIUD is leading the way.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Kaie’s background in fashion and why she pivoted to sustainability
• The origin of KIUD and its mission to repurpose textile waste
• How KIUD’s packaging is made and why it’s different from cardboard
• Benefits of reusable packaging for e-commerce and telecom industries
• Challenges in textile recycling and scaling post-consumer waste solutions
• Durability testing: boxes lasting 10–15 reuse cycles
• Printing options and branding considerations for KIUD packaging
• Future plans: expanding globally and improving material strength
• Business model for fashion brands: recycling + buy-back commitment
• Potential applications beyond packaging (industrial, hospitality, etc.)

Resources Mentioned:

KIUD official website: www.kiud.io
LinkedIn: KIUD Company Page
EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

Contact:

To learn more or request samples, visit www.kiud.io or connect with Kaie Kaas on LinkedIn.

Closing Thoughts:

Kaie and Cory emphasize the importance of creative solutions to reduce waste and promote circularity. KIUD’s approach demonstrates how innovation can turn industry byproducts into valuable resources, paving the way for a more sustainable future in packaging.

Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors!

https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved

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.

In this episode, Cory talks with Gary Bencheghib, co‑founder of Sungai Watch, about his journey from filmmaker to environmental leader and how his team is tackling plastic pollution in Indonesia’s rivers. Gary explains how Sungai Watch has installed hundreds of river barriers, collected millions of kilos of waste, and used viral storytelling to mobilize communities. He also discusses the challenges of Indonesia’s waste infrastructure, the importance of better packaging design, and how recycled plastic from river cleanups is being transformed into new products.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Gary’s background in filmmaking and environmental storytelling
• Founding Sungai Watch and the development of river‑barrier solutions
• Why Indonesia is a major source of ocean plastic pollution
• Community‑based cleanup models and cultural attitudes around waste
• The impact of viral media in building global support
• Sungai Watch’s 12 sorting centers and daily waste‑processing operations
• Converting river plastic into recycled chairs, trays, and furniture
• The lack of waste collection systems across Bali and Java
• The need for reduction, mono‑materials, and circular packaging design
• How sponsorships and barrier funding help scale cleanup efforts

Resources Mentioned:

Sungai Watch — nonprofit river‑cleanup organization
Sungai Design — recycled‑plastic furniture brand

Contact:

Email: gary@sungaiwatch.com
Website: sungaiwatch.com
LinkedIn: Gary Bencheghib

Closing Thoughts:

Cory and Gary emphasize the importance of simple, scalable solutions and the power of community action in addressing river‑to‑ocean plastic pollution. Sungai Watch’s work demonstrates how storytelling, transparency, and innovation can inspire global participation and move the world closer to a circular, waste‑free future.


Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors!

https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved

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.

Summary:

In this episode, Cory Connors talks with Kate Bailey about the challenges and opportunities in plastics recycling. Kate shares her journey from college recycling jobs to becoming a leading voice in policy and design for sustainable packaging. The discussion covers practical steps brands can take, the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and why collaboration between designers, recyclers, and policymakers is critical for success.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Kate’s background and career path in recycling and sustainability
• The role and mission of the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)
• APR’s flagship resource: Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability
• How packaging design impacts recycling efficiency
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): what it means and why it matters
• Practical advice for brands navigating EPR laws
• Benefits of EPR for recycling infrastructure, transparency, and design incentives
• Using recycled content as a key sustainability strategy
• Bright spots in plastics recycling: domestic infrastructure growth, bottle-to-bottle recycling
• The evolving role of advanced (chemical) recycling and why mechanical recycling still leads
• Consumer education and access: solving confusion and improving participation
• The future of recycling systems: regional and national frameworks

Resources Mentioned:

• Association of Plastic Recyclers
• APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability
• U.S. Plastics Pact
• Oregon Recycling Modernization Act

Contact:

Connect with Kate and her team at PlasticsRecycling.org or on LinkedIn.

Closing Thoughts:

Kate highlights that plastic recycling is effective and can become more successful through collaboration, thoughtful design, and aligned policies. She encourages companies to engage constructively with policymakers, leverage data for better packaging decisions, and embrace recycled content as a cornerstone of sustainability. Together, we can build a more efficient, transparent, and circular system for plastics.

Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Plastic Recycling and Its Importance
02:53 Kate Bailey's Journey into Recycling
05:50 The Role of the Association of Plastic Recyclers
08:40 Navigating Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
11:22 The Benefits of EPR for Recycling and Sustainability
14:07 Designing for Recyclability: Best Practices
16:50 Bright Spots in Plastics Recycling
19:54 The Future of Chemical Recycling
22:26 Access and Education in Recycling
25:20 Conclusion and Call to Action

https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved

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.