Sessions Tackle Sustainability Shifts and New TrendsSessions Tackle Sustainability Shifts and New Trends
“Can’t miss” sustainability events deliver experts and ideas to help you adjust your goals and tactics to reflect today’s realities.

Events taking place the first week in February will set the tone for the next several months about packaging and sustainability in the US and around the world.
I’m talking about MD&M West and the co-located WestPack at the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo, both owned and organized by Informa Markets – Engineering, the parent company of Packaging Digest.
Both events are happening concurrently in Anaheim, California. MD&M West runs February 4-6 in the main Anaheim Convention Center Building (Halls A – E); WestPack at the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo is February 4-5 in the North Building, which is directly across from the main convention center.
So much is going on at these events. MD&M West is celebrating its 40th anniversary! WestPack is partnered with the new Sustainable Manufacturing Expo, a first-of-its-kind event centered on helping you improve sustainability in manufacturing.
In addition to all the exhibitors on the show floors, there are dozens of free and paid educational sessions at these events, which you can peruse on the show websites (click any or all of the links above).
But I wanted to point out several sustainability sessions that I’m personally involved with at MD&M West and WestPack at the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo, and tell you why I’m excited to participate in these talks. I hope you’ll come join us. You can register for the events here: MD&M West registration and WestPack at the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo registration.
“Navigating California’s Packaging EPR Law: A 360 Degree Perspective”
Panelists: Karen Kayfetz, Branch Chief, Product Stewardship Branch at CalRecycle, Division of Circular Economy (a regulator); Erin Levine, Resource Recovery Manager, West at World Centric (a manufacturer of certified compostable foodservice ware); Ajit Perera, Vice President of Post-Consumer Operations at Talco Plastics Inc. (a reclaimer); Rachel Wagoner, Executive Director for California at Circular Action Alliance (CAA) (a Producer Responsibility Organization or PRO).
Moderator: Lisa McTigue Pierce, Executive Editor at Packaging Digest
Where: WestPack at the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo, North Building, Pack Place Theater, Booth 341
When: Tuesday, February 4, 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Why attend: What I love about this session is we truly are looking at California’s extended producer responsibility law from various perspectives: a regulator (who can also speak for consumers), a PRO (who can speak on behalf of brand owners), a packaging manufacturer, and a recycler. How can they all work together to make this successful?
“Idea Exchange: Greenhushing”
Facilitator: Lisa McTigue Pierce, Executive Editor, Packaging Digest
Where: WestPack at the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo, North Building, Booth 1112
When: Tuesday, February 4, 1:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Why attend: I’m hoping to have a spirited discussion about why some brands have stopped talking about their packaging sustainability goals and/or results. Do you agree with this tactic? What are the pros and cons of greenhushing? If you still want to share your sustainable packaging developments with consumers, what’s the best way to do that now? Join us for an intimate and informal conversation about greenhushing.
“Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Viable Path or Overhyped Promise?”
Speaker: Lisa McTigue Pierce, Executive Editor, Packaging Digest
Where: WestPack at the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo, North Building, Pack Place Theater, Booth 341
When: Wednesday, February 5, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Why attend: I believe EPR will be the biggest challenge for packaging departments in the next several years, starting now. I’ve been vocal about what I see as flaws in EPR. Turns out I’ve got even more controversial things to say. But I need you to check my logic for weaknesses. It’s going to take the entire packaging community to figure out how to reduce waste and mitigate climate change.
“Inside California’s EPR Law”
Speakers: Rachel Wagoner, Executive Director for California at Circular Action Alliance, the packaging Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) tasked with managing California’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) program; and Lisa McTigue Pierce, Executive Editor, Packaging Digest
Where: WestPack at the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo, North Building, FuturePack Forum (a paid workshop), Level 2, Room 263 A-C
When: Wednesday, February 5, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Why attend: Wagoner is obviously a proponent of EPR, something I’ve been critical of. Yet she tells me she is happy to talk about the challenges ahead as we do a deep dive into where California’s law is today and how brands can prepare.
“Sustainable Packaging at a Crossroads: Can You Keep Moving Forward?”
Speakers: Jonathan Quinn, CEO, US Plastics Pact; and Lisa McTigue Pierce, Executive Editor, Packaging Digest
Where: MD&M West, Main Anaheim Convention Center, Center Stage, Booth 234
When: Thursday, February 6, 10:15 - 11:00 a.m.
Why attend: Plastic packaging is too important to simply ban or discard entirely. Because of his background and knowledge, Quinn is uniquely positioned to share actionable insights into how you should push your circular packaging projects forward despite 2025’s budget pressures and political turmoil.
“Shop Talk: Packaging Sustainability: Concerns, Challenges, and Changes”
Facilitator: Lisa McTigue Pierce, Executive Editor, Packaging Digest
Where: MD&M West, Main Anaheim Convention Center, Shop Talk, Booth 4975
When: Thursday, February 6, 12:15 - 1:00 p.m.
Why attend: I’m prepared to lead an informal conversation about packaging sustainability and what I see as three concerns (briefly: greenhushing; chemicals; profits), three challenges (meeting stated goals; barrier for foods and beverages; momentum, enthusiasm), and three changes (EPR laws; circularity; politics/US policy). What do you think?
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