William McDonough: Co-author of “Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things”, McDonough advocates for designing packaging that complements eco-effective systems. His firm, McDonough Innovation, collaborates with brands to develop circular design solutions.
Eben Bayer: As the CEO of Ecovative Design, Eben champions the use of mycelium (fungi roots) to produce eco-friendly packaging materials. His work offers an alternative to harmful plastics and promotes closed-loop recycling.
Tracy Sutton: Founder of Root Innovation, Tracy emphasizes reducing packaging waste at its source. By focusing on life-cycle thinking and circular economy principles, she helps brands make sustainability core to their packaging strategies.
Daphna Nissenbaum: Co-founder and CEO of TIPA, Daphna’s work revolves around developing fully compostable flexible packaging. These innovative materials mimic the convenience of plastic but return to nature after use.
Tom Szaky: The brain behind TerraCycle and Loop, Tom is renowned for pioneering national recycling programs and introducing a new reusable packaging model that shifts the responsibility from consumers to brands.
Sophie Mather: A textile expert and the brain behind biov8tion, Sophie is innovating in sustainable fibers that can be used in packaging. Her initiative focuses on upcycling waste into packaging textiles.
Darrel Jobling: Jobling’s company, Zume, aims at transitioning the world to sustainable solutions. Their unique molded fiber packaging reduces waste and minimizes carbon footprints, offering an alternative to single-use plastics.
Chris Jordan: Notable for his documentary artwork, Chris’s alarming visual representations of plastic waste, like “Midway: Message from the Gyre”, have spurred many packaging innovators to pursue eco-friendly alternatives.
Enrique Garcia: As the CTO of Carbios, Enrique is pioneering enzymatic processes to break down PET plastics, turning them into their original building blocks. This allows for infinite recycling of previously non-recyclable plastics.
Susie Hewson: Founder of Natracare, Susie developed the world’s first certified organic cotton tampons and plastic-free pads. Her commitment extends to sustainable packaging, advocating for compostable materials in feminine hygiene products.
