Best Michael Markarian Podcasts (2025)

1
Sustainable Packaging Companies: Givr Packaging 33:50

7d ago33:50

33:50

Joined by Jeremy Bowers of Givr Packaging to learn about their sustainable packaging solutions! Subscribe to stay up to date on the latest sustainable packaging solutions hitting the market, as well as news and updates in the world of sustainable packaging! Learn more about Givr on Packaged Sustainable: Looking to find sustainable packaging supplie…

1
My Take On Edible Food Packaging 2:40

2M ago2:40

2:40

By Michael Markarian

1
Our Sustainable Packaging Featured in Forbes Magazine 2:53

3M ago2:53

2:53

As many of you know, my family business services the cannabis industry. This new product got written about in Forbes! https://www.forbes.com/sites/benjaminadams/2025/03/31/can-this-child-resistant-cigarette-box-make-cannabis-products-safer/By Michael Markarian

1
Could sustainable packaging be posing health risks to us? 4:00

4M ago4:00

4:00

The promise of creating a healthier planet through sustainable packaging is amazing, but what about human health? Aren't both important? This is a "conversation starting" episode. Is there a chance that we could be making decisions that are better for the planet, but worse for human health? If you have done studies or are an expert on the topic, le…

1
State of Sustainable Packaging (Q1 2025) 9:18

4M ago9:18

9:18

Are you short on time, but still want to know what is going on in the world of sustainable packaging? This episode is for you! Lots of news and trends as the eco friendly packaging world is charging ahead full speed. Want to do a podcast episode with Mike? Connect on LinkedIn!By Michael Markarian

1
What Is Packaging EPR? 3:48

4M ago3:48

3:48

With the Oregon program about to begin with a March 31 deadline to report, many people need a beginners overview to what EPR packaging is all about. Extender Producer Responsibility shifts the cost of waste management to the producer. CAA has a bunch of great resources on their website to learn more: https://circularactionalliance.org/events https:…

1
How are EPR fees calculated and when does Oregon EPR packaging begin? 13:16

4M ago13:16

13:16

Oregon EPR packaging laws are furthest along with a reporting requirement starting March 31. According to 3/3/25 CAA webinar, producers will be invoiced starting in July. Page 200 is where the fees begin, note these fees are subject to change between now and July: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/64260ed078c36925b1cf3385/t/675367976db4842d3ae…

1
Merry Christmas Eve! Motivational Minute December 2024 1:11

6M ago1:11

1:11

Hope you had an amazing December and year everybody! Take a moment to reflect on your 2024 and what progress (or lack of progress) was made. What will you do differently in 2025? Commit to get just a little bit better and get momentum building. Be blessed! These clips are short and motivational thoughts to hopefully inspire action and get more bran…

1
Different Types of Sustainable Packaging for Water 3:02

6M ago3:02

3:02

Curious to hear which type of sustainable water packaging you prefer! Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on LinkedIn. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn. Are you a brand that already uses sustainable packaging? Get found on Packaged Sustainab…

1
The PROs and CONs of "Bag in Box" Packaging 5:16

6M ago5:16

5:16

Let's explore whether or not the "Bag In Box" model is actually sustainable. What are the PROs and CONs? Is this something you should consider? https://spnews.com/bag-in-box-alternative/ Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on LinkedIn. Conne…

1
Millennials & Gen Z: How Sustainable Packaging Can Grow Your Revenue 5:50

7M ago5:50

5:50

As Millennial and Gen Z make up a larger and larger percentage of consumer spending, it's time to consider the reality that they make decisions based on brands who share their values. https://www.packagingdigest.com/sustainability/how-sustainable-packaging-helps-market-idealism-to-millennials-and-gen-z Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Busine…

1
Motivational Minute November 2024 1:11

7M ago1:11

1:11

Hope you had an amazing November everybody! Belief is so powerful. We need to believe it's possible or we will literally have no chance of protecting our planet. These clips are short and motivational thoughts to hopefully inspire action and get more brands to move to sustainable packaging. Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your b…

1
The 5 R's of Sustainable Packaging 5:25

7M ago5:25

5:25

In today's show, we review the 5 R's of sustainable packaging! Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on LinkedIn. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn. Are you a brand that already uses sustainable packaging? Get found on Packaged Sustainably! We …

1
Brooklyn Is Doing WHAT? 9:21

7M ago9:21

9:21

Residents of Brooklyn will be ticketed (yes, like a fine) starting April 2025 if they do not properly use compost bins. Is this a visionary model that will protect the planet or has this regulation gone too far? https://www.bkreader.com/policy-government/how-to-compost-brooklyn-7625420 Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand …

1
THIS European Country Has The Highest Recycling Rate 7:37

8M ago7:37

7:37

How is Germany able to achieve a 66.1% recycling rate? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-germany-worlds-most-effective-municipal-recycling/ Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on LinkedIn. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn. Are you a brand t…

1
Motivational Minute October 2024 1:11

8M ago1:11

1:11

Hope you had an amazing October everybody! Consider what you can control first, then work on the rest of the world. It makes sure you actually take action instead of getting too caught up in a dream that never materializes. These clips are short and motivational thoughts to hopefully inspire action and get more brands to move to sustainable packagi…

1
These FOUR US States Have EPR Requirements 8:28

8M ago8:28

8:28

Extended Producer Responsibility is growing in popularity. Is it a good thing? https://www.packagingstrategies.com/articles/104196-epr-requirements-for-packaging-design-materials-loom-in-four-states Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on Lin…

1
More Taxes? Is this really a good idea? 4:09

8M ago4:09

4:09

Do you all think that plastic packaging taxes are a good idea? https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiehailstone/2024/03/08/how-can-shoppers-be-persuaded-to-use-sustainable-packaging-options/?sh=39ef79bf5b5b Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on …

1
Replace Your Plastic Films With THIS Sustainable Alternative 2:53

9M ago2:53

2:53

Orlandi has a new innovation called EcoPro™ Paper-Wrap is worth taking a look at. https://www.packworld.com/sustainable-packaging/recycling/product/22894611/orlandi-recyclable-paper-packaging-wrap Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on Linke…

1
Motivational Minute September 2024 1:11

9M ago1:11

1:11

Hope you had an amazing September everybody! Work on having your actions and words line up. Don't be too hard on yourself, but do a little bit better starting today. These clips are short and motivational thoughts to hopefully inspire action and get more brands to move to sustainable packaging. Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if yo…

1
Rice-Based Packaging That Is Compostable AND Recyclable? Yes, it exists. 3:32

9M ago3:32

3:32

Our friend TIPA Packaging is back at it again! https://spnews.com/api/amp/rice-waste/ Did you see Mike's interview with TIPA's CEO? You can watch it on YouTube! Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on LinkedIn. Connect with Michael on LinkedI…

1
Sustainable Packaging for Live Events (w/ Raegan Kelly of Better For All) 47:39

10M ago47:39

47:39

Better for All has created a better mousetrap when it comes to sustainable packaging for live events! Their focus started broad, but zeroed into a real problem and they have a fascinating solution. Learn more and get inspired in today's show! Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Micha…

1
Brand Spotlight: Half Shell Vodka 1:01:13

10M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

Let's feature a new brand that is using sustainable packaging! Half Shell Vodka is taking the world by storm ... hear their story on this in-depth interview with CEO Harrison Holditch! Be sure to check them out on Packaged Sustainable! Find products in plastic-free or other sustainable packaging on Packaged Sustainable! Vote with your dollars today…

1
Motivational Minute August 2024 1:11

10M ago1:11

1:11

Hope you had an amazing August everybody! Get in the game and stop being a perfectionist! These clips are short and motivational thoughts to hopefully inspire action and get more brands to move to sustainable packaging. Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packag…

1
Is compostable packaging actually safe for humans? 9:48

11M ago9:48

9:48

This one is going to be controversial, but I want to ask the question whether or not all compostable packaging is safe. I want to get people thinking about some potential ramifications of their decisions before it's too late! Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable …

1
Motivational Minute July 2024 1:11

11M ago1:11

1:11

Hope you had an amazing July everybody! Be the example that others will follow. These clips are short and motivational thoughts to hopefully inspire action and get more brands to move to sustainable packaging. Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsle…

1
Coke's packaging: Is it sustainable packaging? Let's decide! 11:26

12M ago11:26

11:26

Does Coca-Cola have sustainable packaging? Many people disagree on the answer, so I want to debate both sides of the argument. I hope this is an educational show for you! Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on LinkedIn. Connect with Michael …

1
Motivational Minute June 2024 1:11

12M ago1:11

1:11

Hope you had an amazing June everybody! Let's think about the legacy you want to have on this planet. These clips are short and motivational thoughts to hopefully inspire action and get more brands to move to sustainable packaging. Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustai…

1
Brand Spotlight: Born To Be Free 30:48

1y ago30:48

30:48

Let's feature a new brand that is using sustainable packaging! Buy products from Born To Be Free! Check them out on Packaged Sustainably: https://www.packagedsustainably.com/sp/born-to-be-free-sun-armor Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on…

1
Motivational Minute May 2024 1:11

1y ago1:11

1:11

Hope you had an amazing May everybody! Understanding the power of the unconscious mind! These clips are short and motivational thoughts to hopefully inspire action and get more brands to move to sustainable packaging. Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packagin…

1
How Regulations Can Drive "Un-Sustainable" Packaging 2:22

1y ago2:22

2:22

Kudos to the state of Maine for adjusting their cannabis edible laws to drive more sustainable behavior! https://mjbizdaily.com/maine-rolling-out-new-marijuana-retail-packaging-regulations/ Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on LinkedIn. Co…

1
Taco Bell and TerraCycle Expand Partnership 3:56

1y ago3:56

3:56

Are you familiar with TerraCycle? Learn more about their program in today's show. https://www.plasticstoday.com/packaging/taco-bell-and-terracycle-make-recycling-saucier Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on LinkedIn. Connect with Michael o…

1
Will Rescheduling Cannabis Lead To More Sustainable Packaging Opportunities? 2:59

1y ago2:59

2:59

Breaking news in of the cannabis industry! https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-biden-dea-criminal-justice-pot-f833a8dae6ceb31a8658a5d65832a3b8 It is making me think about whether this means more opportunities for reusable packaging or compostable packaging. What do you think? Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs mor…

1
Motivational Minute April 2024 1:11

1y ago1:11

1:11

Hope you had an amazing April everybody! Your time is now! These clips are short and motivational thoughts to hopefully inspire action and get more brands to move to sustainable packaging. Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business if your brand needs more sustainable packaging! Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on LinkedIn. Con…

1
Motivational Minute January 2024 1:06

1+ y ago1:06

1:06

Here are the 3 P's of sustainable packaging! These clips are short and motivational thoughts to hopefully inspire action and get more brands to move to sustainable packaging. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on LinkedIn: Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Business: Are you a brand that already u…

1
A Different Viewpoint on Plastic Packaging (with Steve Koenig) 56:47

1+ y ago56:47

56:47

Plastics, which are the enemy of many sustainability circles, are not fully understood. Do plastics have a place in our society or should they just be banned? This is an eye.opening conversation with Steve Koenig of Husky Technologies. Agree or not, give this show a listen and you will come out with a better understanding of plastics and sustainabi…

1
Motivational Minute December 2023 1:12

1+ y ago1:12

1:12

Let's continue to figure out which packaging is actually sustainable in 2024! These clips are short and motivational thoughts to hopefully inspire action and get more brands to move to sustainable packaging. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on LinkedIn: Visit Contempo Packaging, Mike's Family Busines…

1
Motivational Minute November 2023 1:09

1+ y ago1:09

1:09

How will you be remembered as it relates to sustainability? Will you look back and say you gave it your best? These clips are short and motivational thoughts to hopefully inspire action and get more brands to move to sustainable packaging. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on LinkedIn: Visit Contempo …

1
RED OR BLUE PILL? The State of Sustainable Packaging, November 2023 11:10

1+ y ago11:10

11:10

Paper or Plastic: Which is actually more sustainable? In today’s show, Mike digs in deeper to the question “What is actually sustainable?” by asking a straightforward question: Do you want the red pill or the blue pill? Case study comparing various types of retail shopping bags: https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1006&conte…

1
Motivational Minute October 2023 1:12

1+ y ago1:12

1:12

Be careful who you listen to, because it's not too late! There is a golden window of opportunity opening for the next ten years. These clips are short and motivational thoughts to hopefully inspire action and get more brands to move to sustainable packaging. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: Read Michael's Sustainable Packaging Newsletter on Linked…

1
Are Compostable Films ACTUALLY Sustainable? (with Daphna Nissenbaum) 1:01:45

1+ y ago1:01:45

1:01:45

In today's episode, our guest is the highly respected CEO of TIPA Compostable Packaging, Daphna Nissenbaum! She has a great perspective on the benefits of compostable films. This is a truly educational piece of sustainable packaging content that will benefit everyone who listens! Whether you are a fan of compostable packaging or not, you cannot den…

1
Motivational Minute September 2023 1:08

1+ y ago1:08

1:08

This month, I am introducing a new series on the podcast called Motivational Minute. We can have all the knowledge in the world about sustainable packaging, but without action, it does us no good. These clips are short and motivational thoughts to hopefully inspire action and get more brands to move to sustainable packaging.…

1
The State of Sustainable Packaging, August 2023 16:57

2y ago16:57

16:57

Is moving away from plastic always the right move, even if it leads to more food waste? Welcome to The State of Sustainable Packaging for August 2023! In today’s show, we will cover: (Hopefully) Thought Provoking Question Of The Day Sustainability Score for August 2023: Overall, are brands “checking the box” or are they fully committed? Headlines a…

1
The State of Sustainable Packaging, April 2023 25:21

2y ago25:21

25:21

In today's show, I cover a new study that show consumers will choose products in sustainable packaging, a new program by Uber eats to cut down on their single use plastics, and some general commentary on the state of sustainable packaging! Don't miss today's info packed show! Articles: 1. https://www.beautypackaging.com/contents/view_breaking-news/…

1
Update On Our Plan/Vision! 4:12

2y ago4:12

4:12

Very short episode today talking about the next steps for the podcast, as well as welcoming guests to reach out who want to be on the show! Let’s make sustainable packaging the norm! Subscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7008446659688833024 Download the Sustainable Packaging Workshe…

1
What is Sustainable Packaging Engineering? 8:52

2y ago8:52

8:52

When shopping at Costco, I saw two almost identical packages merchandising two near identical products. The difference: One required plastic and the other did not. What was the difference? A brilliant packaging engineer! I hope this episode inspires you to think about sustainable packaging engineering as a way to go more green! Let’s make sustainab…

1
What are some good alternatives to single use plastic retail/exit bags? 7:38

2y ago7:38

7:38

If your state or country bans plastic retail bags, because they are a single use plastic, there are some great options that are great for the planet and also great for building your brand. Sometimes, the only thing with your name on it that leaves your store is the retail bag or in the cannabis industry, we sometimes call it an exit bag or exit pac…

1
An Overview of Amazon's Sustainable Packaging Strategy 10:59

2y ago10:59

10:59

Let's look at how Amazon thinks about sustainable packaging. Maybe there is something we can all learn from the king of e-commerce when it comes to environmentally friendly packaging practices. Frustration Free Packaging video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgw3EmszzLY Let’s make sustainable packaging the norm! Subscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter…

1
New York vs Vermont: Whose sustainable cannabis packaging rules are better? 26:42

2y ago26:42

26:42

A lot of attention is currently focused on New York and Vermont for their emphasis on sustainable packaging in their regs. Both states, though eco-friendly packaging is a priority, are taking different approaches. Who did it better? I will give my thoughts on today's show! Let’s make sustainable packaging the norm! Subscribe to my LinkedIn Newslett…

1
The State of Sustainable Packaging, March 2023 14:34

2+ y ago14:34

14:34

It's time for another State of Sustainable Packaging! Tune in to hear the latest news in the sustainable packaging movement from March 2023. Enjoy! Let’s make sustainable packaging the norm! Subscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7008446659688833024 Download the Sustainable Packaging…

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Michael Markarian Podcasts

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