From EPR and flexible films to paper packaging and composting, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s SPC Impact 2026 event delved into how CPGs are turning sustainability goals into scalable systems.
SPC Impact 2026 brought together more than 800 packaging professionals in Nashville to address the policies, materials, and recovery challenges shaping the industry’s future.
Packaging World
In April, SPC Impact 2026 brought the sustainable packaging industry to Nashville for the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s annual conference, produced by environmental non-profit GreenBlue. Across 45 breakout and main stage sessions, the event zeroed in on the packaging challenges companies are dealing with as policy deadlines approach, material choices shift, and recovery systems continue to evolve.
Extended Producer Responsibility was the conference’s biggest topic, with 12 sessions dedicated to EPR and related policy discussions. Flexible films, where recovery and labeling remain major industry challenges, were the focus of six sessions. Paper packaging, driven by rising interest in paper-based alternatives to plastic as well as growing questions around recyclability and recovery, appeared in eight. Composting was another popular topic that showed up repeatedly on the agenda.
Paul Nowak, executive director, GreenBluePackaging World
Opening the conference on Earth Day, GreenBlue executive director Paul Nowak framed the moment as what he called the “Year of the Relationship,” urging attendees to approach the challenges ahead through practical action, what he called “realistic optimism,” and collaboration. “You really cannot do it alone,” Nowak said, emphasizing that sustainable packaging’s next phase will depend on how effectively brands, suppliers, policymakers, and recovery systems work together.
That idea carried through much of the event, where conversations repeatedly returned to the operational challenges of turning sustainability goals into workable systems. Whether the focus was EPR, flexible films, paper packaging, or composting, companies were largely focused on figuring out what comes next and how to make it work.
A behind-the-scenes look at The Compost Company during SPC Impact in Nashville reveals how organic waste streams are managed, processed, and transformed into finished compost.
Walmart and Amazon highlight how clearer supplier guidance is helping unlock new innovation in private label packaging. Meanwhile, the Forum introduces a new project brief.
Sarah Dearman of The Recycling Partnership discusses domestic rPET supply, policy solutions like the CIRCLE Act, and why collaboration across the value chain is critical to recycling success.
At SPC Impact 2026, Biodegradable Products Institute Executive Director Rhodes Yepsen discusses why compostable packaging continues to gain interest from brands even as California policy creates uncertainty around its future. PW
The Packaging Recycling Summit (PRS) is the premier U.S. conference for strengthening packaging circularity. In 2026, PRS is transforming into a fully immersive experience where attendees will solve problems, forge partnerships, and explore technologies that are reshaping packaging recovery. Directly connect with sustainable OEM’s at this highly coveted event.
Paul Nowak, executive director, GreenBluePackaging World
