I’m Not Trash: Designing Inks & Coatings for a Sustainable Future
Packaging sustainability has become an increasingly important issue in recent years around the world. As heightened awareness of the human impact on the environment has evolved, consumers have become increasingly concerned about packaging and its role in waste and pollution. Today they, along with governments, NGOs and the industry in general, are seeking ways to achieve a more circular economy.
As a result, brands and their supply chains are investing in new and innovative ways to meet the challenge of developing sustainable packaging solutions that meet the needs of society and the environment, today and into the future—transforming “trash” into the goods of tomorrow!
In this important and innovative webinar, attendees will be presented with two topics that will address inks and coatings developed to support circular economies: designing for the people and designing for the planet.
Watch This Webinar on MemberConnect
Webinars, conference videos and more are available on MemberConnect, the online home of content exclusively for FTA members.
Speakers and Presentations
Designing for the People
Presented by Natalie Jardell, Flint Group
Flexible plastic packaging is essential for the avoidance of food waste, providing important product package labeling and content details, and protecting foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals and other packaged goods, against environmental contaminants. In addition to focusing on the well-being of our plant, presenters will address the well-being of societies and the value of inks and coatings within the essential packaging value chain. And ultimately, the importance of addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Designing for the Planet
Presented by Gayle Wirthwine, Flint Group
Through an interesting dialog approach, presenters will discuss designing inks and coatings for circularity and how these developments can address the bigger sustainability picture, brand commitments and extended producer responsibility.
Addressing the best interest of our planet, topics in this section will focus upon ink and coatings technologies that include options such as those:
- Developed using biorenewable materials
- Designed for solvent recovery
- Which are biodegradeable and/or compostable
- Are recycling compatible
Topics in this section will focus upon ink and coating technologies that address the best interest of our planet, including:
- Products developed using biorenewable materials
- Technologies designed for solvent recovery
- Products which are biodegradable and/or compostable
- Recycling-compatible and reusable materials
As well as a brief discussion of material recovery facilities (MRFs).
About Our Presenters
Natalie Jardell, Flint Group
Natalie began her career with Flint Group as a product development chemist, focusing on the design and implementation of solvent- and water-based inks and coatings for the flexible packaging printing industry. Within this role, she became the leading expert for the development of recycling-compatible inks. Natalie has recently transitioned into a new position as sustainability product coordinator, where she dedicates her efforts to the research and development of sustainable inks and coatings for paper and board, and flexible packaging.
Natalie is devoted to the growth of a circular packaging economy and the fight for a healthier global environment. A desire to better future generations drives her daily to improve packaging designs. Prior to Flint Group, Natalie earned her Bachelor of Science from Ball State University as a student-athlete.
Gayle Wirthwine, Flint Group
Gayle is the director of product management and development for Flint Group’s flexible packaging segment. With a background in pigments, dispersions and inks, she is committed to changing the outcome for a more sustainable future. By bringing innovative inks and coatings to converters and partnering with all nodes of the value chain, she drives to transform the “war on plastics” mentality into a circular ecosystem reality.