SPC Impact 2026: Finding Momentum In ‘Realistic Optimism’ BY TOM HENDRICKSON, PPC INDUSTRY AFFAIRS MANAGER At this year’s SPC Impact conference in Nashville, Tennes- see, one idea kept surfacing: realistic optimism. As GreenBlue Executive Director Paul Nowak put it, the sustainable packaging industry is at its best when it strikes a balance between ambi- tion and practicality, urgency and progress. Set the bar too high, and you risk burnout. Set it too low, and you lose momentum. The path forward is somewhere in between: measurable prog- ress, small wins, and a clear-eyed view of what it takes to move the industry forward. And across conversations throughout the week, that balance showed up everywhere. PPC was well represented on a panel of independent converters, with Ben Houser of Malnove and Mary Hutton of Southern Champion Tray highlighting how fiber-based packaging is helping brands navigate increasingly com- plex sustainability demands. Their message reinforced that flexibility matters. In- dependent converters are uniquely positioned to adapt quickly: testing, iterating, and refining fiber-based solu- tions that meet performance needs while aligning with evolving regulatory and environmental expectations. One of the more grounded conversations focused on what it actually takes to translate sustainability goals into real products. As Eva Caspary of Pregis pointed out, success doesn’t come from one team; it comes from alignment. Procure- ment, operations, marketing, leadership. If those groups aren’t working together, even the best ideas stall out. Other panels reinforced how interconnected the sys- tem has become, from efforts to expand acceptance of poly-coated paper to ongoing conversations around EPR and its implications for the industry. The takeaway wasn’t that these challenges are solved, but that progress de- pends on collaboration across the value chain. The keynote sessions brought a wide range of per- spectives, from policy to material innovation. There were conversations about EPR legislation at the state level, new material innovations like kelp-based alternatives to plastic, and the growing role of compostable packaging in diverting organic waste from landfills. But one of the most memorable moments came from an unexpected voice. Adam Met, musician, professor, and founder of Planet Reimagined, shifted the conversation from systems to people. His perspective was powerful: sustainability move- ments often struggle because they’re too abstract. Big ideas like climate change and sustainability can feel dis- Tom Hendrickson
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
CORRUGATED REPLACEMENTS, INC. www.corrugatedparts.com
Corrugated Replacements, Inc. is a production powerhouse that manufactures high quality machine parts and replace- ment parts for the corrugated and paperboard converting industries. CRI can redesign, engineer, and manufacture any part while providing a rapid turn-around rate, keeping ma- chines running at their peak performance and limiting down time.
C.U.E., INC. www.AnvilCovers.com
Makers of single and dual-width Timesaver® Anvil Covers, the premier urethane anvil cover for corrugated die cutting. Timesaver® covers feature construction of solid steel back- ing and solid steel locking components to ensure a precise fit every time. C.U.E., Inc. also offers Dura-Latch and Cor- Lock anvil covers, and urethane Lead Edge Feed Wheels.
EMBA www.embausa.com
The EMBA group supports a complete line of corrugated converting machinery for the worldwide market. EMBA’s Quick Set technology enables the highest productivity across a broad range of converting equipment, from mini to super jumbo. EMBA also includes the McKinley jumbo line of flexo folder gluers and rotary die cutters as well as service, rebuilds and upgrades for both EMBA and McKinley.
EAGLEWOOD TECHNOLOGIES, LLC www.eaglewoodtech.com
Eaglewood Technologies offers trusted cleaning technolo- gies for the world’s best printers and converters. Solutions include the award winning Sitexco+ Anilox Laser System, the Nanovis Parts Washing System, the Sitexco L10 Label System, the innovative Sanilox™ System or Alphasonics solu- tions. We also offer Xpress™ mobile cleaning service at your facility or ours. ESKO www.esko.com ArtiosCAD and Kongsberg are the most trusted names in CAD/CAM solutions. Esko’s ArtiosCAD is the most widely used CAD software in the world. Esko’s Kongsberg series of tables brings you reliable, outstanding quality for sample- making and short run production.
DOMINO www.dominodigitalprinting.com
Domino is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digital printing and product identification solutions. Celebrating its 44th year, Domino is headquartered in the UK and North America headquarters are Illinois. Domino has 25 subsid- iaries, representation in over 120 countries, and over 2,900 employees worldwide.
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