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Welcome to Rocket Industrial’s Packaging Leaders Q&A series, where we sit down with industry experts to explore the latest trends, innovations, and solutions shaping the packaging world. Our goal? To bring you insights straight from the thought leaders driving the future of packaging products and equipment.
In this edition, we’re diving into the world of sustainable packaging with industry experts, as sustainability is becoming an industry standard. From reducing material usage to complying with evolving regulations, Jim Wagner from Great Northern, Steven Clements from Tach-It, Lisa Cramer from Elite Tape, and Rocket Industrial packaging engineer, Emily Sabella, provide expert insights.
What is the biggest sustainability trend you’re seeing in packaging in 2025?
Jim - “The biggest packaging trend in 2025 is the emphasis on reducing package weight and eliminating plastics where possible. With new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws taking effect in several states, producers will face fees based on the amount of packaging waste they generate, pushing them to seek lighter, more recyclable alternatives. At Great Northern, we view this as an opportunity to help customers adapt with innovative, fiber-based solutions that are both efficient and environmentally responsible — improving recyclability, reducing landfill waste, and even lowering freight costs."
Steven - "We’re seeing a strong move away from plastics and non-sustainable materials in packaging, including carton sealing, void fill, and protection. Some manufacturers are introducing biodegradable, even edible, void fill products made from corn or other natural materials. There’s also a push to reduce overall packaging, with programs like Amazon’s Frustration Free Packaging leading the way. Many companies are now shipping soft goods in recyclable or reusable bubble mailers and switching from plastic-based carton sealing tapes to water-activated or paper-based options, though not all components, like filament reinforcements, are fully sustainable."
What sustainable innovation in packaging are you personally most excited about?
Jim - "I'm most excited about the rise of molded fiber packaging in e-commerce, which is projected to grow from $9 billion in 2025 to nearly $16 billion by 2034. Molded fiber replaces plastic air pillows, bubble wrap, and peanuts, reducing landfill waste and the need for fossil fuels. Unlike plastic, molded fiber can be recycled multiple times and, even if landfilled, decomposes in weeks or months rather than centuries. At Great Northern, we’ve been offering molded fiber packaging since 2020, under our brand name, Fiber Interior Packaging. Our commitment goes beyond delivering performance-driven packaging—we’re focused on providing sustainable solutions that align with both customer needs and environmental goals."
Steven - "I'm most excited about reducing the use of BOPP tapes by switching to controlled-length tape applications. Tools like definite length tape dispensers and L-Clip applicators help prevent overuse, ensuring consistent, secure packaging while minimizing waste. These machines also make it easier to apply newer paper-based pressure-sensitive tapes that don’t work well with traditional handheld tape guns."
What innovations in tape are having the biggest impact on reducing waste?
Lisa - “One of the most promising innovations in tape is the advancement of repulpable tape. Unlike traditional plastic-based tapes, repulpable tapes are engineered to disintegrate during the paper recycling process without introducing contaminants, making them fully compatible with standard pulping equipment. By eliminating the need to separate tape from paperboard, repulpable tapes improve recycling efficiency, reduce system downtime, and support compliance with evolving sustainability standards while maintaining reliable adhesive performance.”
How are sustainability expectations changing in 2025?
Steven - "In the past, many companies wanted sustainable packaging but weren't willing to pay more. Today, with greater environmental awareness and consumer demand, some are willing to invest in sustainable options to strengthen their brand image. Europe has led the way in sustainable packaging, with strict regulations like requiring the separation and reporting of recyclable and non-recyclable materials. Tach-It currently ships full containers of a special non-metallic twist tie ribbon into Europe, and twist tie material is recyclable, but the plastic used on the molded spools is not. On every invoice, we must separate the weight in kilograms of the actual recyclable materials and the weight of the non-recyclable materials, so the non-recyclable materials are disposed of in a controlled manner and properly taxed by the government.”
Emily - “In 2025, there’s a noticeable shift in how companies approach packaging sustainability. The focus is increasingly on material reduction, such as eliminating unnecessary packaging components that don’t contribute to product protection or customer experience. More businesses are challenging traditional packaging designs and looking for ways to optimize without overpackaging."
What technologies are helping Rocket Industrial provide sustainable solutions and data to customers?
Emily - "One of the key technologies we use at Rocket Industrial is Package Smart, a life cycle assessment (LCA) software designed specifically for packaging. It evaluates the environmental impact of a package throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal, and breaks the impact down into categories, such as water extraction, human health impact, climate change, and energy. This allows us to identify the stages with the greatest environmental impact and compare different materials or designs to help customers make more sustainable choices backed by data."
Switching to more sustainable packaging starts with thoughtful, strategic changes that can make a big environmental impact over time. Whether you're just beginning or looking to advance your sustainability goals, here are some key steps to guide the process:
By taking these steps, companies can significantly reduce their environmental impact while improving packaging efficiency and lowering costs. Sustainability is a continuous process of evaluating, adjusting, and innovating. With the right materials, equipment, and strategy, businesses can align their packaging operations with long-term environmental goals.
Choosing sustainable packaging doesn’t have to be complicated. At Rocket Industrial, we help businesses find and implement eco-friendly solutions that meet performance, cost, and regulatory goals. Whether you're looking to reduce plastic use, switch to recyclable materials, or optimize your packaging process, our experts can guide you every step of the way.
Let’s build a more sustainable packaging future together. Contact us today.
