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Good Garbage with Ved KrishnaAuthor: Pakka
Hello, hello! Were so excited to be here and embark on an enlightening journey with our fellow planet advocates - yes, were talking about you to leave the earth cleaner! Tune in for engaging conversations around the evolution of the packaging industry as we scale up towards a more sustainable future Join us, in our endeavour to learn from our inspiring guests and get their insight on the pertinent (and our forever favourite) question what does #GoodGarbage mean to you? Feedback? Collaboration requests? Guest recommendations? Hit us up at connect@goodgarbagepodcast.com Language: en-us Genres: Natural Sciences, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Truth About Sustainable Packaging with Sandeep Kulkarni
Thursday, 16 April, 2026
Hello, hello!In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna sits down with Sandeep Kulkarni, Founder of Kool Earth Solutions and a global expert in sustainable packaging.With experience spanning PepsiCo’s Advanced Research team, packaging innovation, and circular economy systems, Sandeep brings a rare insider perspective into how materials, business realities, and sustainability intersect.🎙️ What This Episode ExploresThis conversation goes beyond buzzwords like eco-friendly and biodegradable — and dives into the real science, trade-offs, and economics behind packaging materials.From paper bottles to plastic recycling, molded fiber, and biopolymers, Sandeep explains why there is no perfect material — only better decisions depending on context.If you’ve ever wondered:- Can paper really replace plastic?- Is glass actually more sustainable?- What happens to your plastic bottle after you throw it away?This episode answers it — honestly.🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn• Why paper packaging isn’t as simple as it seems• The real difference between plastic, glass, and paper• How PepsiCo approached packaging innovation• Why recycling systems matter more than materials• The truth about bioplastics (PLA, PHA)• Why molded fiber hasn’t scaled yet• How barriers (oxygen, moisture) define packaging success• Why there is no one-size-fits-all solution in sustainability⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sandeep Kulkarni01:30 Journey into PepsiCo & Advanced Research04:50 Paper vs Plastic: Benefits & Challenges07:45 Understanding hermetic sealing09:40 Glass vs Plastic vs Paper comparison17:30 Recycling systems: India vs global21:30 What happens to plastic bottles23:50 Chemicals in plastics explained26:00 Evolution of paper packaging28:40 Molded fiber: potential vs limits31:30 Designing sustainable packaging39:30 Why bioplastics struggle to scale44:30 Starbucks Cup Challenge insights50:30 Molded fiber cups: challenges55:30 EPS vs paper debate58:50 Reality of disposable chai cups01:01:15 India’s recycled plastic policy01:04:00 Multi-layer packaging challenges01:08:00 Real-world failures in sustainable packaging01:13:00 Designing the “perfect” wrapper01:19:00 Can paper fully replace plastic?01:23:00 Future of biopolymers01:27:00 Purpose behind sustainability work01:30:30 What gives hope for the future🎬 CreditsProducer: Tanishka GargVideo Editor: Sargam Krishna🌐 Follow & ListenSandeep Kulkarni: http://linkedin.com/in/sandeepkulkarni1KoolEarth Solutions: https://koolearthsolutions.com/Listen on Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @goodgarbagepodcastLinkedIn: Good Garbage PodcastBusiness/queries: tanishka.garg@pakka.com💭 Let’s TalkIf you had to redesign packaging from scratch —Would you choose paper, plastic, or something entirely new? Why?
