In the September edition of Set in Stone®, we’re fresh off Climate Week, and looking ahead to a busy few months which include showcasing our technology around the world, the forthcoming Global Plastic Treaty, and anticipating more products!  

OKEANOS ® BUSINESS NEWSLETTER – September 2024

“To have a chance at fixing the problem, we all must work collaboratively and play by the same global rules”

Today, society is at a critical tipping point. In just a few weeks, representatives from 160 countries will gather in Busan, Republic of Korea to finalize a draft of the Global Plastics Treaty; what we, and our fellow members of the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty hope will be the first overarching global commitment to plastic governance.

Recently, Dr. Russell Petrie, our co-founder & Chief Innovation Officer authored an opinion piece featured in leading business & technology outlet Fast Company, detailing what we hope to see included in the final language of the document. To read Russ’s piece in full, click here.

Get Involved. Learn more about the coalition’s priorities here!  

Get Involved. Learn more about the coalition’s priorities here!

 


While our team has been busy at See Change and Climate Week in the US and preparing for COP29 in  Azerbaijan, the Okeanos sales team has been in high demand at the premiere packaging events around the globe. Click here to see the Okeanos Events Calendar.

Next month, we’ll be joining our regional partner Sumitomo to highlight sustainable innovation at IGEM 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 10/9-10/11.  IGEM is Southeast Asia’s leading trade event for green technologies and brings together top innovators, governments, and businesses looking for sustainable solutions in the ASEAN market.

Then we’re headed to ExpoEmpaque in beautiful Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from 10/11-10/13. You’ll find us at Booth #Nro. 70 , where we’ll be highlighting our patented highly loaded calcium carbonate compounds as sustainable solutions across thermoforming, blow molding, extrusion, injection and mono and multi-layer films at the Dominican Republic’s largest packaging show.

Interested in meeting us at either show?

Click here to set up an appointment!

 


In the world of trash bags, Recircle Brands®  stands out; not only for the quality of its products but for its unique mission-driven approach. We sat down with CEO & Founder Jack Licata, to learn more about how this Veteran-owned small business is turning trash into treasure.

What drives Recircle Brands?

Our mission is to employ only Veterans and people with disabilities. No one chooses to be disabled, when these people work with us, they are no longer defined by their disabilities and what they can’t do, and now define themselves as what they can do!!!

Why did you begin to look into sustainable technologies for your clients?   

Our mission at Recircle Brands is to make a difference for the environment, the end user, and the people we employ (Veterans and People with Disabilities). Our whole culture is designed around this mission, making a product from sustainable technology is the only thing we do.

What features of your new trash bags made from stone are you most excited about?  

The most exciting features of the Made From Stone trash bags is that without changing any piece of equipment, adding filtration, changing operations, or cutting back on operations a company can drastically reduce their CO2 footprint, have a major reduction in plastic waste disposal, increase the amount of recycled plastic they are using, and have a biodegradable product that was Made 100% in the USA.

How has the client response been to your new bags Made From Stone?  

100% of the people we showed it to could not believe the bags were Made From Stone and they all said these bags felt heavier and stronger than their current bags and were excited to get their sustainability people involved.

To learn more about how this Veteran-owned small business is turning trash into treasure, with BagUps.

 

To learn more about how you too can make your trash bags from stone, get in touch!

 



We’re back and Mastering Sustainability Season 2 launched with a bang!

Our first guest, Brandi Parker, from Parker Brands, brought us deep into the world of packaging from the perspective of design. Throughout an energizing and spirited hour, she gave us a peek behind the curtain on her work with the Sustainable Packaging Coalition on a forthcoming refresh of the How 2 Recycle logo and taught us to be on the lookout for “green hushing.”

On October 1st, Ed Shepherd, Unilever’s Global Sustainability Manager For Circular Economy joins us to discuss the forthcoming Global Plastic Treaty, and how companies like Unilever, PepsiCo, Walmart, and Target have banded together to ensure businesses have global rules that encourage harmonized packaging design, a reduction in problematic plastics, and a focus on measurable and attainable goals.

Listen Season 2 Here!

 


“It’s a moment of clarity when they realize they can achieve the same product quality with less plastic or even improve it while reducing plastic use” 

This month we’re celebrating Sabrina Carnevale, Global Application Manager. Sabri brings her extensive experience in the dairy industry with brands like Nestlé & Danone and her work with converters and manufacturers, helping them transition to Made From Stone. Dive in to see what drives her.

What is the most obvious sign of climate change where you live?   

In Buenos Aires, one of the most obvious signs of climate change is the increase in heat waves. Summers are getting much hotter, with temperatures rising above the usual levels. We’ve also experienced more intense rainfall, which leads to flooding in the city.

What inspired you to work in this field? How have you integrated sustainability into your daily life since you started at Okeanos? 

I’ve always been passionate about environmental issues and sustainability, especially through my work in packaging. For years, I’ve been focused on how materials and design can impact the environment, and what keeps me going is finding innovative ways to make packaging more sustainable. It’s really rewarding to see the positive changes we can bring to our industry.

In my daily life and at work, sustainability plays a big role. At the office, we’ve started a ‘botellas de amor’ project, where we collect plastic waste and turn it into useful items like insulation for homes. You wouldn’t believe how much plastic we gather each week— it’s eye-opening! I’ve continued this at home, too, collecting plastic and preparing it for recycling. It’s a small, simple way to make a difference, and it feels great to contribute to something that’s helping the environment.

You’re on the ground daily with clients running this technology through their machines. Describe the turning point in a trial process when clients discover the potential impacts of Made From Stone.  

During the trial process, the turning point often comes when clients see the real-world impact of our compounds in their machines. It’s a moment of clarity when they realize they can achieve the same product quality with less plastic or even improve it while reducing plastic use. This realization often leads to discussions about how our technology can be applied to other products they manufacture.

What motivates you?  

The opportunity to make a positive impact through my work. I’m driven by the challenge of finding sustainable solutions and seeing the tangible benefits they bring. Whether it’s reducing plastic use or maintaining the quality of products with more sustainable materials, knowing that my efforts contribute to a better environment keeps me passionate and engaged. It’s incredibly fulfilling when your work aligns with your personal values, making every project feel even more meaningful.

 

      Want to join our Okeanos team?  

Click here


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