In this episode of Leading the Way, Sustainable Packaging News speaks with David Gudgeon, Head of External Affairs at Reconomy Connect. With nearly 25 years in the industry, David shares his journey from sales into sustainability leadership and offers a unique perspective on the evolution of circular economy thinking in packaging.
David discusses what first sparked his interest in sustainable systems, why recycled content is just as critical as recyclability, and how early experiences proved that sustainability opened more doors than traditional waste management. He reflects on the influence of industry leaders like David Palmer-Jones and Max Kanda, and how public speaking became a key part of his role.
We dive into the insights gained from customer feedback programs, the challenge of aligning business goals with sustainability targets, and the factors that made the glass bottle reuse trial a success. David also weighs in on the impact of evolving regulations like EPR and recyclability assessments on future packaging decisions.
Whether you're new to the field or deep in the industry, this conversation offers valuable insight into what drives real progress, how to navigate policy discussions, and where the most exciting changes are happening in sustainable packaging today.
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