The Future of Packaging - NYC

June 21st, 2023

A Message of Hope for the Packaging Industry

Last month, Tanbark co-founder Melissa LaCasse hit the stage in New York City delivering a message of hope at The Future of Packaging​​, the definitive event for those working toward sustainable packaging design. Sponsored by the New York City Global Design Forum, London Design Festival, and SAP, the event challenged attendees to radically rethink plastic packaging, which accounts for 47% of all plastic waste. 

Sian Sutherland, founder of PlasticFree and A Plastic Planet, kicked off the afternoon pleading with participants to imagine a future where what we take from nature goes back to nature without being chemically modified. “Our house is on fire,” she warned then quickly shifted to solutions at hand, adding, “We create the future, and we have immense power.” Melissa couldn’t agree more. Grasping both the crisis at hand and the opportunities ahead is at the heart of why Melissa co-founded Tanbark. 

Addressing 100+ leaders running the gamut from Tiffany & Co. and L’Oreal to Google and Sonos, Melissa introduced Type 3 Molded Fiber made from Maine trees as a smart and sustainable packaging solution. Part of a panel moderated by sustainability consultant Liz Alessi and also featuring Andrew Dent of Material ConneXion, Melissa busted these myths about the material: 

1. Myth: Molded fiber is brown and boring. NOT TRUE.
   Type 3 molded fiber is naturally beautiful, highly customizable, and primed for elegance.
   It can be colored, textured, embossed with exquisite designs, and conform to intricate shapes and contours, enabling brands to elevate their packaging aesthetics and create a memorable unboxing experience for customers. 

2. Myth: Volume requirements are a barrier to entry. NOT TRUE.
   Until now, there has not been an onshore solution for companies that want to enter the market at a smaller-than-commodity size. But Tanbark’s first-to-market compact machines allow for limited runs and experimentation at an affordable price. Come play with us. 

3. Myth: Funding is a showstopper. NOT TRUE.
   There is plenty of funding out there, including big dollars from the U.S. Government to reduce plastic, and Tanbark can help companies get it. Yes, companies have to devote some time and money, but Tanbark will do the heavy lifting.

4. Myth: Stated intention is enough to move companies toward their sustainability goals. NOT TRUE.
   Sustainability has to have a seat in the C-suite. There has to be buy-in and actionable steps at the leadership level with measurable goals to move beyond greenwashing. 

5. Myth: Businesses can go it alone and create impact. NOT TRUE.
   Secrecy, closed-thinking, and siloed approaches does not, cannot, and will not work. People need to set aside their egos and agendas and WORK TOGETHER across disciplines to go up against the plastics industry and create an impact. 

In addition to inspiring and educating an audience eager to do better, Melissa had the opportunity to connect with business leaders from a variety of backgrounds who are committed to replacing single-use plastic packaging with earth-friendly solutions. The conversation is just getting started, and Melissa returned to Maine ready to keep it going and, moreover, ready to drive change.