Sustainable Packaging
Industry Experts discuss all the new materials and ways that packaging can be more sustainable and how we can do our parts to help recycle and reuse. Sustainable Packaging is and will continue to affect us all in our daily lives. We have lots of fun and get down to the real data of what's working to help our planet!
Sustainable Packaging
Paris Packaging Week Future Leader (Clemence Droit)
https://www.parispackagingweek.com/en/2023/12/10/the-future-requires-compromises-clemence-droit-qualipac/
How can you apply to be a future leader?
https://www.parispackagingweek.com/en/future-leaders/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/droit-cl%C3%A9mence/
Check out our sponsor Orora Packaging Solutions
https://ororapackagingsolutions.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/
I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap.
This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.
Welcome to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors. Today's guest is Clemence Droit from Paris. I believe you're from Paris. Is that right?
Clemence Droit:I work next to Paris. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Not originally from there.
Cory Connors:And she is a project manager for Qualipac. And we're here today to talk about Paris Packaging Week and the amazing events over there, put on by Easy Fairs but first, before we get into any of those details, can you tell us about yourself and how you got into packaging?
Clemence Droit:Sure. actually it was No, it was really by accident because I, I did engineering studies. I have a master in engineering, mechanical engineering. And then for some reason decided to, pick, plastics and composites as like a specialty because I thought there was a lot to do around plastic in the industry and like how to make it more sustainable and everything. And my end of studies internship was related to packaging. And I liked it and I decided to keep on working in that field.
Cory Connors:That's awesome. what, company did you work for as a intern?
Clemence Droit:it used to be called VPI. Now it's called Fevletech.
Cory Connors:And so you fell in love with packaging and you just decided to continue down that path.
Clemence Droit:Yeah. I thought it was really interesting. Like first is super creative because all of the packagings are very different and every brand has different, things in mind. And also the fact that I really felt like I could have an impact and not only with what the clients were asking, but also maybe offer things to the clients and say, okay, this is your idea, but maybe we can do it a bit differently. make it even more sustainable.
Cory Connors:well said. I, that's this is something I hear from young people all the time is I want to have a job or a career that has an impact on the world. That's positive. And so that's why I think sustainable packaging is such a great decision for young people for all people. Really? I think we should all be involved with it. but, yeah, well said. Congratulations. you were selected as a future leader. for packaging for Paris packaging week. Can you tell us about that process and how that feels to be honored that way?
Clemence Droit:It's very exciting. I think it's the first year that Paris packaging week, came out with this program. And when we got the email and I heard about it, I thought it was a really great opportunity to be able to share my vision of the future of the industry and also to meet other people because there were, I think, 10 of us. From different jobs in the packaging industry, some of them had their own companies, some worked for big brands, small ones. And it was so, so interesting to meet all of those different people. They had so much to say about different parts of sustainability within the industry. That was really amazing.
Cory Connors:It is incredible. And the event is, really impressive. tell me about, was that your first packaging event that you got to go to?
Clemence Droit:I went to the Paris Packaging Week last year, but mostly as a visitor. So my company had to stand there, but it was mostly just like visiting, but it was the first time that I was actually taking part in it because, so we had to apply. And answer a lot of questions like what we were doing as a job, what we wanted to be in the future. And then once we were selected, we went on stage and actually talked with three mentors in the packaging industry and got to speak a bit more about how we saw things and what could be done better, what had been done better already.
Cory Connors:So
Clemence Droit:it was a good first.
Cory Connors:how was that being on stage? I remember the first time I was on stage, I was very nervous. were you nervous?
Clemence Droit:It was really nerve wracking. Yeah. Especially because first of all, it was in English. So I think it's even more, it takes even more courage when it's not your first language. Yes. And I felt like the other people were so interesting and maybe a bit like, I wasn't interesting enough to be there because some of them had created their own companies to avoid any packagings and everything.
Cory Connors:Wow. Well, you're certainly interesting enough and a very interesting person yourself. And I'm very impressed with what you've already accomplished in your young career and excited for what you will do in the future. So let's talk about that a little bit. What, what do you see as, A role for younger people in the industry. It seems to me that you're guiding the ship to more sustainable packaging. Is that how you feel?
Clemence Droit:Yeah, that's what I try to do. So currently, when we want to work on a project for a brand, we received the client's brief and then in the past, I know my company used to be more sustainable. Yeah. They will answer the client's, needs and goals, but they would not have tried to go further than that. And what I try to do, and I think it's been working and also it had an influence on the other project managers is to always go beyond and not stop at just what the client asks, because sometimes they don't even know that there are other solutions or they don't really think about it. Even if now they're trying more than ever.
Cory Connors:I agree a hundred percent. I think it is so, It's so valuable to have new, insightful ideas, into a company. And, I think the amount of influence that you're going to have in your career is so much more than, The current generation, of people, because you've got so, so much to say and so many insights and so many new concepts you're thinking outside of the box, you're drawing in new attention. and I just commend you for that. and your generation, I've been so impressed with, the younger people that I've met in the industry. Well done.
Clemence Droit:Yeah, I think it's really important that we work together as in. The previous generations have so much knowledge about the plastic and the packaging industry. And, but we also have, because we were just new to the industry, we don't really have those boxes of this is how it works and we're not going to do it another way. And sometimes I have questions and for some people for sure, they're going to think it doesn't work. But because I don't know if it works or not, I'm just going to ask, is this possible? And then it's a good mix when the older generations and my generation work together because good things always come out of it.
Cory Connors:Oh, well said. I agree. 100%. We, we all need to work together and share our experiences with each other. I have learned so much from people as mentors and people that I've mentored. it's pretty exciting really when you have an open mind and you're interested in learning from everyone in your company and other companies, about what's possible. but yeah, great, point there. So let's talk a little bit about packaging and what are some areas of focusing, focus that your company has and that you have in particular, as far as design and.
Clemence Droit:I think one of the main areas we work on right now is really the material that we're going to use. there's a lot of work and thoughts that are being put into it in the way that sometimes we think like a bio based material may be more sustainable. But then we realize. If we use this specific material, we will need so many more additives within the material to be able to process it. Or if we want to put some kind of, varnish or make it matte or shiny, then we need X many more operations before to make it stay on it because otherwise it's going to chip or I don't know, like it's not going to send the perfume, for example. So I think we retry. To work on the project and the product in total, and not just like just the material or just the recyclability, because sometimes you win on the material, but then there are so many much, so many more processes you have to add or like additives, or maybe one material might be bio based, but it's not going to be recyclable or it won't be put in the same bin. So it's really trying to take everything into account and not just one part of the product cycle.
Cory Connors:Yeah, that's it. That's the secret. We have to look at the whole thing, right? We have to figure out what's the source of the material? What is the material? And can the, does the material have value after the fact, right? And I think that's, that's exactly right. So good job. I also want to talk to you about reusable packaging. Are you seeing reuse as a option for beauty brands and, and, things like makeup and perfumes and things like that?
Clemence Droit:Yes, I think how we see it is, Like the kind of pumps that are being used for perfumes, especially, are changed because they want to make the glass, flask reusable. The caps themselves didn't change that much, but I know one of the big issues for like deodorant or Rich refillable makeup is the fact that brands don't want the final consumers to be able to use just the refill part and not like the whole packaging.
Cory Connors:Right.
Clemence Droit:So it's definitely something we have to work on and something that's difficult, like how to make it refillable or like just put something else inside and not change the whole pack without letting people use it. Just the refilled parts and not,
Cory Connors:I hadn't thought of that. That's really interesting.
Clemence Droit:It's an issue. I know for deodorant , for example, because there was one brand that I'm thinking about the recharge was so good that people used it without the initial package packaging. Which is great.
Cory Connors:Yeah.
Clemence Droit:it's great, but the brand doesn't want that.
Cory Connors:They want the presence on, they want their brand on the consumer's countertop, right? Exactly. Okay. Wow. That's fascinating. I hadn't thought of that. I think I know which brand you're talking about and, that's great. That's an interesting point. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. But for them, it almost feels like they shouldn't fight that. Maybe they should make like the least amount of packaging possible and, make the recharge as you call it, so cool that people will just use that.
Clemence Droit:Yeah, definitely.
Cory Connors:That would be great. That would be a cool, end goal. I think is maybe to make, almost like micro packaging, just the smallest amount possible.
Clemence Droit:I wanted to say, I think it's a shame that some brands, how can I put it? Like we were working on some projects like we know we use a lot of magnets for perfume caps, for example, and they're not specially sustainable because, they only come from China and they're not really like it's difficult to have recycled, magnets and everything. And I know we were working, my company is working on getting their hands on recycled. magnets. Oh, wow. I haven't heard that. Yeah, and they talked to some clients, about it, but I think the process, the way the process works, they can't guarantee a certain amount of recycled, parts when it is, and some brands don't want to use them because they can't claim it.
Cory Connors:Oh, interesting. So
Clemence Droit:which is a shame.
Cory Connors:They want the credit for it, which I understand, you think about it, they have to make these announcements and they have to be able to share to their board of directors or to their senior team that look, we're making these good positive movements. That's a really interesting point. Yeah, this is, this is very insightful to, to the mind of the brand really, they want the credit for it. They want, the notoriety for doing something that's, more sustainable because oftentimes they do cost a little bit more. and so if they're not going to be able to scream it from the rooftop, they don't want to do it. Right. That makes sense.
Clemence Droit:Exactly.
Cory Connors:Very well said. So are you going to Paris Packaging Week this year, or I should say next year in January?
Clemence Droit:Yes, of course.
Cory Connors:I
Clemence Droit:think, they have in mind that the, the future leaders from 2024 will be there to guide the new ones and maybe a little bit and create this network of young people within the industry. So we can really share something and maybe meet outside of the, of this event. And really create something that will stay.
Cory Connors:Yeah, that was really, fun this year in January. I know it feels like last year, but it was just six months ago, to get to, to have a dinner with you and all of the future leaders and the team from EasyFares. It was really great to get to know, a lot of you at that event. And so, I think that's a big. Important step that easy fares accommodates, those, winners like yourself of that, honor, I should say. And, so I'm impressed with, Christelle and Josh Brooks and the team over there that is, is helping people like you, navigate through the industry and, get that mentorship that you deserve. So that's cool.
Clemence Droit:They definitely gave us a lot of visibility and they're helping us create this network of between young people, but also with the mentors and people that have already achieved so much within the packaging industry. And can really teach us things.
Cory Connors:Right. and people that care, and care that people that want to help and people that, are, the way I feel about it is people helped me along in my career. I want to do the same for younger generations. And, so it's an honor for me to get to repay that. so I enjoy working with younger people. And, so. that's why I was so excited to do this podcast with you. I think it's also
Clemence Droit:really good for the, for the industry in general, because I know a lot of people have prejudices like already made ideas about the packaging industry. It's only greenwashing or like it's only polluting. And I think it's really important to show that we need people that care and that want to change things. And if no one has this mindset and comes within the, to the industry, then things are not going to change. We need people.
Cory Connors:Yes. Wow, very well said. Very true. I couldn't agree with you more. It's, the future of sustainable packaging is so bright and the future of, all packaging. It's just, it's really changing with the onset of, legislation like PPWR, extended producer responsibility laws and, things like that. So are you, Are you seeing a lot of changes there in, where you live, with those different laws?
Clemence Droit:Yes, I think the ones that really, have the biggest impact for us is the ones on materials. Because some materials that we used to have in the past, they're going to be, they're either already prohibited or they're going to be in the next five years. So we really have to work on changing the ones that are not allowed anymore now. And then looking forward, trying to Substitutes the one that are going to disappear and it's a lot of the projects we work on a lot of them are like new projects new developments, but we also have a big part, which is material substitution.
Cory Connors:which is such a great thing to have it, I think, because these materials that we're using as a substitute, are more sustainable generally, and that's the idea, right? There are monomaterials, they're recyclable, they're reusable. And so this is great news, but it's forcing, some of that old mindset of, well, this is how we've always done it. and that just won't be, it's not good enough anymore. We need to step up and be better. So,
Clemence Droit:yeah, we also have this with the, the varnish that we use, like I know some, I don't know what's the term in English, it's COV. So like the amount of, particles that you will release in the air. huh. There's a lot of regulation around that and we have to change the, the additives, the solvents we used to have in the past and use the new ones. It's definitely really challenging on the technical part because we used to do it that way for 20, 30 years and now the material changes and the varnish changes. So you really have to be flexible and find new ways to make it work.
Cory Connors:I think that's an excellent point because a lot of people don't understand that not only does packaging sustainability affect our environment, it affects our health. Yeah. And, let's say you've got all of these, makeup components in your handbag, you're ready for the day. You reach your, You reach in there and the smell from the varnishes like you're talking about can affect you it's important, they say remember that new car smell that was so popular That's not necessarily the most the healthiest thing to be breathing in right? So we've learned our lessons from these things But yeah, that's an excellent point we we need to be concerned with what we breathe every day
Clemence Droit:Yeah, but I think it's hard for some we all have to agree on the fact that things have to change, but sometimes it's hard to make the supplier, like my company, the brands, and then the final consumers all agree because if things change, maybe it will be a bit more expensive or maybe the specific kind of effect that we had on the perfume won't be possible anymore. And then it's just balancing everything because everyone wants to win. Not everything is possible anymore.
Cory Connors:Right. It's a push and pull, right? It's a battle between ideas and, and focuses. Everyone has their lane they're focusing on, marketing wants it to be beautiful. Sales wants it to be, or purchasing wants it to be inexpensive. sales wants it to be easy to ship, all these things. So, yeah, great points. Thank you so much for your time. come on. So I really appreciate your wisdom here. And can't wait for what you accomplish in your career. This is very exciting. Yeah. And looking forward to seeing you in Paris in January for Paris packaging week. And, yeah. What's the best way for people to get in touch with you? LinkedIn or email or.
Clemence Droit:I think LinkedIn is a easiest way. So just my name, Clémence Droit.
Cory Connors:Yeah. We'll, we'll put a link to that in the notes of this podcast. So people can just, connect with you there. So thank you so much. Appreciate it.
Clemence Droit:Bye.
