Beyond the Bin: The Realities of Recyclable and Compostable Packaging with Julia Mangin
November 11, 2025
Welcome to the Sustainable Design Lab podcast by Veritiv. Hosted by Chris Bradley and Brodie Vander Dussen, this show is your go-to resource for cutting-edge insights into the world of sustainable packaging. Join us as we reimagine packaging innovation and turn every decision into a powerful act of sustainability.
In this episode, Julia Mangin, Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs at Recology, pulls back the curtains on the challenges and opportunities in waste recovery systems, offering crucial insights for packaging professionals and sustainability leaders.
The information presented in this episode is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Welcome to the Sustainable Design Lab podcast by Veritiv. Hosted by Chris Bradley and Brodie Vander Dussen, this show is your go-to resource for cutting-edge insights into the world of sustainable packaging. Join us as we reimagine packaging innovation and turn every decision into a powerful act of sustainability.
In this episode, Julia Mangin, Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs at Recology, pulls back the curtains on the challenges and opportunities in waste recovery systems, offering crucial insights for packaging professionals and sustainability leaders.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why end markets ultimately determine what's truly recyclable, regardless of material composition
- How the three-bin system pioneered by Recology transforms waste into resources
- The infrastructure gap affects composting access
- Why compostable packaging faces challenges in modern facilities
- How multi-material packaging can succeed through collaboration between brands and recyclers
- Why fiber-based compostable solutions show more promise than bioplastics in commercial composting systems
Julia Mangin is the Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs at Recology, a pioneering waste management company known for introducing curbside composting and modern recycling systems on the West Coast. With over a decade of experience at Recology, starting as an intern and advancing to a leadership role, Julia has become a leading voice in sustainable waste management and circular economy initiatives. She specializes in infrastructure development, policy advocacy, and the practical implementation of recycling and composting programs.
The information presented in this episode is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Previous guests include: Sam Boex & Bella Collins of Flexi-Hex, Nathan Pajka of Metsä Board, John Felts of Cruz Foam
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
Check out our three most downloaded episodes: