Plastic and paper waste from product packaging continue to pose a significant environmental challenge, with millions of tons ending up in landfills and the ocean annually. Despite increasing consumer demand for sustainable alternatives, many companies struggle to find a balance between eco-responsible packaging, cost-effectiveness, performance, and branding needs. Elizabeth Corbett, President of Enterprise Sales at AE Global, a prominent packaging manufacturer, is at the forefront of helping brands in various industries transition to smarter and greener packaging solutions.
With over 25 years of experience, Elizabeth has developed growth strategies and designed sustainable packaging for renowned brands like Estée Lauder, Starbucks’ Teavana, and Tiffany & Co. She firmly believes that businesses do not have to compromise between aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility—they can have it all.
In addition to her work with leading brands, Elizabeth collaborates with the Ocean Recovery Group, an innovative initiative dedicated to collecting, cleaning, and recycling ocean-bound plastics to transform waste into valuable materials. This closed-loop system aims to eliminate plastic pollution and promote sustainability.
During discussions, Elizabeth highlights the importance of innovations in reusable, recyclable, and compostable packaging and emphasizes how brands can achieve sustainability without sacrificing cost-effectiveness. She advocates for the widespread adoption of sustainable packaging by establishing regulations that mandate the use of post-consumer materials in new packaging. For example, New York’s requirements for post-consumer recycled paper bags have influenced design decisions for brands nationwide.
Elizabeth believes that influential markets like New York, California, Florida, and Texas can drive significant changes in the national packaging landscape. By leading the way towards green packaging, brands can benefit from extended producer responsibility and contribute to addressing America’s fragmented recycling infrastructure.
To learn more about AE Global and their sustainable packaging solutions, visit their website at aeglobal.com. Join the conversation on sustainable packaging, extended producer responsibility, and the transformative power of green branding in shaping a more environmentally conscious future.
