SmartSolve has been a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition for many years, and as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we decided to go big! This year we are sponsoring SPC Impact 2026, taking place April 21–23 in Nashville.
This year, we’re excited to be both a sponsor and exhibitor at Booth #30. We’re also sending a strong group from our commercial team to the show, including:
- Vidhu Nagpal, Director of Flexible Packaging
- Ashleigh Hotz, Sr. Director of Sales and Marketing
- Dana Prenger, Marketing Manager
- Natalie Ferrin, Business Development Manager
- Reagan Bryant, Account Executive
At our booth, we’re creating an interactive and engaging exhibit experience, complete with a working sink demonstration to showcase our materials in action. Whether you’re exploring water-soluble packaging, fiber-based alternatives, or looking to better understand end-of-life solutions, we invite you to stop by, connect with our team, and see our materials firsthand.
Ashleigh Hotz Speaking at SPC Impact
We’re also looking forward to Ashleigh Hotz taking the stage during this year’s event.
📅 Thursday, April 23, 2026
⏰ 10:05 AM – 10:30 AM
📍 Broadway GH (Breakout Session)
Presentation Title:
From Compliance to Competitive Advantage: How Alternative End-of-Life Design Will Define the Next Packaging Leaders
Flexible packaging has long been the industry’s go-to solution—lightweight, convenient, and cost-effective. However, the vast majority of flexible films and single-use formats today are not recyclable, often ending up in landfills, waterways, and oceans where they persist for decades. As these materials break down, they release micro and nano plastics that are now being detected in our environment—and increasingly, in the human body.
Drawing on research from institutions like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, this session will explore the growing body of evidence around microplastic pollution and its implications for packaging design.
Attendees will gain insight into:
- The latest science surrounding microplastics
- The impact of material choices on environmental and human health
- How innovative materials and alternative end-of-life strategies can position brands ahead of evolving regulations
SPC Impact Experience: Tours, Sessions & Networking
SPC Impact 2026 brings together 80+ speakers, 40+ sessions, networking breaks, evening socials, and Nashville-based tours, all centered around Rethinking Materials and Redefining Sustainable Packaging.
🗓 Event Schedule Overview:
- April 21: Tours
- April 22–23: Full conference program including keynotes, breakouts, and networking events
SmartSolve Team on Tour
Members of our team will also be participating in select tours on April 21:
- Natalie Ferrin will attend a tour hosted by The Compost Company, where she’ll explore the realities of industrial composting at scale—from collection systems to real-time processing methods like grinding, screening, and quality control.
- Dana Prenger will be attending the Opry House Tour, an immersive experience through one of Nashville’s most iconic venues. The tour brings the space to life through music, archival footage, and storytelling from artists like Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, while offering a behind-the-scenes look at the legacy of country music.
Beyond the Booth: Evening Social & More
There are also many opportunities to connect outside of the exhibit hall. On April 22, SPC Impact hosts a variety of evening socials—bringing attendees together in more informal, high-energy settings across Nashville.
👉 Click here to sign up for an Evening Social
In addition to the evening socials, SPC Impact offers a variety of other ways to engage throughout the event. From morning yoga sessions, breakfast with exhibitors, networking breaks, and interactive experiences. There’s no shortage of opportunities to meet new people, exchange ideas, and stay energized throughout the week.
Let’s Connect at SPC Impact 2026
SPC Impact continues to be a key gathering for organizations working to advance sustainable packaging solutions. As both a sponsor and exhibitor this year, SmartSolve is looking forward to engaging in meaningful conversations around material innovation and end-of-life design.
If you’ll be attending, be sure to stop by Booth #30—we’d love to connect!
Marketing Coordinator