102. Greenwashing exposed - what Adidas, Uniqlo and Calvin Klein got wrong
Last month Adidas, Uniqlo, and Calvin Klein all came under scrutiny for making misleading environmental claims. What did they actually say and what do these cases reveal about the future of sustainability marketing? This week, we take a deeper look at greenwashing, unpacking why environmental claims in the fashion industry are so difficult to get right. We explore what brands can learn and how sustainability messaging will need to change in the years ahead.Plus, is a BBQ regulator rubbish or not, why is Sainsbury's moving to white eggs, how will toothpaste be packaged in our dream supermarket, and are we boring for wanting our lettuce to look like...lettuce?Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.Please take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling trackerWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:What Adidas, Uniqlo and Calvin Klein got wrong - 02:47Additions and corrections - 31:57Rubbish or Not: BBQ regulator - 36:15Rubbish News - 41:10Why are Sainsbury's switching to white eggs? - 45:10Green Grocer: toothpaste - 48:07Residual Rubbish - 52:45 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
101. PPWR - why packaging will never be the same
From August 2026, the packaging industry enters a new era with the rollout of the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation). In this episode, we break down what the new rules mean in practice, explore the biggest changes brands need to prepare for, and discuss how businesses are responding to one of the most significant shifts in packaging regulation in recent years. Plus, are Panini stickers rubbish or not, why did manufacturers remove lids from hummus and dips, how will eggs be packaged in our dream supermarket, and why is Robbie searching for a fox?Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.We would like to have an evening Talking Rubbish to celebrate the official release of our 100th episode. We are holding it at Artists Residence in Bristol on the evening of the 3rd July (from 6pm), to let us know if you can make it, book your place on EventbritePlease take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling trackerWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:PPWR - why packaging will never be the same again - 02:22Additions and corrections - 27:27Rubbish or Not: Panini stickers - 36:03Rubbish News - 41:27Why did manufacturers remove the lids from hummus and dips? - 46:10Green Grocer: eggs - 50:48Residual Rubbish - 54:09 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
100 episodes later...still Talking Rubbish
We’ve made it to Episode 100!Reaching this milestone gave us a chance to pause and reflect on the journey so far. Joined by a live online audience for the recording, we look back on the first 100 episodes, introduce a new feature for the next chapter of the show, and celebrate the occasion with a few games and surprises.Episode 100 also marks another exciting step forward: our move to video. If your podcast app supports video playback, you can now watch the conversation as well as listen.Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.We would like to have an evening Talking Rubbish to celebrate the official release of our 100th episode. We are holding it at Artists Residence in Bristol on the evening of 3rd July (from 6pm), to let us know if you can make it, book your place on EventbritePlease take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling trackerWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
99. Why cartons aren't being recycled
Cartons are a staple of everyday life, but they're far more complicated than they appear. Made from layers of paper, plastic and sometimes aluminium, they're designed to keep food fresh and lightweight to transport, but that same design makes them challenging to recycle. Following recent news that the UK's carton recycling capacity has taken a significant hit, we explore why cartons became so popular, why they're often seen as a sustainable packaging choice, and what really happens after you put one in the recycling bin. Plus, are energy gel wrappers rubbish or not, are heavily printed cans recyclable, and is Robbie listening to Talking Rubbish in the gym?Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.We would like to have an evening Talking Rubbish to celebrate the official release of our 100th episode. We are holding it at Artists Residence in Bristol on the evening of the 3rd July (from 6pm), to let us know if you can make it, book your place on EventbritePlease take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling trackerWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:Why cartons aren't being recycled in the UK - 05:31Additions and corrections - 29:00Rubbish or Not: energy gel wrappers - 38:53Rubbish News - 44:30Are heavily printed cans recyclable? - 49:01Residual Rubbish - 53:02 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
98. Should we ban ‘plastic-free’ packaging?
“Plastic-free” has become a powerful marketing claim, but is it always accurate? Following the EU’s formal definition of plastic, the term has come under greater scrutiny, raising questions about how it is used and understood. In this episode, we trace the origins of “plastic-free,” explore the nuances behind the label, and discuss why making the claim may not be as straightforward as it seems. Plus, is asbestos rubbish or not, what should we do with "presents" from the cat, and why is James infiltrating his local litter picking group?Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.We are going to attempt a live recording of episode 100, on the 17th June at 7pm, get the link here...Also, we would like to have an evening Talking Rubbish to celebrate the official release of our 100th episode. It will be in central Bristol on the evening of the 3rd July, to let us know if you can make it, book your place on EventbritePlease take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling trackerWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:Should we ban plastic-free packaging? - 02:19Additions and corrections - 29:19Rubbish or Not: asbestos - 40:01Rubbish News - 44:53What do you do with "presents" from the cat? - 49:30Residual Rubbish - 53:28 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL