PODCAST: The Power of Neutral Convening With Dave Ford

Episode Title: The Power of Neutral Convening with Dave Ford

Guest: Dave Ford, Founder of the Ocean Plastics Leadership Network (OPLN) and Circle

Summary:

In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Dave Ford founder and partner of Circle by OPLN, to discuss how neutral convening is transforming collaboration around the plastic crisis. Dave shares the origin of the Circle Program, the launch of the Legislator Guide for Circular Policy, and how bringing policymakers, industry, and NGOs together has shaped national conversations on EPR, DRS, and circularity. He reflects on the early days of OPLN, the pivotal expeditions that exposed leaders firsthand to plastic pollution, and how these experiences built a foundation for trust, shared understanding, and meaningful systems‑level change.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Launch of the Legislator Guide for Circular Policy and how it simplifies complex EPR/DRS concepts for elected officials.
• Circle Program origins: taking legislators and cross‑value‑chain stakeholders to locations with implemented EPR and deposit‑return systems worldwide.
• Sea Change Conference outcomes, including cross‑sector collaboration and the decision to build the guide as a living digital resource.
• The importance of neutral convening—bringing petrochemical leaders, NGOs, policymakers, and brands together without an advocacy agenda.
• OPLN’s origin story, including expeditions to the Atlantic Garbage Patch that united 165 participants across the plastics ecosystem.
• The increasing need for education, readiness, and implementation support for companies navigating new EPR laws.
• How messaging around circularity shifts between regions, including emerging momentum for circular policy in Southern states.

Resources Mentioned:

• Circle (formerly OPLN)
• Legislator Guide for Circular Policy
• The Recycling Partnership
• Ocean Conservancy
• Atlantic Packaging & A New Earth Project

Contact:

Dave Ford on LinkedIn
LinkedIn: OPLN

Closing Thoughts:

Dave emphasizes that solving the plastics crisis and implementing EPR requires collaboration, education, and neutrality. By bringing diverse stakeholders together—from legislators to industry leaders and NGOs—Circle aims to reduce confusion, prevent litigation, and accelerate progress toward circularity. Cory and Dave agree: the path forward is dialogue, transparency, and shared learning.

Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors!

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