Cisco's Journey to Sustainable Packaging: An Interview with Nicole Kenney, Packaging Engineering Team Member

Cisco's Packaging Engineering team, led by Nicole Kenney, focuses on designing sustainable packaging that protects products while minimizing environmental impact. The team aims to use less material, choose recyclable or reusable materials, and promote circularity. Nicole's background in materials science and apparel industry sustainability has prepared her to tackle packaging challenges in the tech hardware industry. Cisco's Circular Design Principles guide the team's efforts to integrate sustainability into all product introductions.

Cisco's Packaging Engineering team, led by Nicole Kenney, is at the forefront of a significant shift in the tech industry's packaging practices. By focusing on sustainable packaging solutions, the team aims to protect products while minimizing environmental impact. This strategic approach aligns with the company's broader commitment to sustainability and circularity.

Nicole Kenney, with her background in materials science and apparel industry sustainability, brings a unique perspective to the packaging challenges faced by the tech hardware industry. Under her leadership, the team is dedicated to using less material, choosing recyclable or reusable materials, and promoting circularity. This commitment is guided by Cisco's Circular Design Principles, which integrate sustainability into all product introductions.

The team's efforts are part of a broader global trend in the packaging industry. According to a study by Packaging Technology Today, the global packaging industry is undergoing a transformative shift driven by environmental concerns, regulatory changes, and evolving consumer preferences [1]. This shift is particularly evident in the increasing use of compostable and bioplastic materials, which are rapidly becoming essential tools in the packaging industry [2].

Moreover, the packaging industry is responding to external pressures with innovation and resilience. For instance, the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle sector is evolving to meet sustainability demands [3]. This innovation is not limited to materials; there are also advancements in recycling technologies. A Michigan State University research team has developed a breakthrough technology that could address one of the packaging industry's most significant challenges: recycling multilayer plastics [4].

Cisco's focus on sustainable packaging aligns with broader industry trends and regulatory changes. Sustainability regulations are reshaping industries worldwide, with the packaging sector driving the transition towards more sustainable practices [5]. This regulatory push is complemented by technological advancements, such as the development of recyclable solutions for multilayer plastics, which further supports the circular economy model [6].

The circular economy, as defined by Arjun S. Gaikwad, offers a revolutionary alternative to the linear "take-make-dispose" model. It turns waste into wealth and fosters sustainability by prioritizing reuse, recycling, and regeneration [7]. This approach not only minimizes waste but also maximizes resource value, aligning with Cisco's strategic goals.

In conclusion, Cisco's Packaging Engineering team, under the leadership of Nicole Kenney, is driving a significant shift towards sustainable packaging practices. By integrating sustainability into all product introductions and promoting circularity, Cisco is positioning itself as a leader in the tech industry's packaging revolution. This strategic approach is not only environmentally responsible but also aligns with broader industry trends and regulatory changes, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.

References:
[1] Packaging Technology Today. (2025). From Plastic to Paper: The Global Shift in Bag Packaging Trends. Retrieved from https://www.packagingtechtoday.com/category/materials/
[2] Packaging Technology Today. (2025). Compostable and Bioplastics: Engineering the Next Generation of Sustainable Packaging. Retrieved from https://www.packagingtechtoday.com/category/materials/
[3] Industrial Physics. (2025). Future-proofing PET Packaging. Retrieved from https://www.packagingtechtoday.com/category/materials/
[4] Packaging Technology Today. (2025). MSU Researchers Develop Recyclable Solution for Multilayer Plastics. Retrieved from https://www.packagingtechtoday.com/category/materials/
[5] Mainetti. (2025). How Sustainable Regulations are Re-shaping the Packaging Industry. Retrieved from https://www.packagingtechtoday.com/category/materials/
[6] Packaging Technology Today. (2025). MSU Researchers Develop Recyclable Solution for Multilayer Plastics. Retrieved from https://www.packagingtechtoday.com/category/materials/
[7] Arjun S. Gaikwad. (2025). Turning Waste into Wealth: Pioneering a Circular Future. Retrieved from https://medium.com/@arjunsgaikwad/circular-economy-redefining-waste-for-a-sustainable-future-cd6082cc4cd8