From Pulp to Performance: The Science of Paper with Dr. Alexey Vishtal

From Pulp to Performance: The Science of Paper with Dr. Alexey Vishtal

From Good Garbage with Ved Krishna by Pakka

February 13, 2026 · 1h 28m

About this episode

The episode explores the complexities of paper performance and sustainability with Dr. Alexey Vishtal, focusing on material science and industry insights.

Hello, hello! In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast , host Ved Krishna sits down with Dr. Alexey Vishtal , a scientist and industry expert in pulp, paper, and sustainable packaging , to explore the material reality behind sustainability. From growing up in Russia to building his career in Finland, Alexey shares the journey that led him into material science — including a PhD focused on the stretchability of paper and years working inside a global corporation like Nestlé . Along the way, he gained rare insight into how sustainability actually moves (or stalls) inside large systems. This conversation goes beyond surface-level sustainability narratives and into the physics, constraints, and trade-offs that define packaging today. From water vapor barriers to economic viability, Alexey explains why materials — not intentions — ultimately decide what works. Together, Ved and Alexey discuss: Why paper performance is more complex than it seems What stretchability, barriers, and material limits really mean How regulation and consumer demand shape sustainability efforts What working inside Nestlé revealed about innovation at scale How nature offers clues for better material design…

People in this episode

Host: Ved Krishna

Guest: Dr. Alexey Vishtal

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Nestlé

Places: Russia, Finland

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