Through the Line: Packaging and Processing

What trends in sustainable packaging did Packaging World editors see at PACK EXPO 2024? Packaging World Editor-in-chief Matt Reynolds sits down with Senior Editor Anne Marie Mohan to discuss  trends in materials—paper, bio-based, and compostable— and machinery that they saw on last year's show floor.  Download the complete Innovations Report on Packaging World.

How can counterfeiting in the medical device and drug industry be counteracted? One continuously developing tactic to prevent and detect counterfeits and other types of fraud is the ability to track and trace products through serialization. By linking the drug code, filling batch, timestamps, and other relevant data with a CUID, full container traceability is achieved. This is an AI generated epis...

What role does metal detection play in seafood quality and safety?  Some metal detection systems can be confused by the saltwater and ice. Boston Sword & Tuna enhances its product quality with updated metal detection systems. This is an AI generated episode. Read the full featured article on ProFood World .

How are brands navigating the changing EPR legislation? Packaging World editor-in-chief, Matt Reynolds sat down with Jeff Bezzo, executive director of plastic and packaging sustainability at SC Johnson at the 2025 Packaging Recycling Summit. They discussed harmonization across states as a potential catalyst for EPR compliance. Download the full panel on video by registering for free here .  

How can the shape of packaging affect printing?  To fix inconsistent date coding for Olly supplements, co-man MSI turned to a Morrison CHS metering system for accurate container placement. This is an AI generated episode. Read the full featured article on Healthcare Packaging .

What overarching considerations and strategies are shaping the evolution of food safety practices and regulations in the industry? Industry stakeholders from Maple Leaf Foods, PepsiCo, and regulatory agencies including FDA, USDA FSIS, and CDC shared insight's on the state of food safety at the 2025 Food Safety Summit in Rosemont, Il. This is an AI generated episode. Read the full featured art...

How can a company navigate growth when constricted by tight quarters? Market Garden Brewery's nearly all-new packaging line has a rotary filler/rotary seamer at its heart. The line handles 100 cans per minute, allowing the company to future-proof by building more capacity than currently needed. This is an AI generated episode. Read the full featured article on Packaging World .

What can healthcare companies gain from innovative tracking solutions?  Jeff Lander, director of Global Logistics Engineering at Moderna and Paul DellaVilla, director of Digital Solutions and Services at Cold Chain Technologies discuss how Moderna is eliminating the blind spots in the supply chain, such as shipment delays or weather impacts, by leveraging advanced thermal modeling.  Read the full...

What are some of the best strategies for retaining talent in a shifting industry? When companies fail to prioritize workforce stability they risk higher turnover rates, increased operational disruptions, and rising recruitment costs. This is an AI generated episode. Read the full featured article on ProFood World .

How can pet food brands continue to evolve their packaging to stand out on the shelves? Heckova!, DoggyLove, and Pure Balance showcase how premium design is being redefined to include sustainability, natural ingredients, and playful branding. This is an AI generated episode. Read the featured articles on Heckova! , DoggyLove , and Pure Balance on Packaging World .

How can tariffs serve as an opportunity for companies to re-evaluate and diversify suppliers? To avoid paying high tariffs, companies may implement strategies like inventory buffering, supplier diversification, and scenario planning to build resilience. This is an AI generated episode. Read the full featured article on Healthcare Packaging .

How does production for plant-based meat differ from animal-based meat? Rebellyous Foods' Mock 2 production line automates processes and enhances efficiencies that were absent when the company used traditional animal-based meat machinery. This is an AI generated episode. Read the full featured article on ProFood World .

How can sustainability and single-serve coffee intersect? Senior Editor Anne Marie Mohan sits down with Kevin Hartley, CEO of Cambio Roasters, to discuss how the company is introducing the world’s first aluminum coffee pod compatible with Keurig brewers. The K-Cups were developed through a multi-year project aimed at offering a scalable, recyclable alternative to plastic pods without compromising...

How are pharmaceutical companies implementing the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA)? Healthcare Packaging Editor-in-chief, Elizabeth Cuneo sits down with industry expert Aladin Alkhawam to discuss the intricacies and challenges of this regulatory landscape. Read the full featured article on Healthcare Packaging .

How can a company scale automation without a high initial cost? Land O’Frost is reaping the rewards of five palletizers without the typical upfront challenges thanks to the RaaS offering from Formic. The rental of automation equipment has also solved Land O’Frost's struggle with having a qualified maintenance staff.  This is an AI generated episode. Read the full featured article on ProFood W...

How can skincare and beauty packaging be more sustainable? Nwär Skin’s Seid skin care products are encapsulated in tiny, dissolvable strips packaged in a paperboard carton. While the product reduces overconsumption, the package ensures recycling. This is an AI generated episode. Read the full featured article on Packaging World .

How can packaging simplify medication adherence? When enrolled in Amazon's PillPack, customers receive monthly shipments of daily tear-away packets that are personalized and labeled with each medication (and its dosage). This is an AI generated article. Read the full featured article on  Healthcare Packaging .

How can organizational design principles boost the bottom line?  Processors that incorporate all staff levels into decision making can create an environment where long-term greatness is achieved. This is an AI generated episode. Read the full featured article on ProFood World.

As AI continues to grow in its capabilities and prevalence, is it time for packaging and processing equipment to come with a ChatGPT-style interface? AI chat copilots may be able to assist in alleviating some of the workforce challenges CPGs are experiencing. This is an AI generated episode. Read the full featured article on Packaging World.

What role does packaging play in ensuring consumers receive accurate results from at-home test kits? With at-home testing becoming normalized after the pandemic, manufacturers should break down the entire process—from receiving the kit to obtaining the results—and consider how packaging can simplify the process. This is an AI generated episode. Read the full featured article on Healthcare Packagin...

How can companies better communicate with employees and help them understand the company beyond their day-to-day operational activities? The OpX Workforce Engagement document describes how the best CPG companies communicate a compelling vision, a well-thought-out strategic plan, a robust business plan, and the corresponding key performance indicators (KPIs) to  ensure success. This is an AI genera...

What does ZoRoCo Packaging have to offer Partake as a contract manufacturer? Ten delta-style robots that use unique, easily changed end-of-arm tooling to stack cookies into slugs and then place slugs into plastic trays at 700 cookies/min with a 99% performance guarantee. This is an AI generated episode. Read the full featured article on Packaging World .

Why is there an increased prominence of the auto injector pen? Serkan Oray from UCB provides insight to the prevalence of the medical device and discusses the patient centric design of UCB's  BIMZELX 160MG 2. This is an AI generated episode. Read the full featured article on Healthcare Packaging .

Why is West Coast headquartered Tillamook bringing an ice cream plant to Decatur, Illinois? Associate editor, Casey Flanagan shares insights from attending the plant's opening day with Editor-in-chief Derrick Teal. They discuss motives for the expansion and what Tillamook hopes to bring to the Decatur community. Read the full featured article on ProFood World .

How are CPGs adapting to consumer pushes for sustainable packaging? Packaging World editors Matt Reynolds and Anne Marie Mohan discuss how CPGs are exploring alternative materials like paper and bio-based plastics. However, despite ambitious commitments, adoption remains slow due to high costs, material complexity, and logistical challenges. Download the full Annual Outlook Report on Packaging Wor...