Beyond Packaging with Laura Foti & Matthew Wright

Building a business case for new technology is difficult — even if the need is strong. In this episode, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Specright's own Value Engineer, Lisa Husken, to break down exactly how packaging and CPG professionals can turn operational pain points into a compelling case for change. Lisa unpacks the forces driving conversations right now — expanding EPR reg...

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, Laura Foti and Matthew Wright welcome Maureen Dollard, Artwork Project Lead at Complete Acuity, the only firm in North America dedicated exclusively to managing packaging transitions for CPG companies. Maureen breaks down what a packaging transition really involves, what most commonly goes wrong — from incorrect die lines to allergen triggers to runout schedule...

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Greg Batt, Director of Clemson University's Packaging Science Program, to explore how the next generation of packaging professionals are reshaping the industry. Greg shares how his students are already using AI tools like ChatGPT to accelerate design and prototyping — turning what used to be napkin sketches into polis...

Live from Spec Summit 2026, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Cory Connors, host of the Sustainable Packaging Podcast and Sustainable Packaging Sales and Marketing leader at Atlantic Packaging. Cory discusses the industry’s shift from sustainability ambition to urgent execution, as evolving regulations like EPR and PPWR force companies to rethink how they manage packaging data and...

On this episode of Beyond Packaging, discover how NicePak’s Jonathan Rabedeau is simplifying complexity by embracing data-driven design, considering new innovative solutions, and a shift toward minimalistic, sustainable packaging. In this episode, he shares insights from over a decade at NicePak, the company behind many of the store-brand wipes consumers use every day. From navigating evolving sus...

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright are joined by Victoria Chatman-Galloway, a global packaging leader whose work spans markets, products, and consumer needs around the world. Victoria shares the story of how she has built influence in large, complex organizations and championed packaging as a strategic business driver. The discussion dives into sustainabili...

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright dive into the wine and spirits industry to explore how brands are embracing sustainability and reshaping their packaging strategies. From eco-friendly bottles and lightweight materials to bold design changes that communicate brand values, this conversation highlights the innovative ways companies are reducing their environ...

In this episode of Beyond Packaging , co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Kaushik Boruah of LatentView Analytics to explore how data and AI are transforming the packaging world. Kaushik shares his knowledge on the power of analytics to uncover consumer insights, drive smarter innovation, and help brands stay ahead in a rapidly changing market. From the role of AI in product develo...

In this episode of Beyond Packaging , hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright speak with Amanda Sparks, VP of Revenue at Micronetbd. Amanda shares insights on how specification management helps companies be strategic and make positive changes in their supply chains, all by using data. Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright , the leader in Specification Management. Feel free to connect with Laura F...

In this episode, co-hosts Matthew Wright and Laura Foti dive into how packaging is transforming the food and beverage industry. They discuss three stories, from nostalgic mac and cheese makeovers to punk rock energy drinks and snack downsizing. Tune in to hear how design, consumer trends, and brand strategy all impact shelf performance, and what it means for the future of the food and beverage ind...

In this episode of Beyond Packaging , co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Matt Daum, Dean and Associate Provost for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University (MSU), and former Director of MSU’s School of Packaging. With over 25 years of industry experience, Matt shares key lessons from his career, including the importance of cross-functional col...

In this episode of Beyond Packaging , co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright unpack two topics impacting the packaging world today: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and evolving product labeling requirements. From navigating regulatory shifts to the role of data in staying compliant and competitive, they explore how companies can adapt and thrive in a fast-changing landscape. Learn how to st...

In this episode of Beyond Packaging , Laura Foti is joined by Specright’s Danielle Goad for a discussion around sustainability, expanding to diverse markets, and the next generation. Danielle shares about her journey with Specright including work around sustainability, investing in the Academia program, and leading the expansion of a Specright presence in Europe. Additionally, the duo touch on the...

In this episode of Beyond Packaging , co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright dive into the critical topic of tariffs and their growing impact on global supply chains, the decisions major brands are making around sustainable packaging, and a conversation on brand identity. Fresh off a panel at the MD&M event in New York, Matthew shares real-world challenges companies face—from deciding whether...

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Cory Connors—Sustainable Packaging podcast host and sustainable packaging consultant—to explore the intersection of sustainability, packaging, and data. Cory shares insights into the urgency of sustainability especially around Extended Producer Responsibility, how businesses can take meaningful steps toward sust...

In the latest episode of Beyond Packaging, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright engage with Matt Reynolds, Editor-in-Chief of Packaging World, to explore innovative packaging solutions and sustainability trends. They discuss Target's paper wine bottles, legislative advances in extended producer responsibility, and the critical role of digital transformation in the packaging industry. The conversati...

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, Laura Foti and Matthew Wright chat with Ryan Fox of Bloomberg intelligence about tariffs, the price of corrugated packaging, the future of the box industry and more. Plus, they'll go "Off the Shelf" with Matt Dingee at Michigan State University's New Product Works Collection to look back in time at tooth powder! You can connect with Ryan Fox on LinkedIn . Beyon...

In the inaugural episode of Beyond Packaging, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright aim to explore the evolving landscape of packaging and specification management. The episode kicks off with a nostalgic reflection on Matthew’s early days in the packaging industry in New York. The discussion then transitions to contemporary issues, emphasizing the continued reliance on outdated methods—such as Excel...

Hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright introduce their new biweekly podcast, Beyond Packaging , an evolution of Beyond the Shelf . The show will explore the intersection of packaging, innovation, technology, and sustainability. It will also feature a recurring segment with packaging consultant Matt Dingee, examining historical packaging from Michigan State University’s New Product Works Collection. W...

In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Matthew Wright, Founder & Executive Chairman of Specright about the evolution and complexities of the packaging industry. They discuss how Specright revolutionized Specification Management, empowering brands to control product and packaging data seamlessly. Wright shares his accidental entry into pa...

In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti is joined by Cory Connors and Brodie Vander Dussen, hosts of the Sustainable Packaging Podcast live from the Specification Management Summit, presented by Specright. The group discusses the significance of Spec Summit in showcasing Specright’s innovations and its impact on Specification Management. The conversatio...

In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Shelia Millar, of Keller and Heckman LLC. Sheila leads Keller and Heckman’s consumer protection regulatory practices and brings deep experience to a range of public policy and regulatory matters, including advertising and promotions, sustainability and environmental claims, connected products, privacy,...

In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Kitty Dowgert, Senior Manager of Specification Program at Taylor Farms, about making data-driven decisions for product development and more sustainable packaging. To connect with Kitty on LinkedIn, click here . To learn more about Taylor Farms, click here . Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, th...

In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Paul Nowak, Executive Director of GreenBlue, about the organization's efforts in advancing sustainable practices through education and collaboration. Paul shares insights on GreenBlue's mission to accelerate a just and sustainable materials economy, highlighting their key programs like Sustainable Packa...

In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Dan Felton, Executive Director of AMERIPEN. In this episode, they discuss AMERIPEN's role in policy and advocacy for the packaging industry, emphasizing material inclusiveness. Felton highlights several regulatory challenges facing packaging today, particularly extended producer responsibility (EPR), wh...