The Packaging Therapist

5 Pathways to Source Reduction: How to Turn Compliance Pressure into Better Packaging Decisions California's SB 54 regulations are changing how CPG companies think about packaging, source reduction, and EPR compliance. But where should packaging teams begin? Jessie Schwartz, President of Strategic Packaging Partners, is joined by Eric Abraham, EPR expert, to discuss practical approaches to so...

# SB 54, SB 343 & the Reality of "Recyclable" Packaging  California's packaging regulations are creating new challenges for CPG brands, especially when it comes to recyclability claims, EPR compliance, and packaging portfolio decisions. In this discussion, Strategic Packaging Partners' Jessie Schwartz is joined by Eric Abraham to break down what companies need to know about...

**📋 FREE GUIDE: Crush Rework Chaos** Bring your team together to eliminate unplanned rework with our step-by-step guide.  👉 **Download it now:** https://strategicpackagingpartners.com/crush-rework-chaos In this episode of The Packaging Therapist, we dig into rework—what it is, why it happens, and what you can do about it. From quality risks to cost impact to prevention strategies, we cover every...

This is a follow-up Q&A session from an IOPP (Institute of Packaging Professionals) webinar featuring Daniel Peretz, Kelly Williams, and moderator Jessie Schwartz.  The discussion addresses questions about sustainable packaging, focusing on bioplastics (particularly PLA), compostability challenges, recycling infrastructure, and the integration of recycled content.  Key themes include the pract...

Turn EPR Compliance Into Your Competitive Advantage | Data-Driven Packaging Strategy for Food & Beverage Is your packaging strategy ready for the EPR wave hitting the US? While most companies see Extended Producer Responsibility as just another compliance burden, smart R&D and packaging leaders are using EPR data requirements to drive real business value. In this conversation, sustainabili...

Are logistics and sustainability hurdles blocking your organization's progress?  In this episode, Jessie Schwartz sits down with Megan Dobratz from Native Sustainability to explore innovative solutions for overcoming these challenges. In this conversation, you'll learn: The role of organizations like Second Harvest in streamlining transportation and storage for perishable goods. How indu...

Struggling to navigate the complexities of private label food manufacturing? Tune in as host Jessie Schwartz and special guest Pamela Derus, Director of R&D at Heavenly Hunks, recap PLMA 2024 and unlock industry secrets that could save you time, money, and headaches. In this conversation, you'll learn: • How to identify and leverage co-packers to enhance your business's operational e...

Plastic pollution and finding sustainable alternatives have become urgent priorities in the packaging industry.  In this episode of The Packaging Therapist, Dave Craggan , Christopher Tom , and Chris Tyra from Futamura join Jessie Schwartz in a discussion that explores these issues and how cellulose-based films and other innovations in compostable solutions are transforming the market. In this con...

Are you overwhelmed by the complexities of brand design and sustainable packaging?  In this episode, Aaron Keller from Capsule joins Jessie Schwartz to talk about innovative solutions to packaging design challenges and the broader landscape of responsible packaging. In this conversation, you’ll learn: How Patagonia's Octagon box revolutionized sustainable packaging with enhanced recyclability...

Are your logistics costs soaring due to inefficient pallet patterns and cube specs? In this episode, Jessie Schwartz is joined by Trey Carson from TOPS Software , a company specializing in software solutions for optimizing pallet spaces. Trey shares valuable insights on maximizing pallet density, reducing shipping costs, and enhancing supply chain efficiency. In this conversation, you'll lear...

Struggling to keep up with the fast-paced advancements in automation and robotics?  In this episode, Jessie Schwartz chats with Saman Farid from Formic to uncover how automation can revolutionize manufacturing in the CPG industry. They discuss the risks, rewards, and the future of robotics in packaging, and reveal strategic insights to help you make informed decisions. In this conversation, you&ap...

In this conversation, Tara Foster and I discuss the challenges and strategies for scaling a business from the perspective of a chief operating officer. We cover topics such as supplier relationships, simplifying manufacturing, logistics, and leveraging web-based tools to support business operations. The conversation also delves into the importance of team utilization, culture building, and problem...

In this episode, we are joined by Zach Frantz, an innovative entrepreneur who has joined the Sales team at SpecRight. We delve into the topic of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the United States. We explore the significance of EPR, explaining its purpose and benefits, especially for packaging engineers. We discuss the financial implications, emphasizing that EPR fees are not taxes but pa...

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Hoederle, the General Manager of Mankato Packaging, to learn about the world of paperboard packaging. Tom guides us through the various types of paperboard, explaining their specific uses for products like cartons, folding boxes, toy packaging, and beverage packaging. He sheds light on the sustainable packaging solutions that can enhance your product's ap...

In this episode of the Packaging Therapist Podcast, we welcome Jennifer Barta, Fractional CEO at FINNOVATION Lab, who shares invaluable insights into the strategic aspects of packaging management. Jennifer delves into the crucial topic of why and how partnering with vendors is essential for successful outcomes. She provides a comprehensive look at the implementation process, emphasizing the import...

Welcome back to the Packaging Therapist Podcast! Today we engage in a profound discussion with Jennifer Barta, Fractional CEO at FINNOVATION Lab, as she unpacks the intricacies of packaging evolution. Jennifer walks us through the crucial phases of packaging transformation, starting with the insightful Discovery phase, where carton considerations and key factors take center stage. With in-depth an...

In this episode of the Packaging Therapist Podcast, we sit down with Kim Carswell, a Sustainable Packaging Leader and valued member of GreenBlue Navigate. Kim's expertise lies in the realm of sustainable packaging, where she actively guides companies in establishing goals and strategies to minimize the environmental impact of their packaging. As an advisor on the Navigate team at GreenBlue, K...

Today on The Packaging Therapist, Andrea Auchter, Manager of Applications Development at NatureWorks, takes us on a journey into sustainable packaging solutions.  Andrea discusses the diverse applications of this innovative material, from clear rigid thermoform containers to food serviceware, and even its use in cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing. In addition, Andrea provides valuable insi...

In this episode of the Packaging Therapist Podcast, we sit down with Deepak, Applications Development Engineer at NatureWorks, a global supplier of polylactic acid (PLA) resin for flexible packaging. Join us as we delve into the world of bio-based flexible packaging, exploring the distinctions between bio-based and conventional flexible materials. Deepak sheds light on the environmental and econom...

In this episode, we dive into the benefits and process for establishing How2Recycle icons on food & beverage packaging. I'm joined by Neema Pourian from Marks, an SGS & Co company. Neema is the Director of Engineering at Marks and his team has been involved with supporting design clients implement the How2Recycle program and he joins us to explain the details so you can decide if the...

Welcome to The Packaging Scholars Podcast! I'm your host, Jessica Schwartz. Joining us is a very special guest, Susan Thoman, the Managing Director at CMA (Compost Manufacturing Alliance). In this episode, we dive deep into the world of compostable packaging and explore the hope it brings for a sustainable future. Susan shares her expertise on the benefits, misconceptions, and innovations in...