Through the Line: Packaging and Processing

What does it actually take to build a world-class food manufacturing facility from the ground up? Editor-in-Chief Derrick Teal sits down with Matt Pulskamp, Vice President of Operations at Custom Flavors, and David Sawicki, Vice President of A M King to continue the discussion of the company’s East Coast expansion in Concord, N.C.  The group unpacks how a lean manufacturing mindset, phased build-o...

Why are brands commitments to contract manufacturing and packaging deepening in 2026? Editors Joe Derr and Matt Reynolds sit down to discuss the waves of success contract manufacturers and packagers are experiencing in 2026.  Brands are showing increased confidence in external manufacturing partnerships and clearer strategic priorities, according to the 2026 Annual Outlook Report. Read the full an...

What trends and insights have PMMI Media Group editors seen in the past week? Editors Liz Cuneo, Matt Reynolds, Sean Riley, and Derrick Teal sit down to discuss what’s come across their desks this week. They cover Amazon's flywheel of growth, healthcare recalls, and Mike Rowe's insights into worker retention. Watch the full featured video on Healthcare Packaging .

What does it take to turn an existing facility into a future-ready food and beverage plant? Editor-in-Chief Derrick Teal sits down with Matt Pulskamp, Vice President of Operations at Custom Flavors, and David Sawicki, Vice President of A M King to discuss the company’s East Coast expansion in Concord, N.C.  The group talks through how early collaboration, design-build planning, and a flexible faci...

What happens when AI, sustainability mandates, and packaging innovation all collide at the world's biggest trade show? Editors Matt Reynolds, Derrick Teal, and Casey Flanagan report live from day three of interpack. They discuss how sustainability isn't optional, it's engineered in. From AI-powered artwork compliance tools to active packaging, the innovations on the show floor are s...

What does low-GWP propellants mean for inhaler design, manufacturing, and packaging? As sustainability pressures intensify across healthcare, one often-overlooked component is taking center stage: the propellant inside metered dose inhalers (MDIs). While invisible to patients, these propellants account for up to 95% of an inhaler’s formulation—and a significant share of its environmental footprint...

Is AI in packaging finally past the hype—and what does it look like when it actually works? Editors Matt Reynolds, Derrick Teal, and Casey Flanagan share one crucial takeaways from interpack: AI has quietly crossed a threshold.  It's a deeply embedded capability inside inspection systems, x-ray platforms, and automation lines doing real, measurable work. 

What does the future of packaging look like at Interpack? Editors Matt Reynolds, Derrick Teal, and Casey Flanagan share first impressions from the show floor at Interpack 2026.  From the rapid industry-wide shift toward 2D barcodes and QR codes, to the surge in AI-enabled and operator-friendly machinery. The conversation digs into the growing prominence of fiber-based and paper packaging replacing...

How is the GLP-1 craze impacting the healthcare, food, and packaging industries? PMMI Media Group editors Liz Cuneo, Derrick Teal, and Matt Reynolds sit down to discuss how GLP-1s are showing up on their desks. They cover topics ranging from cold chain to smaller pack sizes. Watch the full featured video on Healthcare Packaging .

How can food processors lower their utility costs? Many utilities can be optimized from the plant floor through simple actions, procedural changes, and improved visibility. Listen to this episode to hear strategies for reducing compressed air, water, and energy use, often without spending a dime on new equipment. This is an AI-generated episode. Read the full featured article on ProFood World .

How are CPGS pushing digitization strategies in 2026? Editors Sean Riley and Matt Reynolds sit down to discuss how brands and CPG s are building digital foundations through data, connectivity, and traceability. Speed and uptime drive adoption, while cost and integration remain key hurdles. AI and smart packaging are emerging next steps. Read the full annual outlook report on Packaging World .

What are some of the current trends for end users and manufactures in the pharmaceutical industry? Editors Liz Cuneo and Bri Guntz sit down with Rebecca Marquez, Director of Custom Research at PMMI. They discuss the Business Intelligence Team's latest report covering increasing connectivity, e-commerce, and regulatory challenges.

What did a nutraceutical company do to keep up with increasing demand for its health and wellness supplements?  A&Z Pharmaceutical replaced traditional V-cone blending on the new line with rotary batch mixing—cutting blending times by more than 90% while maintaining strict uniformity and GMP requirements. This is an AI-generated episode. Read the full featured article on ProFood World .

How does r. World prove that reuse at scale works? Senior Editor, Anne Marie Mohan, sits down with Michael Martin, founder and CEO of r. World. They discuss how durable, reusable serveware, local wash hubs, and a data-driven system enable r. World to provide closed-loop environments with an eco-friendly and operationally efficient reusable foodservice packaging program. Read the full featured arti...

What does a risk-based path forward for healthcare packaging look like? This podcast episode shares insights from the SPMC (Sterilization Packaging Manufacturers Council) on a risk-based sustainability assessment model grounded in regulatory compliance and patient safety. This is an AI-generated epiosde. Read the full featured article on Healthcare Packaging .

Is water recycling in food and dairy plants viable? Options for dairy and food plants include water reuse solutions through reverse osmosis and membrane bioreactors or monitoring offtake to water/wastewater facilities. Sustainability programs may have driven the first wave of these projects, but food producers are now leaning on data analytics tools to get more approvals. This is an AI-generated e...

How are CPGS shifting recruitment strategies and training investments in 2026? Editors Sean Riley and Casey Flanagan sit down to discus why hiring remains difficult, with most CPGs noting hiring challenges across skill levels. They talk about how these CPGs are changing their approach, shifting toward network-based recruitment options, investing more in leadership training, and relying on temporar...

What is causing the rapid expansion of the U.S. IV bag market? The U.S. IV bags market is projected to double in value by 2033 due to a rise in chronic diseases and the popularity of wellness hydration spas. This growth is accompanied by a critical industry shift toward non-PVC materials as healthcare providers seek to eliminate risks associated with Phthalates and microplastics. Despite optimisti...

What does real world applications of AI in food and beverage applications look like? To better understand the current role, limitations, and outlook of AI in food inspection, ProFood World reached out to inspection system suppliers Eagle Product Inspection, METTLER TOLEDO, and ProSpection Solutions. This is an AI-generated episode. Read the full featured article on ProFood World .

What is really driving the gap between available recycled resin supply and actual market demand? Senior Editor Anne Marie Mohan sits down with Andrea Bassetti, Americas Team Lead - Plastics Recycling at ICIS at the 2026 Plastics Recycling Conference. They discuss the complexities of recycled resin supply and demand, and how legislation like EPR could stabilize future demand for post-consumer recyc...

Will integrated packaging data be enough to overcome drug traceability vulnerabilities?  This episode explore the technological landscape of the pharmaceutical supply chain following the full implementation of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). This is an AI-generated episode. Read the full featured article on Healthcare Packaging .

What are the biggest FDA compliance challenges facing food and beverage manufacturers today? Editor-in-Chief Derrick Teal sits down with David Lennarz, President of Registrar Corp, to discuss why understanding evolving regulations is critical. Ensuring proper supplier verification programs is essential. Even staying ahead of potential changes to ingredient approvals and food safety rules can signi...

How are CPGS approaching automation in 2026? Editors Sean Riley and Casey Flanagan sit down to discuss why companies are turning to automation to solve labor constraints and throughput demands while simultaneously grappling with higher costs and internal alignment challenges. Read the full annual outlook report on Packaging World .

Packaging World Editors Anne Marie Mohan and Matt Reynolds discuss the upcoming Packaging Recycling Summit. They talk about brands currently doing the work: from navigating EPR, what to expect with film recyclability, and PCR mandates.  Exclusive Podcast Listener Discount: $100 Off Click here for an exclusive $100 off Packaging Recycling Summit registra tion. Bringing your team? Save even more: 2-...

What’s in store for pharmaceutical manufacturers in 2026 and beyond? Editors Liz Cuneo and Joseph Derr sit down to discuss key findings from the Healthcare Annual Outlook Report. They  provide insight into how packaging innovations, regulatory pressures, and market dynamics are shaping the future of healthcare delivery. Download the 2026 Annual Outlook Report on Packaging World .