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Explore every episode of the podcast The Packaging Therapist

Dive into the complete episode list for The Packaging Therapist. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–16 of 16

TitlePub. DateDuration
Native Sustainability: Turning Waste Into Revenue Streams, with Megan Dobratz18 Dec 202400:35:57

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 industrial composting advancements are revolutionizing waste management despite existing complexities.
  • The impact of technological progress on food recovery and overall sustainability efforts.
  • Strategies for improving communication within organizations to enhance sustainability initiatives.
  • The importance of starting with small, actionable steps to foster momentum in achieving your sustainability goals.

Tune in to gain insights and practical advice on navigating the intersection of logistics, sustainability, and packaging efficiency.

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com
Connect with Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-dobratz-leed-ap-58b0a85/
Check out Native Sustainability: https://www.nativesustainability.com/

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Recapping PLMA 2024: Insights and Trends in Private Label Food Manufacturing, with Pamela Derus04 Dec 202400:20:09

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 efficiency and capacity.
• The significance of better-for-you trends in private label food production and the growing demand for gluten-free and organic products.
• Inside tips on navigating the intricacies of contract manufacturing, from allergen considerations to production capacity challenges.
• The differences between European and American approaches to food manufacturing, and what unique opportunities each offers.
• Expert advice on the networking and strategic benefits of attending key industry shows like PLMA.

Join us for an enlightening discussion aimed at simplifying your journey in the world of food and beverage manufacturing.

Connect with Pamela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-derus-a378786a/
Check out Heavenly Hunks : https://heavenlyhunks.com/

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

How to think about your corrugated strategy to save money!15 Mar 202400:22:06

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 importance of collaboration with manufacturing facilities, logistics teams, and operators. Jennifer discusses the role of operators as a valuable resource for information and stresses the significance of following finished cases into distribution. Tune in as she highlights the importance of establishing baselines for tracking cases through the system and explores effective strategies for consolidating case sizes. Join us for a deep dive into the intricate world of packaging optimization with Jennifer Barta, offering practical guidance for businesses looking to enhance their packaging processes.

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com
Jennifer Barta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersbarta/
Finnovation Lab: https://www.finn-lab.com/

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Create a sustainability plan without being overwhelmed!18 Jan 202400:31:13

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, Kim is dedicated to fostering actionable improvements within packaging systems and serving as an authoritative voice on sustainability issues in the industry. Join us as we delve into the world of sustainable packaging with Kim Carswell, exploring the transformative power of strategic planning and the commitment to creating packaging that is both environmentally friendly and aligned with the goals of businesses.

If you have questions about how to start your plan, you can reach out to Kim at: Kim.carswell@greenblue.org

 https://greenblue.org/

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Learn about compostable PLA based films31 Dec 202300:19:41

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 economic advantages of biopolymers, emphasizing the benefits of PLA in particular. From its versatility to compostability and reduced carbon footprint, we unpack the unique qualities that make PLA an attractive choice in the packaging industry. Deepak also shares insights into the challenges associated with adopting bio-based packaging and discusses the latest innovations driving sustainability. Tune in for a glimpse into the future of sustainable packaging trends and a compelling conversation on reshaping the industry for a greener tomorrow.

To learn more about Natureworks, visit: https://www.natureworksllc.com/

Brought to you by Strategic Packaging Partners.
Find us at www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com or email us at: jessie@stratpackpartners.com

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Learn about compostable PLA for rigid containers31 Dec 202300:16:43

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 insights into the applications development process, focusing on how converter partners can effectively integrate InGeo into their equipment. The discussion extends to the future of industrial compost and the role of biopolymers in food serviceware applications. Andrea shares expertise on how businesses can enhance their environmental footprint by making the switch to biopolymers. Join us for a compelling conversation about the transformative potential of InGeo and the sustainable strides being made in the packaging industry.

For more information on Natureworks, visit: https://www.natureworksllc.com/

Brought to you by Strategic Packaging Partners.
Find us at www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com or email us at: jessie@stratpackpartners.com

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Should you add How to Recycle (H2R) packaging icons to your packaging?20 Nov 202300:14:44

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 program is right for your company.
Questions or comments?

To learn more, contact Neema at neema.pourian@makemarks.com or Jessie at 

Brought to you by Strategic Packaging Partners.
Find us at www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com or email us at: jessie@stratpackpartners.com


If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Compostable Packaging: Building a Sustainable Future with Susan Thoman08 Jun 202300:28:01

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 compostable packaging, as well as the importance of composting in waste management. Tune in as we unravel the possibilities and potential of composting, and discover how this eco-friendly approach to packaging can contribute to a greener, more sustainable world.
If you have questions for Susan, reach out to her at: Susan@composterapproved.com

Brought to you by Strategic Packaging Partners.
Find us at www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com or email us at: jessie@stratpackpartners.com

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Compostable Packaging Solutions: A Closer Look at Cellulose-Based Films, with Futamura20 Nov 202400:38:20

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 conversation, you'll learn:

  • How partnerships with suppliers have evolved the use of films over the past five years.
  • The shift from sourcing finished films to collaborating on laminated film structures.
  • The compostability and biodegradability standards of metallized films, and their environmental impacts.
  • The technological advancements in compostable films, particularly for food and beverage applications.
  • Current market trends and the economic and environmental balance for sustainable packaging solutions.

Learn more about Futamura: https://www.futamuragroup.com/en/

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Balancing Brand and Sustainability in Packaging Design, with Aaron Keller06 Nov 202400:36:30

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 and reduced material usage.
  • The significance of minimalistic packaging, like Patagonia’s "sushi roll" design, in both environmental and consumer appeal.
  • The role of design agencies in bridging brand storytelling and market opportunities, illustrated with examples like "Liquid Death" and "Smartwool."
  • The critical balance between distinctive design and cost-effectiveness for standout shelf presence.
  • Strategies for integrating eco-friendly practices in packaging while ensuring scalability for large brands.

Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronjkeller/

Visit Capsule’s website: https://capsule.us/


If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Maximizing Cost Efficiency: Pallet Strategies and Cube Specs, with Trey Carson23 Oct 202400:24:22

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 learn:

  • Why designing around the 40"x48" palette is crucial for cost-effective shipping.
  • Real-world examples of how slight packaging adjustments can lead to significant cost savings.
  • The importance of setting concrete maximum parameters for pallet utilization.
  • Best practices for calculating and improving pallet efficiency using TOPS Pro.
  • How to balance pallet stability with stacking strength for optimal performance.

Tune in to discover actionable strategies for mastering your pallet patterns and cutting down logistics expenses.

Connect with Trey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trey-carson/
TOPS Website: https://topseng.com/

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Risk-Free Robotics: Automating Your Packaging Line, with Saman Farid of Formic09 Oct 202400:25:17

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'll learn:

  • The key factors to consider when deciding if your facility is ready for automation.
  • How to strategically approach packaging standardization to facilitate smooth automation processes.
  • Why risk mitigation is crucial when investing in robotics and how Formic takes on that risk for you.
  • How integrating robots can improve employee satisfaction and operational efficiency in your facility.
  • The transformative potential of AI and machine learning in enhancing the capabilities of automated systems and future-proofing your manufacturing operations.

Tune in to understand the full scope of how robotics and intelligent systems can optimize your packaging line and boost your bottom line.

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

A COO's Guide to Business Growth with Tara Foster20 Aug 202400:32:10

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-solving in a growing business environment.

Scaling a business is no small feat—it requires a strategic mindset, careful planning, and the ability to adapt to new challenges. This episode offers a deep dive into the operational side of scaling, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone looking to take their company to the next level. Whether you’re just starting out or already on your growth journey, Tara's practical advice and real-world examples will equip you with the tools you need to succeed.

Tune in now to discover the operational strategies to help you scale your business confidently and clearly!

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Scaling a Business
01:21 Supplier Relationships and Partnership Building
13:13 Leveraging Web-Based Tools for Business Operations
26:24 Utilizing Line Operators' Expertise and Fostering a Growth Mindset



Tara Foster Bio:
Tara Foster spent the last 10 years as COO of the fast-growing brand Nutpods, a maker of dairy-free creamers and ready-to-drink coffee beverages. At Nutpods, Tara led the R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain from the initial commercial development stage to selling over 15,000 retail locations and becoming the #1 selling plant-based creamer brand on Amazon. Before Nutpods, Tara held sales and operational leadership positions in CPG companies, from start-ups to multi-billion dollar organizations, facilitating products from innovation concepts to successful commercial launches. Tara is focused on helping founders and CEOs scale and optimize their operations for success through the lens of a former CPG operator. 

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

EPR is Coming...Are You Ready?03 Jul 202400:23:28

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 payments to Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) that handle recycling and disposal costs. Zach provides valuable insights into EPR and PRO's. 


Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com
Zach Frantz- zach.frantz@specright.com
https://specright.com/

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

The Basics of Paperboard Packaging29 May 202400:30:39

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 appeal, discussing the benefits of coated paperboard and its applications. From the most economical choices to higher-cost, high-quality options, Tom provides valuable insights into selecting the right paperboard to meet your packaging needs.

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com
Tom Hoelderle - tom.hoelderle@mankatopackaging.com
https://mankatopackaging.com/

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Strategy for Saving Money on Cartons15 Mar 202400:16:47

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 analysis of the comprehensive framework, Jennifer outlines the four pivotal phases: Discovery, Feasibility, Development, and Implementation. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking a deeper understanding of the transformative journey in the world of paperboard carton packaging, guided by the expertise of Jennifer Barta.

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com
Jennifer Barta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersbarta/
Finnovation Lab: https://www.finn-lab.com/

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

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