Packology represents the exciting fusion of packaging and technology. Our podcast delves deep into how advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence, automation, and smart packaging, are revolutionizing the way packaging is designed, sourced, procured, and recycled.
We started as the Packaging Brothers Podcast, driven by our love for the packaging industry. Over time, we realized the growing impact of technology on packaging. This evolution inspired us to rebrand and broaden our focus, leading to the birth of the Packology Podcast.
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Exploring Sustainable Packaging Materials with Tim Notter
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 • Duration 30:45
Exploring Sustainable Packaging Materials with Tim Notter
In this episode of The Packology Podcast, host Brandon Frank sits down with Tim Notter, VP of Materials and Business Development at Innovative Plastics, to explore the future of sustainable packaging materials. Tim brings decades of industry experience to the conversation, diving deep into cutting-edge materials like eco-shell, inno-pulp, poly-earth-lean, PHA, and PLA that are reshaping the packaging landscape.
From bio-based calcium carbonate derived from eggshells to compostable resins and landfill-degradable polyethylene, Tim explains how these innovative materials are solving real-world packaging challenges. He also reveals the honest truth about cost barriers, the impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, and what it will take for these materials to achieve mainstream adoption in the next 5-10 years.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why eco-shell (eggshell-derived bio calcium carbonate) can reduce plastic usage by 30-50% while maintaining recyclability
How inno-pulp, a wood pulp and PLA blend, offers BPI-certified compostable packaging solutions
The differences between PHA and PLA bioplastics and their respective market readiness
Why cost remains the #1 barrier to adoption—with sustainable materials running 3-4x more expensive than conventional options
How EPR legislation in five states (California, Oregon, Minnesota, Maryland, and Maine) could change the economics of sustainable packaging
The surprising benefits of adding calcium carbonate to packaging: heat deflection, UV protection, and improved stiffness
Poly-earth-lean's unique position as a recyclable, bio-based, landfill-degradable polyethylene
Tim's roadmap for brands wanting to transition to sustainable packaging solutions
Why PLA has a stronger near-term future than PHA due to existing infrastructure and production capacity
Tim Notter is the VP of Materials and Business Development for Innovative Plastics, a custom thermoformer with locations in New York, Nashville, and Phoenix. With decades of experience in the packaging industry, Tim specializes in sourcing and commercializing new sustainable materials, educating customers on recyclable and compostable options, and helping brands navigate the evolving landscape of EPR legislation and sustainable packaging requirements.
Beauty Meets Tech: Smart Packaging with Connie Nguyen
Thursday, November 20, 2025 • Duration 37:19
In this episode of The Pathology Podcast, host Brandon Frank sits down with Connie Nguyen, Head of Retail Beauty at Maxim, to uncover how cutting-edge technologies like RFID, NFC, and QR codes are transforming the beauty industry. Connie draws on her decades of experience across apparel, footwear, and now beauty to explain how these “digital triggers” enhance supply chain visibility, product authentication, sustainability, and consumer engagement. She also reveals why the beauty sector is still years behind other industries, what brands must do to future-proof packaging, and how smart technology can drive loyalty, transparency, and circularity in retail.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
Why the beauty industry lags 5–10 years behind in digital technology adoption.
How RFID enables real-time visibility across the supply chain.
Why NFC offers stronger product authentication and consumer engagement.
How QR and smart packaging can power recycling education and sustainability goals The cost realities of implementing RFID, NFC, and QR and when brands should invest.
How these digital tools create new data, revenue streams, and brand storytelling opportunities.
How connected packaging can close the loop between manufacturing, retail, and end-of-life recycling.
Connie Nguyen is a seasoned Strategic Business Development professional with over a decade of experience driving growth and unlocking new market opportunities. She specializes in identifying trends, building strategic partnerships, and developing innovative, results-driven strategies. With a B.S. in Managerial Economics from UC Davis and certification in Challenger Fundamentals, Connie combines analytical thinking with collaborative leadership to lead global teams and deliver sustainable business success.
AI in PPC and Business Applications | The Packology Series with Ben Gold
Monday, December 23, 2024 • Duration 14:33
In this episode, Brandon Frank and Ben Gold discuss how AI is transforming business processes and creating opportunities for small businesses to gain a competitive edge. From improving sales and marketing strategies to streamlining operations, the duo highlights practical applications of AI tools like Humantic for sales profiling, content creation, and CRM optimization. They also share success stories that showcase how AI adoption has enhanced efficiency and quality at PPC Packaging.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
AI-Driven Business Transformation:
How PPC Packaging is integrating AI tools across departments, from marketing to engineering.
Leveraging AI to improve lead acquisition, sales calls, and project management.
Enhancing Sales and Marketing with AI:
Using tools like Humantic to personalize sales pitches and close deals faster.
Creating automated workflows to handle repetitive tasks and free up time for meaningful client interactions.
Success Stories and Practical Insights:
Brandon shares how AI helped secure a major client by tailoring a sales strategy using Humantic insights.
The long-term vision of making PPC an AI-native company with automated and interactive processes.
About Ben Gold:
Ben Gold is an AI strategist and consultant with over 20 years of experience in technology and sales. He specializes in helping organizations adopt AI to improve efficiency, quality, and client engagement. Ben is passionate about making AI accessible and practical for businesses of all sizes.
Election Impact on AI and Global Politics | The Packology Series with Ben Gold
Friday, December 20, 2024 • Duration 16:13
In this episode, Brandon Frank and Ben Gold delve into the intersections of AI, geopolitics, and international business. They explore the implications of AI's rapid development within a shifting political landscape, including an AI arms race between the United States and China, regulatory challenges in Europe, and what a Trump presidency might mean for AI innovation and safety. This conversation provides a global perspective on how AI is shaping national security, military strategy, and even cross-border business relations.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
AI and International Geopolitics:
Insights into how the U.S. and China are investing in AI for military and economic dominance.
Predictions for AI's role in national security, including the creation of country-specific AI models.
Regulatory Challenges and Innovation:
How European Union regulations are slowing AI adoption compared to the U.S. and UK.
The balance between fostering innovation and ensuring AI safety on a global scale.
The Future of AI Under a Trump Presidency:
Speculation on the dismantling of AI safety initiatives in favor of rapid development.
Discussion on the risks and ethical concerns surrounding unregulated AI advancements.
About Ben Gold:
Ben Gold is an AI strategist and consultant with over 20 years of experience in technology and sales. He helps organizations navigate AI adoption by bridging technical concepts with actionable business strategies. Ben's expertise includes AI strategy development, ethical AI deployment, and workflow optimization.
From Sales Enablement to AI in Education: Big Ideas and Practical Tools | The Packology Series with Ben Gold
Friday, November 15, 2024 • Duration 19:50
In this episode, Brandon Frank and Ben Gold take a deep dive into how AI continues to shape PPC Packaging’s workflows and beyond. They discuss tools like Apollo and SIG Parser for sales enablement and CRM insights, explore AI’s potential in packaging design, and even touch on personal projects like AI’s role in education and family safety. Whether it’s streamlining lead generation or rethinking the future of work, this episode has something for everyone curious about leveraging AI effectively.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
Streamlining Sales with AI:
Ben and Brandon discuss how tools like Apollo and SIG Parser are improving PPC’s lead generation and CRM management, saving time while maintaining personalization.
Exploring automation tools like Make and Zapier to enhance efficiency.
Packaging Design and Ideation:
Brainstorming how AI tools like DALL-E 3 and MidJourney can help with packaging design by generating visual concepts based on specific requirements.
AI in Education and Family Safety:
Ben shares plans for his upcoming AI family safety workshop, aimed at helping parents and kids prepare for the future of work and education.
Ben Gold is an AI strategist and consultant with over 20 years of experience in the technology sales sector. He helps organizations navigate the complex landscape of AI adoption and implementation, bridging the gap between technical concepts and business objectives. Ben's specializations include AI strategy development, change management, talent acquisition, ethical AI deployment, and AI-driven workflow optimization. Passionate about making AI accessible, Ben focuses on providing actionable steps and working hands-on with clients to implement and optimize AI strategies. He is the first video game world champion and a thought leader in the technology industry.
Getting Creative with AI: Visuals, Content, and Personal Branding | The Packology Series with Ben Gold
Saturday, November 9, 2024 • Duration 18:51
In Episode 6, Brandon Frank and Ben Gold discuss new ways AI can help businesses create engaging content, from transforming ideas into images and videos to customizing presentations for specific audiences. They explore popular AI tools for visual and video content creation, including Midjourney, DALL-E 3, HeyGen, and Eleven Labs. Brandon also shares recent updates from PPC Packaging, highlighting how the team is diving deeper into Claude for automating tasks like quality control and call analysis. The episode wraps up with a discussion on using avatars for video content and the question of balancing human presence with AI-driven presentations.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
Current AI Tools for Visuals and Video:
Ben shares popular AI tools like DALL-E 3 and Midjourney for creating images and HeyGen and Eleven Labs for video and voice cloning, making it easy for businesses to produce multimedia content.
Going Deeper with Claude at PPC:
The PPC team is using Claude to assist with quality control processes, call analysis, and custom SOPs, bringing new efficiencies to their workflows.
Personalized Content Creation:
Brandon and Ben brainstorm how AI can streamline content creation by generating multiple posts from one case study and even automating voice and video content.
AI for Branding and Avatars:
With AI’s ability to create lifelike avatars, Brandon considers whether to create a consistent avatar for PPC’s branding or stick with live presentations.
Ben Gold is an AI strategist and consultant with over 20 years of experience in the technology sales sector. He helps organizations navigate the complex landscape of AI adoption and implementation, bridging the gap between technical concepts and business objectives. Ben's specializations include AI strategy development, change management, talent acquisition, ethical AI deployment, and AI-driven workflow optimization. Passionate about making AI accessible, Ben focuses on providing actionable steps and working hands-on with clients to implement and optimize AI strategies. He is the first video game world champion and a thought leader in the technology industry.
Catching the AI Wave: Practical Wins and Future Plans | The Packology Series with Ben Gold
Friday, November 1, 2024 • Duration 23:35
In this episode, Brandon Frank and Ben Gold share insights from their visit to the Los Angeles Business Show, where AI dominated the conversation across industries. They dive into how PPC Packaging is turning AI concepts into practical wins, like automating email drafts and personalizing LinkedIn outreach. Ben and Brandon also discuss ways to optimize Brandon’s upcoming trip to China with AI and outline the roadmap for PPC’s next steps in their AI journey.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
AI at the Business Show:
AI is everywhere, with companies from all sectors exploring how it can drive efficiency and impact. Brandon and Ben discuss how PPC Packaging’s AI adoption puts them just ahead of the curve.
AI in Action at PPC:
PPC team members are finding creative ways to use AI, from LinkedIn outreach to email drafting, which saves time and improves communication.
Future AI Plans for PPC:
With a new roadmap in place, Ben and Brandon outline PPC’s next goals for AI, including expanded automation and smarter lead generation.
Ben Gold is an AI strategist and consultant with over 20 years of experience in the technology sales sector. He helps organizations navigate the complex landscape of AI adoption and implementation, bridging the gap between technical concepts and business objectives. Ben's specializations include AI strategy development, change management, talent acquisition, ethical AI deployment, and AI-driven workflow optimization. Passionate about making AI accessible, Ben focuses on providing actionable steps and working hands-on with clients to implement and optimize AI strategies. He is the first video game world champion and a thought leader in the technology industry.
Leveraging AI for Practical Wins in Business Efficiency | PPC AI Series with Ben Gold
Saturday, October 26, 2024 • Duration 16:36
Welcome back to The Packology Series! In this episode, host Brandon Frank is joined once again by AI expert Ben Gold to explore how AI is creating real wins for PPC Packaging. They discuss practical, hands-on ways AI is transforming workflows, from automating customer emails to tailoring content that feels personal and on-brand. Ben also shares insights on the advantages of open-source AI models for secure data handling, plus the latest news on OpenAI's shift to a for-profit model. This episode is packed with ideas for making AI work smarter, not harder, in your business—so let’s dive in!
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
Real Wins with AI:
A PPC team member used the Claude tool to transform a recorded conversation into a detailed, customer-ready email, saving valuable time and effort.
Personalizing AI for Company Voice:
Brandon and Ben talk about training Claude to match PPC’s writing style, making AI-generated content feel more authentic.
AI in Data Security and Open-Source Models:
Ben shares insights on open-source models like Meta's LLaMA, highlighting how they enable secure, contained AI systems without data leaving the company’s environment.
Insights on OpenAI's New Direction:
They briefly touch on OpenAI’s recent transition to a for-profit model, including the controversy around this shift and its potential impacts on the AI industry.
Ben Gold is an AI strategist and consultant with over 20 years of experience in the technology sales sector. He helps organizations navigate the complex landscape of AI adoption and implementation, bridging the gap between technical concepts and business objectives. Ben's specializations include AI strategy development, change management, talent acquisition, ethical AI deployment, and AI-driven workflow optimization. Passionate about making AI accessible, Ben focuses on providing actionable steps and working hands-on with clients to implement and optimize AI strategies. He is the first video game world champion and a thought leader in the technology industry.
For more information and to explore other episodes, go to
Exploring AI Innovations in PPC Packaging | PPC AI Series with Ben Gold
Friday, October 18, 2024 • Duration 28:02
In this episode of the PPC AI Series with Ben Gold, Brandon Frank and Ben Gold discuss recent AI developments and their impact on PPC packaging. They explore exciting innovations from OpenAI and Google, focusing on how businesses can leverage these tools to improve efficiency and customer service. The episode also covers AI integration in sales processes, personalized communication strategies, and the use of tools like Claude and ChatGPT for better task management.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
AI Developments:
OpenAI's recent transition to a private company and leadership changes coincide with Google's new AI tools, such as Notebook LM, which are transforming business applications of AI in document management and other areas.
AI in PPC Packaging:
PPC Packaging is leveraging AI to streamline sales, marketing, and operations. Ben Gold and Brandon Frank discuss how tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Google Gemini enhance team efficiency and focus on high-impact tasks.
Smarter Communication with AI:
AI is transforming PPC's communication by personalizing outreach, preparing for meetings, and quickly qualifying leads. Tools like Humantic help understand prospects' personality profiles, enabling more tailored and effective interactions.
AI for Sales Coaching:
Ben and Brandon discuss using AI to review sales calls and provide real-time feedback, helping sales reps improve their approach. AI's role in sales coaching could enhance performance by pinpointing key areas for improvement in customer interactions and follow-ups.
Next Week’s Teaser:
Next week's episode will explore AI-driven video editing tools like Opus Clips and Descript, discussing how they enhance speed and efficiency in content creation.
Ben Gold is an AI strategist and consultant with over 20 years in technology sales. He helps organizations navigate AI adoption, bridging technical concepts and business goals. His specialties include AI strategy development, change management, talent acquisition, and ethical AI deployment. Passionate about making AI accessible, Ben provides actionable steps and works closely with clients to optimize their AI strategies. He is also the first video game world champion and a thought leader in the tech industry.
Insights from the MAICON Conference: AI Deployment in Organizations
Monday, October 14, 2024 • Duration 25:57
Welcome back to our ongoing Packology Series! In Episode 2, we join Ben Gold to explore the latest trends in AI, particularly in marketing and sales. Recently, Ben attended the MAICON conference in Cleveland, which focused on the practical deployment of AI in organizations. Let’s dive into what he learned and how it can impact our approach to PPC.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
Discussion on the importance of culture in AI deployment within organizations.
The role of C-level executives in fostering a culture that embraces new technologies.
Need for employee participation and appropriate training in AI processes.
Overview of operationalization meetings focused on building custom AI models.
Comparison of AI deployment strategies for small vs. large companies.
The significance of reasoning in AI to prevent hallucinations.
Example of using AI for drafting emails and the importance of personalization.
Debate on whether to standardize communication styles across the company or allow individual variations.
Insights into recent marketing projects, including packaging for notable brands.
Emphasis on the balance between automation and human involvement in the workplace.
Ben Gold is an AI strategist and consultant with over 20 years of experience in the technology sales sector. He helps organizations navigate the complex landscape of AI adoption and implementation, bridging the gap between technical concepts and business objectives. Ben's specializations include AI strategy development, change management, talent acquisition, ethical AI deployment, and AI-driven workflow optimization. Passionate about making AI accessible, Ben focuses on providing actionable steps and working hands-on with clients to implement and optimize AI strategies. He is the first video game world champion and a thought leader in the technology industry.
The views and opinions expressed on the “Packology” podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Packology, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2025.
The views and opinions expressed on the “Packology” podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Packology, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2024.
The views and opinions expressed on the “Packology” podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Packology, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2024.
The views and opinions expressed on the “Packology” podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Packology, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2024.
The views and opinions expressed on the “Packology” podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Packology, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2024.
The views and opinions expressed on the “Packology” podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Packology, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2024.
The views and opinions expressed on the “Packology” podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Packology, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2024.
The views and opinions expressed on the “Packology” podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Packology, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2024.
The views and opinions expressed on the “Packology” podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Packology, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2024.
