Packaging Perspectives Podcast
Packaging Perspectives Podcast is an industry show from Packaging Strategies and the Packaging Group brand magazines. It provides news, innovations, and interviews with packaging professionals, hosted by editors of the Packaging Group. Each episode is designed to keep readers and listeners informed about trends and developments in packaging. The podcast serves as an audio companion to the magazines, featuring expert conversations and updates for the packaging industry.
Episodes
Packaging M&A: A Look at First-Half 2026 and Beyond
Hardly a week goes by without Packaging Strategies reporting on a merger or acquisition in the sector. However, when we want to put packaging M&A into perspective and get a bird’s-eye view and understand some of the subtle nuances, we often turn to John Hart, Managing Director of PMCF Investment Banking. He recently sat down with us to discuss packaging M&A so far in 2026.
Nutrition Focus Inspires WK Kellogg Co Cereal Packages
Cereal is a popular food in the United States, with 50 million boxes sold each week. Many consumers, however, are unaware of its nutritional benefits like fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. To highlight these advantages, WK Kellogg Co. has redesigned its packaging. We spoke with Doug VanDeVelde, Chief Growth Officer at WK Kellogg Co., about the new SPOONS on-pack nutrition framework.
Helping Brands Tackle the EPR Data Challenge
Sahar Mehrabzadeh and Sara Lowe of Bay Cities share how the company is helping retailers and brands achieve compliance with California’s SB 54 and other state-level Extended Producer Responsibility programs.
Combating Rising Plastic Costs with Pallet Solutions
North American resin costs have soared to historic highs, with no clear end in sight. Ric Lee of Atlantic Packaging suggests that the fix to the plastic price crisis starts on the pallet.
Packaging EPR’s 2026 Reality Check
Arithmetic is simple. Compliance is not. We recently sat down with Anna Kendall of Ernst & Young LLP to discuss the challenges of meeting both imminent and long-term EPR mandates, including a coordinated May 31 reporting deadline across six states.
Expanding Brands from Direct-to-Consumer into Retail
In this interview, Dan Gladden of Interact Brands shares a textbook case of successfully shepherding a direct-to-consumer brand onto retail shelves.
World Packaging Organisation’s Outlook for 2026
In this interview, WPO President Luciana Pellegrino shares some of the initiatives that the organization will be undertaking in 2026.
How Food Delivery Put Xampla’s Morro Through Its Paces
In this interview, Sam Walker, Head of Sales & Business Development for Xampla, explains how food delivery tested the mettle of its PFAS- and plastic-free Morro Coatings.
How Coatings Are Contributing to Sustainable Packaging
We recently spoke to Jim Garvey, Vice President of Coatings at INX International (left), and David Zamarin, CEO of DetraPel (right), to discuss how the latest coating technologies improve packaging functionality while simultaneously addressing sustainability.
Sponsored by INX International
Tapping AI for Reusable Container Management
Justin Newell of INFORM North America explains how major international firms are using AI to get reusable containers to where they are most needed in a cost-efficient manner.
Flexible Packaging for Produce: Challenges and Opportunities
Fresh off a successful collaboration with Walmart to get potato packaging with PCR content onto store shelves, Kevin Kelly of Emerald Packaging talks about the challenges of getting sustainable flexible packaging into the market.
Trends in the Two-Piece and Three-Piece Can Market
Sun Chemical’s David Randall discusses the latest trends in two—and three-piece can decorating and solutions that are shaping the future of the market while balancing technical performance, regulatory demands, and design.
Since 2001, David Randall has worked on special-effect technologies blended into different ink systems, including metal deco inks. One of his most well-known and recogn
Nitrocellulose: Balancing Performance and Sustainability in Packaging Inks and Coatings
There’s been a lot of buzz in the industry about nitrocellulose. An essential component in most solvent-based ink and coating formulations, this binder resin is recognized for offering ink manufacturers excellent formulation, printing, and application. But it also comes with a sustainability challenge. Packaging Strategies sat down with Dr. Nikola Juhasz, who holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Eng
Achieving Sustainability in Pet Food Packaging
In this interview, we talk to Matias Blanco of Tetra Pak about some of the advantages of the company’s Tetra Recart® when it comes to pet food packaging. (Image courtesy of Tetra Pak)
New Developments in Molded Fiber Packaging
Packaging Strategies recently sat down Eldon Schaffer, CEO of TekniPlex Consumer Products, to discuss the company’s role in the evolution of molded fiber packaging solutions. (Image courtesy of TekniPlex)
The Evolution of Molded Fiber Packaging
With bans on PFAS and polystyrene popping up across the packaging landscape, Bill Kuecker and Emily Parsons of Solenis explain how a new generation of molded fiber is responding to the call for sustainable packaging options that also offer high performance. (Images courtesy of Solenis)
Showcasing the Food Solutions & Exchange Conference 2025
BNP Media Group Publisher Doug Peckenpaugh sits down with Erik Brainard, President & CEO of Anritsu Infivus Inc and Vice President of the Food Production Solutions Association Board of Directors, as they discuss the upcoming Food Solutions Exchange & Conference 2025. The event will take place March 19-21 at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, AZ.
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Trends in Secondary and End-of-Line Packaging
As someone who heads the U.S. operations of Germany’s SOMIC, Peter Fox is intimately familiar with the different approaches that North America and Europe take to secondary and end-of-line packaging. In this interview, Fox shares those insights as well as what he sees as overarching trends in packaging. Image courtesy of SOMIC
Award-Winning Brand Redesign: Smirnoff Ice
Brett Parker recently sat down with Shang Wu, Client Director, and Nei Valente, Creative Director, for Design Bridge & Partners to discuss their redesign campaign for Smirnoff Ice, which earned them a 2024 Designalytics Effectiveness Award. Wu and Valente explain recent changes in the beverage and alcohol space that influenced the redesign, the positive consumer feedback they received
The Role of Data in Packaging Sustainability
Packaging Strategies recently sat down Gillian Garside-Wight, Director of Consulting at Aura, to discuss the role of data in packaging sustainability.
Showcasing Nefab’s Sustainability Packaging Design Competition
In this podcast, we highlight Nefab's second Sustainability Packaging Design Competition, held in collaboration with San José State University (SJSU). This year, SJSU’s Packaging Degree students were tasked with creating sustainable packaging solutions for Cloud Network Routers, vital to cloud networking. Derek Lam, Senior Designer at Nefab, and the winning team—Bea Nguyen, Yvonne Nguyen,
Trends in Inks and Coatings for Sustainable Paper Packaging
While paper packaging in many ways is more naturally eco-friendly than plastic packaging, Sun Chemical is busy developing inks and coatings solutions to ensure that true recyclability is achieved as the ‘paperization’ trend gains steam.
Sponsored by
Navigating the Complexities of Molded Fiber
In this interview, Palouse Fiber Packaging CEO Kyler Lovgren explains how molded fiber could help businesses remain compliant as a patchwork of state-level packaging regulations crop up.
Conveyor Belting Needs in the Face of Industry 5.0
In this interview, Niels van den Boogert and Bobby Bauman of AMMEGA discuss CPG firms’ evolving conveyor needs as warehouses and distribution centers become increasingly automated.
Quantitative Consumer Testing in the CPG Sector
Sean Bisceglia, CEO of Product Ventures, says the traditional focus group of 25 or 50 people is not sufficient when it comes to deciding whether to pour millions of dollars into launching a new product.
Rethinking Wine Packaging
In this interview, Marian Leitner-Waldman of Archer Roose explains the many advantages of canned packaging for wine.
The Versatility of BOPP in Beer Packaging
In this interview, Stout Collective’s Matt Tanaka explains the inspiration behind the BOPP Beer and Design Conference, now in its third year.
The Resurgence of RFID Technology
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology has been around for decades – so why is it making a resurgence now? To explore this, we recently sat down with Jay Parks, Senior Vice President, Operations, Packaging and Labels, at R.R. Donnelley.
Sustainable Solutions Designed to Enable Recycling
Sun Chemical’s Nikola Juhasz and Dennis Sweet explain how the company considers sustainability and circularity in all of its product development activities, including in its solutions for the narrow web, tag and label market.
Sponsored by Sun Chemical
Compostable Popcorn Packaging
Joseph Zeppilli, Co-Founder of Bad Monkey Popcorn, talks about the company’s journey toward creating viable compostable packaging for one of the world’s most popular snack foods.
Fresh-Lock’s Award-Winning Flexible Packaging for Laundry Detergent Pacs
Packaging Strategies recently sat down with Natalie Kaczorowski, Fresh-Lock® Business Development Manager, and Todd Meussling, Fresh-Lock® Senior Manager of Market Development, to discuss the company’s development of the award-winning Costco Kirkland Signature® Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent Pacs.
The Role of Inks, Coatings & Adhesives in Sustainable Packaging
In this interview, two experts at Sun Chemical discuss the evolution and commercial breakthroughs of inks, coatings and adhesives and how they are helping the flexible packaging sector achieve sustainability.
Sponsored by Sun Chemical
Live from Converters Expo: Strategies for Modern Process Efficiency
During Converters Expo, Doug Peckenpaugh, publisher of The Packaging Group, sat down with Michael Kundinger, engineered solutions manager at Kundinger, to learn more about modern approaches toward process efficiency—not just for packaging and other converting operations, but applied more broadly across all areas of processing and manufacturing today.
Sponsored by
Live from Converters Expo: Advancing Packaging Sustainability
During Converters Expo, Doug Peckenpaugh, publisher of The Packaging Group, spoke with Chris Marshall, area sales manager for BOBST North America, to gain insight into how converters are improving operational and materials sustainability through a variety of strategies.
Sponsored by
Overcoming Design Challenges for Flexible Food Packaging
Rob Clare, Applications Development Specialist at NOVA Chemicals, explains how the company is working with converters and brands to employ new recyclable resins in food packaging.
Plastic Commodity Pricing and Foil Replacement
Keith Smith, CEO of Vonco Products, recently had a conversation with Packaging Strategies to discuss plastic commodity pricing and foil replacement.
Meeting Coding Demands with Soft-Pigmented CIJ Inks
Sherry Washburn, Business Unit Manager at Videojet, recently sat down with Packaging Strategies to discuss how the company has made improvements not only to soft-pigmented Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ) inks but also to the printers that use them. The interview came on the heels of Videojet launching its 1580 C soft-pigmented contrast printer.
The Critical Role of End-of-Line Automation
In this interview, Ranpak’s Bryan Boatner explains the role that end-of-line automation plays in delivering sustainable packaging solutions while also lowering costs and improving supply chain performance.
Innovations in Flexible Packaging
In this interview, Keith Smith, CEO of Vonco Products, talks about how makers of medical packaging are borrowing a page or two from the consumer sector when it comes to developing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.
Sustainability in Spirits Packaging
In this interview, Balaji Jayaseelan of Berlin Packaging talks about the various approaches to sustainable spirits packaging, how marketing intelligence influences design thinking, which materials have been eradicated from the packaging process, and how spirits packaging might evolve in the coming years.
Decorating Solutions for Two-Piece Metal Packaging
David Randall of Sun Chemical explains how innovations are transforming inks for two-piece cans and resulting in an industry that is more efficient and eco-friendly.
The Role of Virtual Simulation in Sustainable Packaging
Ray Wodar of Dassault Systèmes explains how virtual simulation can be used to predict the performance of packaging components even before a single physical prototype has been built.
The Role of 3D Printing in Sustainable Packaging
Packaging Strategies recently sat down with HP’s Mariona Company to discuss the role of 3D printing in sustainable packaging. Company, who is Global Head of Sustainable Packaging and Global Head of Marketing, HP 3D Printing and Personalization, talked about 3D printing in the context of the molded fiber industry.
The Intricacies of Secondary Packaging
Packaging Strategies recently sat down with representatives of four companies in the Coesia Group to discuss secondary packaging solutions. In this podcast, we talk about secondary packaging solutions for the food industry, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and the personal care and beauty industry.
The State of Smart Manufacturing in CPG
In this episode with Lee Coffey of Rockwell Automation, we delve into the results of a recent survey conducted by Rockwell regarding smart manufacturing in CPG.This eighth annual study encompassed the responses of 216 CPG leaders across 13 of the leading manufacturing countries.
Achieving Sustainability in the Narrow Web, Tag & Label Market
Sustainability is driving innovation across the package printing markets, especially in the NWTL space where there’s a strong effort to reduce plastic waste, increase recycling, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance pressroom efficiency.
Sponsored by Sun Chemical
Coding & Marking for Cannabis Packaging
In this episode with Chirag Sheth, Global Business Unit Manager at Videojet, we discuss coding and marking options for cannabis packaging. We delve into some of the unique coding and marking needs of the cannabis industry, and Chirag touches on best practices for cannabis manufacturers when selecting coding equipment.
Sustainable Snack Food Packaging
In this episode with Sarah Webber, Sustainable Packaging Engineer at Plastic Ingenuity, we discuss ways to support sustainability in snack food packaging. Sarah points out that recyclability is just one component of a package’s sustainability profile. We also discuss how packaging design and packaging materials can contribute to sustainability in several ways, such as by reducing food was
The Paper Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
In this episode with Carl Kanner, vice president at Smith Corona, we discuss challenges facing the paper industry and what those challenges mean for packaging companies when it comes to choosing materials. We also discuss opportunities for the sector in the labeling and packaging space.
Ink & Labeling Sustainability
In this episode with Sherry Washburn, Business Unit Manager at Videojet, we discuss how a company’s choice of inks and printing technologies can play a big role in achieving sustainability goals. We also discuss ways for companies to ensure compliance with existing and new environmental regulations.
The Big Trend Toward Mono-Web Coatings
Mono-web coatings offer many benefits to enhance packaging and enable sustainability. Sun Chemical’s Rick Stokes joins us to discuss the latest developments of mono-web coatings for packaging.
Sponsored by Sun Chemical
Common Misconceptions about LED Curing
Many printers are exploring ways to improve efficiency and reduce energy costs by switching from mercury lamps to LED curing lamps, but making the switch can come with many questions and misconceptions about LED.
Sponsored by Sun Chemical
The Future of Sustainability
In this episode with David Murgio, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ranpak, we discuss the relationship between packaging efficiency and sustainability, as well as how to improve ESG metrics, especially during the paper-sourcing process.
Troubleshooting Ink Printing Issues
In this episode with Moe Rahmeh, Technical Customer Service Functional Excellence Director at Sun Chemical, we discuss frequent errors that occur on the printing press for different types of applications and ways to troubleshoot.
Sponsored by Sun Chemical
Is It Time for a Specialized Audit?
For this podcast, we’ve asked Randy Ossege, Parts & Audit Manager at R.A Jones and Marketing Communications Director Jason Stover to explain exact what a specialized audit involves, how to know if you need one and the latest technology used.
Global Pouch Forum Post Panel Discussion: Design for Recyclability
This episode of Packaging Perspectives is on location at Global Pouch Forum 2022. Here we continue the Design for Recyclability panel discussion on how collection methods are evolving and end market solutions for hard-to-recycle plastics with Lisa Burns, Sr. Vice President of Sustainability, Reynolds Consumer Products and Jennifer Ronk, Sr. Sustainability and Advocacy Manager, Dow.
Latest Developments with Coatings and Adhesives for Packaging
Coatings and adhesives play a critical role in packaging. It can enhance packaging, enable sustainability, engage the senses, increase functionality and create impact on the shelf. During today’s podcast, we’re going to speak with Rick Stokes, the vice president of the coatings group in North America at Sun Chemical, about the latest developments of coatings and adhesives for packaging.Sp
GoodBelly’s Convenient Packaging Connects with Consumers
At Global Pouch Forum 2022, Juan Gluth, CEO of GoodBelly by NextFoods, Inc., shares how the probiotic brand’s integration of flexible packaging to its product line increases consumer convenience and ultimately helps drive growth and product innovation for the brand.
Pack Expo East Preview
Packaging on the east coast primarily serves food & beverage, life sciences, HAB and industrial/household chemical markets. Since 2000, consumer buying habits have drastically changed resulting in sector-specific challenges. Jorge Izquierdo, Vice President of marketing for PMMI, shares insights on those issues that will be addressed at PMMI’s upcoming Pack Expo East.
PACK EXPO East t
Blister Packaging to Close the Loop
Amcor’s Ed Haedt sits down with us to discuss AmSky, blister packaging made from HDPE to improve recycling rates.
CPG Brands in the Digital World
In this episode, we follow up with branding expert Todd Maute, a partner at CBX. Under his leadership, CBX has developed dozens of comprehensive private brand portfolios across thousands of SKUs for top retailers, like Sam’s Club. Our conversation covers topics like the rise of private labels, consumer behavior trends, opportunities for CPG brands, technology’s critical role in manufactur
3D Blister Tool Prototyping for Cannabis Packaging
In this episode the topic is 3D printed blister tool prototyping and how it can be used to improve cannabis packaging. Benjamin Voelker, the general manager for the packaging machine division of Maruho Hatsujyo Innovations explains how 3D Printed Tool Prototyping produces sample blister cavities nearly identical to final production.
Solving ink problems on press and beyond- Part 3 of 3
Restrictions at the plant level have forced suppliers in the ink industry to be creative about they assist customers with technical issues. In this podcast, Sun Chemical’s Moe Rahmeh discusses how the company’s online troubleshooting guide has enabled users to troubleshoot issues – remotely.
Sponsored by Sun Chemical
The New Generation of Cold Chain Gel Packs
On this episode of Packaging Perspectives, we talk to Ben Shore, the Founder and CEO of Minus Works, an American manufacturer of sustainable, high-performance gel packs.
Understanding the benefits of sustainable and bio-renewable products- Part 2 of 3
Sustainability is an important topic in the packaging world, for brand owners and consumers alike. In this podcast, Sun Chemical’s Bob O’Boyle discusses current sustainability trends and how Sun Chemical enables sustainable best practices for business owners.
Sponsored by Sun Chemical
The Business of Sustainability in Packaging
A new whitepaper from Intengine about sustainability in packaging outlines the necessity for sustainability as well as resources for implementing sustainable practices.
Joining us to talk about the whitepaper are Connie Linder, CEO of Intengine and Glenn Treliving, principal at Partners Packaging.
Child-Resistant: Flexible Packaging Obstacles & Opportunities
Child-Resistant flexible packaging has become a must-have in some markets and is rapidly gaining traction in others. Learn from industry experts about certification testing methods, end markets requiring CR packaging, regulations and packing innovations in the child-resistant flexible packaging market.
Sponsored by Zip-Pak
Breaking Down Printing and Inks
Is CIJ, TTO, TIJ or LCM the right type of printing process for you? Videojet’s Sherry Washburn breaks down what goes into the inks for each of these, and how needs determine which is the right one.
Perfecting Private Brands
In this episode, the topic is private brands. Our guest Todd Maute, has worked in the private label business for close to 30 years helping retailers define brand and design strategies across multiple channels.
Cultivating Sustainable Cannabis Packaging
In this episode, we talk with Ron Basak-Smith, Co-Founder & CEO, and James Eichner, Co-Founder & CSO, of Sana Packaging — a sustainable packaging brand that designs and develops differentiated, sustainable and compliant cannabis packaging solutions for a circular economy by using 100% plant-based hemp plastic, 100% reclaimed ocean plastic and other sustainable materials.
PACK EXPO Las Vegas Interview
In this episode, our special guest is PMMI President and CEO, Jim Pittas. We discuss PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021 including how many attendees and exhibitors he expects, the new exhibits, and how the pandemic changed tradeshows and the industry.
Pack Expo Preview: Pack to the Future Interview with Jack Aguero and Brent Meyer
PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021 will be live and in person September 27 -29. One of the highlights this year is the Pack to the Future, the interactive exhibit that explores the past, present and future of packaging.
Power of Sustainable Packaging: A Look Into the Role Inks Play in Recycling – Part 1 of 3
In this episode, we’ll talk with Dr. Nikola Juhasz who will share how Sun Chemical is putting a focus on compostable, bio-renewable and recyclable solutions to help brands meet their sustainability goals.
Sponsored by Sun Chemical
Secrets of Club Store Packaging Revealed
Costco has unique requirements when it comes to packaging. Michael Carrier, Director of Package Development at Berkley International shares what brand owners need to know to get into the club.
Get more club store insight and tips from Mike at, www.clubstorepackaging.com
Creating Sustainable Packaging Recommendations for Suppliers
How leading Russian food retailer X5 crafted sustainable packaging recommendations and got buy in from its suppliers. Learn more at esg.X5.ru.
Preventing Kinks in the Supply Chain
Jason Tham, CEO of Nulogy, and David Gray, CEO of GreenSeed Contract Packaging, discuss supply chain problems caused by the pandemic and how they corrected them.
Power of Sustainable Flexible Packaging
During this podcast, we speak with Nikola M. Juhasz, Ph.D., Global Technical Director of Sustainability at Sun Chemical, to discuss sustainability trends within the packaging industry, including bio-renewability, compostability and recyclability. She also discusses how ink manufacturers are responding to consumer demands for more sustainable packaging and what Sun Chemical is doing to inc
The Power of Sustainable Paper Packaging
On this podcast, we meet with Jeremy Teachman, Feld Marketing Manager at Sun Chemical, to discuss ink and coating trends within the paper packaging market, including the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and how renewable and natural materials are helping drive the shift towards sustainability.
Sponsored by Sun Chemical
Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Labels and Narrow Web
In this podcast, we meet with Dennis Sweet, Vice President—NWTL, Commercial, Rycoline and Distributors at Sun Chemical, to discuss trends and drivers in the label and narrow web market, including sustainability initiatives and how customers are selecting trusted partners to help meet these specialized needs.
Sponsored by Sun Chemical
Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic, U.S. Distiller Pivots to Supply Hand Sanitizer
When the Coronavirus pandemic forced craft distillery Cardinal Spirits to close its tasting room and bar, co-founder Jeff Wuslich shifted his business to make hand sanitizer.
In this podcast, Packaging Strategies News talks to Wuslich as he explains how helping the community kept him in business.
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