Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast: Recent Episodes
Specright
Today, the world is demanding more of products and packaging: they need to meet consumer demands, be sustainable, and travel through complex supply chains. Simply put, companies that make things need to respond faster than ever to change. Welcome to “Beyond the Shelf: The Product and Packaging Podcast," presented by Specright. In this podcast, we’ll interview experts and industry leaders across food, beauty, CPG, and industrials. We’re going to go beyond the shelf and get behind-the-scenes insights into what goes into making the products you use everyday. We’ll cover everything from product innovation to packaging sustainability and how leaders are thinking about enabling their next generation workforce. We’re going to have a lot of fun and learn new things along the way. So be sure to subscribe and get ready to go “beyond the shelf!" To learn more about Specright and Specification Management, visit https://specright.com/.
In this joint episode with the Sustainable Packaging Podcast, Matthew Wright and Laura Foti join Cory Connors and Matt Saunders to discuss the exciting new partnership between Specright and New Earth Ventures.
Together, they explore how digitizing packaging data, leveraging practical AI, and strategically deploying venture capital can transform global supply chains. From staying ahead of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations to driving faster product innovation, this episode breaks down why accurate spec data is the foundation of modern, waste-free business.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
Building a business case for new technology is difficult — even if the need is strong. In this episode, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Specright's own Value Engineer, Lisa Husken, to break down exactly how packaging and CPG professionals can turn operational pain points into a compelling case for change.
Lisa unpacks the forces driving conversations right now — expanding EPR regulations, geopolitical supply chain uncertainty, and the urgent need for a clean data foundation before AI can deliver any real value. She also shares her framework for building a business case that goes beyond ROI to include risk mitigation, strategic alignment, and long-term compounding value.
As mentioned by Lisa, find out how much value you could be gaining with a specification management system with Specright's ROI Calculator: https://www.specright.com/roi-calculator/
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In this episode of Beyond Packaging, Laura Foti and Matthew Wright welcome Maureen Dollard, Artwork Project Lead at Complete Acuity, the only firm in North America dedicated exclusively to managing packaging transitions for CPG companies.
Maureen breaks down what a packaging transition really involves, what most commonly goes wrong — from incorrect die lines to allergen triggers to runout schedules — and why a single source of truth is non-negotiable.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In this episode of Beyond Packaging, Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Greg Batt, Director of Clemson University's Packaging Science Program, to explore how the next generation of packaging professionals are reshaping the industry.
Greg shares how his students are already using AI tools like ChatGPT to accelerate design and prototyping — turning what used to be napkin sketches into polished concepts in a fraction of the time. They talk about why thinking outside the box is no longer optional, how global events and geopolitical shifts are redefining materials, supply chains, and innovation, and how Specright is there to support these change makers and innovators.
Plus, Matt Dingee takes us back to 1981 with a foil-stamped Prell concentrated shampoo tube and its very fancy snap cap. Listen now!
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
Live from Spec Summit 2026, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Cory Connors, host of the Sustainable Packaging Podcast and Sustainable Packaging Sales and Marketing leader at Atlantic Packaging. Cory discusses the industry’s shift from sustainability ambition to urgent execution, as evolving regulations like EPR and PPWR force companies to rethink how they manage packaging data and compliance. The conversation highlights a growing divide between organizations still relying on fragmented systems and those investing in connected, AI-ready specification data to reduce costs, improve reporting, and scale sustainable innovation. Ultimately, the episode reinforces a clear message: companies that act now—leveraging collaboration, technology, and better data—will lead, while those that delay risk rising costs, inefficiencies, and competitive disadvantage.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
On this episode of Beyond Packaging, discover how NicePak’s Jonathan Rabedeau is simplifying complexity by embracing data-driven design, considering new innovative solutions, and a shift toward minimalistic, sustainable packaging. In this episode, he shares insights from over a decade at NicePak, the company behind many of the store-brand wipes consumers use every day. From navigating evolving sustainability demands to rethinking how brands meet consumer demands, Jonathan offers a fresh perspective on innovation in consumer goods packaging.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright are joined by Victoria Chatman-Galloway, a global packaging leader whose work spans markets, products, and consumer needs around the world. Victoria shares the story of how she has built influence in large, complex organizations and championed packaging as a strategic business driver. The discussion dives into sustainability, data-driven decision making, and what it means to create packaging systems that truly work. Plus, Victoria shares more about her new role as Founder and CEO of Paradigm Packaging Partners.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright dive into the wine and spirits industry to explore how brands are embracing sustainability and reshaping their packaging strategies.
From eco-friendly bottles and lightweight materials to bold design changes that communicate brand values, this conversation highlights the innovative ways companies are reducing their environmental footprint while strengthening consumer loyalty. Laura and Matthew also discuss how storytelling and transparency in packaging are becoming just as important as the product itself.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Kaushik Boruah of LatentView Analytics to explore how data and AI are transforming the packaging world.
Kaushik shares his knowledge on the power of analytics to uncover consumer insights, drive smarter innovation, and help brands stay ahead in a rapidly changing market. From the role of AI in product development to what’s next for packaging strategy, this conversation is all about rethinking the future through data.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In this episode of Beyond Packaging, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright speak with Amanda Sparks, VP of Revenue at Micronetbd. Amanda shares insights on how specification management helps companies be strategic and make positive changes in their supply chains, all by using data.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In this episode, co-hosts Matthew Wright and Laura Foti dive into how packaging is transforming the food and beverage industry. They discuss three stories, from nostalgic mac and cheese makeovers to punk rock energy drinks and snack downsizing. Tune in to hear how design, consumer trends, and brand strategy all impact shelf performance, and what it means for the future of the food and beverage industry.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Matt Daum, Dean and Associate Provost for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University (MSU), and former Director of MSU’s School of Packaging.
With over 25 years of industry experience, Matt shares key lessons from his career, including the importance of cross-functional collaboration and learning from failure. He discusses how academia and industry work together to prepare students for real-world packaging challenges, and highlights how emerging trends such as AI and sustainability-driven innovation guide the next generation workforce.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright unpack two topics impacting the packaging world today: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and evolving product labeling requirements.
From navigating regulatory shifts to the role of data in staying compliant and competitive, they explore how companies can adapt and thrive in a fast-changing landscape. Learn how to stay on top of packaging regulations and innovation trends, as well as hear about Matthew and Laura's new roles at Specright.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In this episode of Beyond Packaging, Laura Foti is joined by Specright’s Danielle Goad for a discussion around sustainability, expanding to diverse markets, and the next generation.
Danielle shares about her journey with Specright including work around sustainability, investing in the Academia program, and leading the expansion of a Specright presence in Europe. Additionally, the duo touch on the latest news in sustainable design and what sustainability is trending to look like in the future.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Danielle Goad on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright dive into the critical topic of tariffs and their growing impact on global supply chains, the decisions major brands are making around sustainable packaging, and a conversation on brand identity.
Fresh off a panel at the MD&M event in New York, Matthew shares real-world challenges companies face—from deciding whether to relocate suppliers to maintaining visibility across complex vendor relationships. The conversation highlights why strong data and thoughtful planning are key to making confident, cost-effective decisions in uncertain times.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In this episode of Beyond Packaging, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Cory Connors—Sustainable Packaging podcast host and sustainable packaging consultant—to explore the intersection of sustainability, packaging, and data.
Cory shares insights into the urgency of sustainability especially around Extended Producer Responsibility, how businesses can take meaningful steps toward sustainable packaging, and why implementing upcoming best practices makes a lasting impact. Whether you're a business owner, packaging professional, or just curious about greener solutions, this episode offers valuable takeaways.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In the latest episode of Beyond Packaging, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright engage with Matt Reynolds, Editor-in-Chief of Packaging World, to explore innovative packaging solutions and sustainability trends.
They discuss Target's paper wine bottles, legislative advances in extended producer responsibility, and the critical role of digital transformation in the packaging industry. The conversation highlights the importance of executive-level focus on packaging and the strategic use of AI and digital twins to boost efficiency and accelerate product development.
Closing thoughts emphasize the need for adopting digital tools to stay competitive, with an invitation to explore further insights on PackWorld.com.
Download the free report from Packaging World at: https://packworld.dragonforms.com/loading.do?pk=1126_podcast_video&omedasite=pwgmfd2024
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In this episode of Beyond Packaging, Laura Foti and Matthew Wright chat with Ryan Fox of Bloomberg intelligence about tariffs, the price of corrugated packaging, the future of the box industry and more.
Plus, they'll go "Off the Shelf" with Matt Dingee at Michigan State University's New Product Works Collection to look back in time at tooth powder!
You can connect with Ryan Fox on LinkedIn.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
In the inaugural episode of Beyond Packaging, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright aim to explore the evolving landscape of packaging and specification management. The episode kicks off with a nostalgic reflection on Matthew’s early days in the packaging industry in New York. The discussion then transitions to contemporary issues, emphasizing the continued reliance on outdated methods—such as Excel, shared drives, and email—for managing complex product spec data.
The episode highlights the findings from Specright's third State of Spec Management report, revealing that 65% of professionals still use Excel, with increasing challenges in data accuracy and supplier collaboration. The podcast delves into the implications of new regulations like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, which are progressively being adopted in states like Maryland. Insights are shared on how these laws compel brands and packaging companies to modernize data management for compliance and sustainability. There's also a discussion on the rising consumer demand for transparency and the impact of greenwashing, exemplified by a recent fine imposed on Clorox in Australia for false sustainability claims.
Special guest Matt Dingee from Michigan State University's New Product Works Collection joins the show to discuss the significance of historical packaging and its potential for inspiring modern innovation. The collection, which houses over 140,000 packages, serves as a resource for both inspiration and practical insights, blending physical and digital data for future-ready solutions.
The episode concludes with the announcement of a recurring segment, "Off the Shelf with Matt Dingee," where Matt will present historical packaging to spark fresh insights and discussions.
Overall, the podcast underscores the urgent need for the packaging industry to embrace digital transformation in data management to drive compliance, innovation, and sustainability.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedIn
To listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
Hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright introduce their new biweekly podcast, Beyond Packaging, an evolution of Beyond the Shelf. The show will explore the intersection of packaging, innovation, technology, and sustainability. It will also feature a recurring segment with packaging consultant Matt Dingee, examining historical packaging from Michigan State University’s New Product Works Collection. With over 20 years of industry experience, Matthew will also share personal insights and predictions for the future of packaging. The tone is fun and enthusiastic, promising both education and entertainment.
Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.
To listen to previous podcast episodes, click here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Matthew Wright, Founder & Executive Chairman of Specright about the evolution and complexities of the packaging industry. They discuss how Specright revolutionized Specification Management, empowering brands to control product and packaging data seamlessly. Wright shares his accidental entry into packaging, the chaotic challenges he faced, and the groundbreaking idea of creating spec books. The conversation covers sustainability's shift from voluntary to mandatory regulations, the critical role of data, and the significance of AI and actionable intelligence in supply chains. Wright emphasizes the importance of industry collaboration, academia involvement, and continuous learning.
The episode concludes with the announcement of a new podcast, Beyond Packaging, co-hosted by Wright and Foti, aimed at exploring the intersections of packaging, technology, sustainability, and innovation. That podcast is scheduled to launch April, 15, 2025. Stay tuned for more information!
You can connect with Matthew on LinkedIn here.
Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. You can learn more here and request a demo.
To listen to other Beyond the Shelf episodes, click here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti is joined by Cory Connors and Brodie Vander Dussen, hosts of the Sustainable Packaging Podcast live from the Specification Management Summit, presented by Specright.
The group discusses the significance of Spec Summit in showcasing Specright’s innovations and its impact on Specification Management. The conversation highlights how digitizing specs can streamline processes, improve sustainability efforts, and enhance collaboration across packaging and product development teams.
Brodie shares insights from a panel she moderated on dedicated spec management roles, while Cory emphasizes the urgency of data readiness for new regulations like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
The hosts reflect on the annual event's community spirit, learning opportunities, and success stories from companies using Specright to save time and reduce errors.
You can connect with Cory and Brodie on LinkedIn and follow their podcast here.
Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. To learn more and request a demo, click here.
To listen to previous Beyond the Shelf podcast episodes, click here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Shelia Millar, of Keller and Heckman LLC. Sheila leads Keller and Heckman’s consumer protection regulatory practices and brings deep experience to a range of public policy and regulatory matters, including advertising and promotions, sustainability and environmental claims, connected products, privacy, cybersecurity, and product safety. She counsels United States (U.S.) and international businesses on compliance questions and processes, represents them in regulatory enforcement matters, and advocates on their behalf before federal and state legislative and regulatory bodies.
In this episode, Sheila highlights the challenges companies face with inconsistent regulations and emphasizes the importance of substantiating advertising claims to avoid allegations of greenwashing. Sheila advises companies to leverage trade associations for information tracking and emphasizes the need for data collection and continuous monitoring in making sustainable claims. The conversation touches on extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, packaging regulations, consumer education, and the complexities of balancing environmental goals with practical considerations like food safety.
You can connect with Sheila at millar@khlaw.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.
Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management software. To learn more or request a demo, click here.
To listen to other Beyond the Shelf episodes, click here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Kitty Dowgert, Senior Manager of Specification Program at Taylor Farms, about making data-driven decisions for product development and more sustainable packaging.
To connect with Kitty on LinkedIn, click here.
To learn more about Taylor Farms, click here.
Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. Click here to learn more or request a demo.
To listen to previous episodes of Beyond the Shelf, click here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Paul Nowak, Executive Director of GreenBlue, about the organization's efforts in advancing sustainable practices through education and collaboration.
Paul shares insights on GreenBlue's mission to accelerate a just and sustainable materials economy, highlighting their key programs like Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) and How2Recycle. He discusses the challenges and opportunities posed by Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, emphasizing the importance of managing packaging data for compliance. Paul also touches on future trends in packaging sustainability, such as paperization and advanced recycling technologies. Additionally, he underscores the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in driving innovative solutions for sustainability challenges. The conversation concludes with Paul's advice to choose courage over fear and take actionable steps towards sustainability goals while leveraging strategic partnerships.
To learn more about GreenBlue and its programs, click here or connect with Paul on LinkedIn.
Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management, to learn more or request a demo, click here.
To listen to preview Beyond the Shelf podcast episodes, click here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Dan Felton, Executive Director of AMERIPEN. In this episode, they discuss AMERIPEN's role in policy and advocacy for the packaging industry, emphasizing material inclusiveness. Felton highlights several regulatory challenges facing packaging today, particularly extended producer responsibility (EPR), which has gained traction in the US due to increased packaging usage during COVID-19 and heightened global focus on environmental sustainability. He underscores the importance of collaborative efforts across various stakeholders—from recyclers to brand owners—to address these challenges effectively. The conversation also touches on how state-level complexities in recycling regulations can pose additional hurdles and why it's crucial for industry experts to engage with policymakers to ensure informed decisions are made.
You can learn more about AMERIPEN here and connect with Dan on LinkedIn.
To listen to other Beyond the Shelf podcast episodes, click here.
Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. To learn more, click here or request a demo.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Paulo Pereira da Silva, President, Renova. Renova is a European-based known for its high-quality and innovative products, including the "sexiest paper on earth."
Pereira da Silva discusses his background as a physicist and engineer to rising through the ranks of Renova to become President & CEO. He discusses the importance of product innovation and embracing creativity, and also touches on the role of emotion in product design. Learn how embracing changes can help your company stay ahead of trends and the competition.
To learn more about Renova, click here.
You can connect with Paulo on LinkedIn here.
Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. Learn more and request a demo here.
To listen to other Beyond the Shelf podcast episodes, click here.
In an era where consumers increasingly demand transparency and safety in their food products, this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product and Packaging Podcast with Laura Foti and Katy Jones, CEO of Trustwell, sheds light on the transformative role of technology in meeting these expectations.
Katy underscores the pivotal shift towards more integrated systems that promise not only efficiency but also enhanced reliability across supply chains. Learn more about how Katy feels embracing change may be challenging but doing so strategically can significantly mitigate risks while ensuring consumer trust remains intact in an ever-evolving landscape.
To learn more about Trustwell, click here.
To connect with Katy on LinkedIn, click here.
Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. To learn more or request a demo, click here.
To listen to other episode of Beyond the Shelf, click here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Karl Bracken, Founder & CEO, Ocampo Capital, an early stage consumer venture capital firm. Bracken has spent 20 years as an executive at consumer companies, including Target, where he was the architect and leader of their Supply Chain Transformation.
In this episode, Bracken shares his take on the major inflection points in the retail industry, including how private-label retail have risen the bar for competition and the impact technology is having on packaging innovation. He also shares a great story about having dinner with Tim Cook! Plus, hear his No. 1 tip for supply chain professionals looking to grow professionally.
You can connect with Karl on LinkedIn here and to learn more about Ocampo Capital, click here.
Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. To learn more, click here.
To listen to more Beyond the Shelf episodes, click here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Matt Crider, Vice President of Research & Development and New Product Development at Lacerta Group, LLC. With over 30 years of experience in packaging engineering in both Food and Beauty industries.
Matt shares insights on several key trends shaping the future of packaging: rapid innovation cycles driven by consumer demands for sustainability; the critical role of specification management platforms in maintaining quality, efficiency, and regulatory compliance; and the increasingly complex global landscape of environmental regulations impacting packaging design.
To learn more about Lacerta Group, click here.
Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. To learn more or request a demo, click here.
To listen to other episodes, click here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Gary Grates, President of Grates Consulting Group and longtime strategic communications experts about the importance of change management.
Gary has worked with General Motors, Caterpillar, PepsiCo, Harley-Davidson, Kimberly-Clark, Merck, Dell and more on getting change right. He'll share his experiences on what to do when it comes to communicating change, and what not to do.
You can follow Gary on LinkedIn here or learn more about Grates Consulting Group here.
Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. You can learn more here or request a demo here.
To listen to previous episodes of Beyond the Shelf, click here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Jessie Schwartz, CEO and Founder of Strategic Packaging Partners and self-proclaimed "Packaging Therapist." Jessie specializes in listening to manufacturing problems and applying her packaging knowledge to figure out how packaging could be contributing and then fixing those problems to increase profits.
Jessie and Laura talk about the power of data when it comes to decision making, how private label brands are adding to the complexity of packaging today, and advice for packaging professionals of the future (and today).
You can learn more about Jessie's business Strategic Packaging Partners here or connect with her on LinkedIn here.
Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management software. To learn more or request a demo, click here.
To view other episodes of Beyond the Shelf, click here. https://specright.com/podcast
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, our host Laura Foti sits down with Trey Lockerbie, the CEO and Co-founder of Better Booch. Better Booch is a rapidly growing functional beverage brand that has gained recognition for its commitment to gut health and its delicious products. In this interview, Trey shares the story behind Better Booch's success and discusses the evolving landscape of the kombucha industry.
In this episode, Trey shares his insights on entrepreneurship,the rise of kombucha, and more on the functional beverage industry.
To learn more about Better Booch, visit: https://betterbooch.com
Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management software. To learn more visit: https://specright.com/
To listen to more Beyond the Shelf episodes, visit: https://specright.com/podcast
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti talks with Michael Rentz, Procurement Manager, at COOLA live from COOLA headquarters in Carlsbad, CA.With over 15 years of experience in various industries, including hospitality, beverage, furniture, and now beauty, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. COOLA was founded over 15 years ago Southern California and found its niche in the region's outdoor active lifestyle and became renowned for its sunscreen products. With a commitment to using over 70% organic ingredients in every product, COOLA has gained recognition and support from customers who value healthier options.COOLA's product offerings extend beyond traditional sun care. They have expanded into skincare and beauty products that cater to their customers' needs. Michael shares how his team is pushing the boundaries of skincare and beauty, with a strong emphasis on data-educated decisions.You can learn more about COOLA here and connect with Michael on LinkedIn.Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. Learn more here and you can listen to all episodes here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast with Laura Foti, Tom Preston shares his journey through the packaging industry, including working for some of the largest food and beauty manufacturers. Five years ago, Tom transitioned to the technology space and joined Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Laura chats with Tom from Pack Expo 2023 about his journey, lessons learned, and more importantly the trends we all should be keeping an eye on.To learn more about Specright click here.To listen to more Beyond the Shelf episodes click here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast Laura Foti chats with Adam Peek of the People of Packaging Podcast, Cory Connors of Sustainable Packaging Podcast, and Evelio Mattos of Packaging Unboxd Podcast from Pack Expo 2023 in Las Vegas. Learn more about trends, challenges, and overall cool things happening in the packaging industry.To listen to more Beyond the Shelf episodes, visit: https://specright.com/post/podcastThe Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management software. Learn more, www.specright.comTo learn more about Adam Peek and the People of Packaging Podcast visit: https://www.peopleofpackaging.com/.To learn more about Cory Connors and Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors Podcast, visit: https://www.corygated.com/sustainable-packaging-podcastTo learn more about Evelio Mattos and the Packaging Unboxd Podcast visit: https://www.packagingunboxd.com/
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: the Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Kathryn Flouton. Kathryn has 20+ years experience in the retail and CPG industry, including at Trader Joe's, Dean & DeLuca among others. She works at the intersection of brand direct-to-consumer e-Commerce and brick-and-mortar retail. These experiences have given her a unique operating expertise that leads to creative problem solving and team growth. She currently consults with growth stage startups and retailers, leading teams in the interim and fractional roles focused on change management, growth, and strategic business development.To connect with Kathryn on LinkedIn, click here.Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the first patented, cloud-based platform for Specification Management. Learn more here.You can listen to other Beyond the Shelf podcasts here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Pierre Pienaar, President, World Packaging Organization (WPO). Pierre provides a global view on the "language" of packaging and the lack of knowledge around the importance of data management for things like sustainability and product innovation. Click here to connect with Pierre on LinkedIn, or learn more about the World Packaging Organization here.You can also listen to all of the Beyond the Shelf Podcast episodes here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Stacey Tank, Chief Transformation Officer at Heineken. In Stacey's role she is charged with developing and executing the 140-year-old company's new growth strategy "EverGreen" to ensure the organization adapts to the rapidly changing environment and to meet consumer demands. Take a listen to learn more about Stacey's experience and her vision for transforming such an iconic brand. You can learn more about Heineken here and follow Stacey on LinkedIn here. Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. To learn more, click here. You can listen to all of our previous episodes here.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Dana Kim, CEO, Highlight, an in-home product testing company. Highlight's platform streamlines everything from recruit to data set including all the logistics of getting your product to target customers. Dana's experience in research provided her with firsthand experience of the difficulty of product testing and she knew they had to be a better way forward.To learn more about Highlight, visit app.letshighlight.com, plus Dana provided our listeners with a special promo code to skip the waitlist! Take a list to get the code!Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. To learn more, visit. https://specright.com/.
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti speaks with Thomas Osip, R&D Director at Reckitt Nutrition, the makers of brands such as Enfamil, Nutramigen, Airborne, Clearasil, Lysol and more.While Thomas got his start as a packaging engineer (a Michigan State University alum), he has experience in food, nutrition, and medical product industries. He's overseen Product Development, Process Engineering, Regulatory Science, Pilot Plant Supervision, and Capital Project Management.With a successful record of innovation from concept through commercialization, Thomas shares his insight with Laura on the importance of keeping products safe and on the shelf, including how his company adapted during the baby formula shortage of 2022. To learn more about Reckitt Nutrition, visit: https://www.reckitt.com/You can connect with Thomas on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-osip-b98a325/Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. To learn more, visit: https://specright.com/To listen to more Beyond the Shelf podcast episodes, visit: https://specright.com/post/podcast
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti speaks with Ron Borne II, Sr. Technical Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the automation and robotics packaging industry. Borne shares his passion about machinery and the programming that drives it. Listen to learn more about his take on robotics in manufacturing and why we shouldn't just worry about robots replacing humans and think about the positives, like workplace safety, efficiency, and innovation.Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. To learn more, visit: https://specright.com/Listen to previous episodes here: https://specright.com/post/podcast
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti speaks with Rod Patch, a packaging engineer with Johnson & Johnson, who oversees their medical packaging, sterile barrier systems and product labeling. Rod shares his expertise in the complexities of medical device packaging and how protecting lifesaving and every day medical devices is essential. If you're interested in learning more about healthcare packaging, visit the PACKout Conference: https://thepackout.com/. Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. To learn more, visit: https://specright.com/
In this episode of the Beyond the Shelf: Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti speaks with Gary Cohen, SupplyOne's food packaging and sustainability coach, about Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, and why it's actually a good thing for the packaging industry, brand owners, and the planet.You can follow Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-s-cohen-017b121a/Or visit his website: https://www.garytalkstrash.com/Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management software. To learn more, visit: https://specright.com/To listen to previous episodes, visit: https://specright.com/post/podcast
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Andy Norman, VP of IT at Bob Evans Farms. Andy has spent the last 25 years working with some of the nation's most well-known companies, such as NetJets and Wendy's. In his current role, he leads the company-wide IT strategy. He discusses the importance of an IT strategy that focuses on configurability vs. customization.
You can learn more about Bob Evans Farms here: https://www.bobevansgrocery.com/
Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management software. Learn more: https://specright.com/
View all of the Beyond the Shelf Podcast and submit to be a guest here: https://specright.com/post/podcast
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast Laura Foti speaks with Suzanne Fisher, a packaging consultant, with more than 35 years of experience in packaging design, engineering, purchasing, sustainability and global team management -- working for companies like Home Depot, Amazon, Wayfair, Sam's Club and more.
Suzanne shares her perspective on packaging innovation, the birth of e-commerce, and sustainable packaging initiatives.
Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. To learn more, visit: https://specright.com/
Learn more about the podcast here: https://specright.com/post/podcast
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast Laura Foti speaks with Kevin Davis, Packing Engineering Director at Dermalogica about how driving sustainable packaging in the beauty industry doesn't diminish the prestige of brands.
To learn more about Dermalogica, visit: https://www.dermalogica.com/
Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. Learn more here: https://specright.com/
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast Laura Foti chats with Adam Peek of the People of Packaging Podcast and Cory Connors of Sustainable Packaging Podcast from Pack Expo 2022. Learn more about trends, challenges, and overall cool things happening in the packaging industry.
The Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management software. Learn more, www.specright.com
To learn more about Adam Peek and the People of Packaging Podcast visit: https://www.peopleofpackaging.com/.
To learn more about Cory Connors and Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors Podcast, visit: https://www.corygated.com/sustainable-packaging-podcast
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti speaks with Matt Daum, Director of the School of Packaging and CANR Assistant Dean of Corporate Relations and Strategy, Michigan State University. Matt shares his passion for blending academia with business and technology experience for the next generation workforce.
The Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management software. Learn more, www.specright.com
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti speaks with Brittny Ohr, Director of Product Management, Sugar Foods Corp., about riding the wave of food trends, addressing sustainability, and the difference between food psychology and sensory science.
The Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management software. Learn more, www.specright.com
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: the Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti speaks with serial entrepreneur and manufacturing executive Jason Azevedo, on why companies are bringing back manufacturing to the U.S. and how companies can innovate in unexpected categories.
Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. To learn more, visit www.specright.com.
In this episode of the Beyond the Shelf: the Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti speaks with Riddhima Kapoor, former chief of staff at AAVRANI, an innovative beauty brand celebrating Indian beauty rituals and bringing Indian beauty to the US market.
This podcast is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. Learn more: https://specright.com/
In this episode of the Beyond the Shelf: Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti speaks with Zoe Croft, Director of Sales at Atlantic Sea Farms, the first commercially viable seaweed farm in the U.S., on innovation in emerging categories, how products can directly impact sustainability, and how to create meaningful partnerships.
Learn more about Atlantic Sea Farms here: https://atlanticseafarms.com/
This podcast is presented by Specright, the first patented, cloud-based solution for Specification Management. Learn more: https://specright.com/
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: the Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti speaks with Sean Lavin, VP of Impact of Liquid IV, on how the company got started, the impact-business model, and about driving sustainable packaging innovation.
You can connect with Sean on LinkedIn and follow Liquid IV on social media platforms like Instagram.
Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast is presented by Specright, the first patented, cloud-based platform for Specification Management. Learn more at www.specright.com
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: the Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti speaks with Jennifer Raphael, CEO of Innovative Beauty Group (IBG), on how she rose through the ranks, her leadership style, and why sustainability is part of every new customer concept her team puts forward.
To learn more about IBG visit: www.albea-ibg.com
Follow IBG on LinkedIn here: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/innovativebeautygroup
Check out Jennifer's favorite product - Ember Wellness 02 Facial Hydrosol (Rose Otto) - here: https://emberwellness.ca/collections/hydrosols
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: the Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti spoke with Maryclaire Manard, former corporate researcher, journalist, and CEO and Founder of Cluey Consumer, an online platform that rates brands based on the three Ps: their impact on People, the Planet & Politics.
Learn more about Cluey Consumer here: https://www.clueyconsumer.com/
Listen to more episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podast here: https://specright.com/beyond-the-shelf-podcast/
In this episode of the Beyond the Shelf: Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti spoke with Jay Singh, Director of the packaging program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. We talked about the increasing importance of packaging in organizations, how packaging education has evolved and embraced new technology, and the rise of the conscious consumer.
Learn more about the Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast here: https://specright.com/beyond-the-shelf-podcast/
Learn more about Specright here: https://specright.com/
In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti spoke with Renee Junge, a F&B Marketing executive, who has worked with a variety of brands like Coca Cola, Jamba Juice, Sambazon, Bumble Bee Foods, and more. Renee is a proponent of intellectual curiosity and human connection with an immense love for our planet. For over 30 years as marketing strategist, her experience and passion has been building and re-building food and beverage brands grounded in purpose.
To learn more about the Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, visit https://specright.com/beyond-the-shelf-podcast/
In this episode of the Beyond the Shelf: Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti spoke with Chantal Emmanuel, CTO and Co-Founder of LimeLoop about disrupting the packaging industry, powering the circular economy – and why returning those unworn pair of jeans in your closet should be easy.
To learn more about LimeLoop visit, https://thelimeloop.com.
To learn more about the Beyond the Shelf: Product & Packaging Podcast, visit, https://specright.com/beyond-the-shelf-podcast/
In this episode of the Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti spoke with Carter Cast, Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Kellogg School of Management, best-selling author, and former CPG executive. Carter shares stories (successes and failures) as a marketing executive at PepsiCo, Blue Nile, and as the former CEO of Walmart.com. As the author of "The Right (and Wrong) Stuff: How Brilliant Careers are Made - and Unmade," he also shares why some careers get derailed and others soar.
Learn more about Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast here: https://specright.com/beyond-the-shelf-podcast/
In this episode of the Beyond the Shelf: Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti spoke with Spencer Oberg, EVP of GOOD PLANeT Foods, about the state of the plant-based food, a product-first approach to sustainability, and why “flexitarian diet” is the new normal.
As Spencer Oberg put it, who doesn’t love cheese?
But just because something is beloved doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement or innovation.
That’s the driving force behind GOOD PLANeT Foods, one of the fastest growing plant-based cheese companies.
I spoke with Spencer, the Executive Vice President in charge of Operations and Supply Chain division, as well as the Private Label and Industrial businesses, about the importance of innovation in categories that are loved by consumers.
Oberg and the GOOD PLANeT team are passionate about offering consumers plant-based alternatives that are not only good for people dealing with lactose intolerances, but also for those interested in food options that are better for the planet. This new “flexitarian” consumer is driving demand in the plant-based category that was popularized by companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods.
In our conversation, we talked about the difference between plant-based and vegan cheese – and the key to successful co-branding partnerships – and the food packaging trends that show the most promise.
And, if you want to learn more about Spencer's story check out the Unincarcerated podcast.
In this episode of the Beyond the Shelf: Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti spoke with Bumble Bee CEO Jan Tharp on driving innovation at an iconic brand, protecting our natural resources, and empowering the next generation workforce.
To learn more, visit https://specright.com/beyond-the-shelf-podcast/.
Today, the world is demanding more of products and packaging: they need to meet consumer demands, be sustainable, and travel through complex supply chains.
Simply put, companies that make things need to respond faster than ever to change.
Welcome to “Beyond the Shelf: The Product and Packaging Podcast," presented by Specright.
In this podcast, we’ll interview experts and industry leaders across food, beauty, CPG, and industrials. We’re going to go beyond the shelf and get behind-the-scenes insights into what goes into making the products you use everyday.
We’ll cover everything from product innovation to packaging sustainability and how leaders are thinking about enabling their next generation workforce. We’re going to have a lot of fun and learn new things along the way.
So be sure to subscribe and get ready to go “beyond the shelf!"