Ever want to know what it takes to win a packaging competition? Adam Ryan, the Head of Pentawards joins us to discuss exactly what it takes to enter and get noticed by the judges. We get a behind the scenes view of how the judging happens and who some of the judges are.  Connect: Adam Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-ryan-a14108103/ Pentawards: https://pentawards.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PackageDesignUnboxd/ And connect with me, Evelio Mattos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

We speak to Katie Kubrak, Materials and Insights Producer with Nirvana CPH.  Learn how CMF and MDD drive innovation in packaging design, and create consumer connections. Dive into Coatings, Materials, and Finishes before we transition into the Material Driven Design to create a tangible experience for product and packaging.  No matter if you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you rethink the way you consider packaging. Listen, rate, review, and subscribe! Connect with Katie Kubrak: Katie Kubrak Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-kubrak-33493591/ Katie Kubrak PhD Profile: https://www.rca.ac.uk/students/katie-kubrak/ Katie Kubrak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makedesignbetter/ Nirvana CPH website: https://nirvanacph.com/ Show Resources: Yuval Noah Harari, 21 Lessons: https://www.ynharari.com/book/21-lessons-book/ Nirvana CPH Material Monday articles: https://nirvanacph.com/materials-insight/ Tu Delft University: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ Politecnico di Milano: https://www.polimi.it/en/ Material Experience Lab : http://materialsexperiencelab.com MIT Materials Research Lab : https://mrl.mit.edu Materials Research Science Center : https://mrsec.org Center for Circular Design: https://www.arts.ac.uk/research/research-centres/centre-for-circular-design Connect with me, Evelio Mattos on Linked In: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

Woolcool is a new packaging material that's been used for thermal insulation for over 13,000 years. Today it's replacing polystyrene foam insulation one box at a time.  Learn what woolcool is and how this 100% natural material can keep food and pharmaceutical shipments below 40 degrees for days. We speak to  Josie Morris, Managing Director of Woolcool to find out  more about their sustainable mission to replace polystyrene insulation. Learn more about Woolcool here: https://www.woolcool.com Connect with Josie Morris on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-morris-354b5b57/ Connect with me Evelio Mattos, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

We speak to Jess Williams, Founder and Creative Director of Communal Creative in NYC, a branding agency with a passion for storytelling. Learn how the team at Communal Creative immerses itself into each brand to unearth a resonating story that can be supported at every touch point  of the consumer journey.  Jess's experience as Creative Director for Thrillist and early stage Birchbox give her the insight to build startups into brands.  Be prepared to take notes! Connect with Jess: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelewil/ Studio Site: http://communalcreative.com Or Catch up with me Evelio Mattos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

We speak with Valerie Hawks, Head of Production & Sustainability @ Interact Boulder to understand how production supports design in executing at the highest level. We discuss the importance of getting your hands dirty and learning the language of production and manufacturing.  Learn where to begin a career in packaging production. Keep up with Valerie online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-hawks-137865/ Interact Boulder: https://interactboulder.com Sustainable Packaging Coalition: https://sustainablepackaging.org Lumi: https://www.lumi.com/properties Catch up with me Evelio Mattos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

We speak with Brandi Parker, Head of Realization @ Pearlfisher where she manages a team that converts designs and ideas into reality. Her extensive knowledge of packaging design and production allows her to know what questions to ask even before a project begins and how to provide designers the direction they need. Learn how to begin your path into a career of production design and packaging as well as how to round out your design knowledge by leaning into packaging manufacturing. Keep up with Brandi online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-parker-6a6667b/ Pearlfisher: https://www.pearlfisher.com Catch up with me Evelio Mattos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

Speaking with Alex Center founder of Center Brooklyn and former Design Director at a little brand named Coke, is a lesson in how to build confidence and surround yourself with the right people to create opportunities in design.  We discuss how not studying at an art school is a badge of honor many of us in the design world wear as well as the value and craft of creative production. Alex shares how designing based on gut instincts at a start-up named Vitamin Water changed once you level-up to a mammoth brand like Coke where everything is measured by teams.  Great episode for young and seasoned pros alike to gain insight into the process and thought that introduces consumers to product via packaging. For more information about Alex Center: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcenter/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealexcenter Skillshare: https://skl.sh/3gpAvo6 To connect with Evelio via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/ ...and catch my packaging Skillshare: https://skl.sh/36yl9cH

Everyone talks about sustainable packaging, but what exactly is it? Well, that depends, and our guest Tom Szaky agrees as sustainability depends on many factors.   In this episode we discuss what is sustainability, the business of recycling, and most importantly what designers need to know in order to design sustainable packaging. Tom Szaky is globally recognized for his eco-entrepreneurial successes that allowed some of the world's largest brands to partner with him to reduce packaging waste.   If you've ever considered sustainable packaging design, this is the place to start. He'll layout the exact materials you need to work with, minimum sizes, and what questions designers need to ask. I try to pack in as many questions as I can in the brief time with Tom and if you're interested it's also available on YouTube.   To learn more about Tom Szaky here are the links:  https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/  https://loopstore.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomszaky/  And connect with me, Evelio Mattos  https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/

How do you build a packaging design agency when you're not in a big city known for design? Ask Mat Bogust of Think Packaging and he'll tell you to just start posting and the world will notice! Today, New Zealand is known for some amazing design with loads of award winning packaging design emerging from halfway around the world.  Talking with Mat we go through his process, rough setting, how he builds pristine samples from the start, and why he sings to his clients.  We talk the finer points of ISTA testing, why you won't see Think Packaging becoming a brand agency, and how this packaging rockstar got his start in a haunted warehouse somewhere near London. Learn more about Think Packaging: https://thinkpack.co.nz Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_packaging/ Connect on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-packaging/ Connect with Evelio Mattos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/ Subscribe - Rate - Review

Beau Peck Director of Marketing and Zero Waste at The Pro Recycling Group, breaks down the value for packaging designers to understand what happens to your packaging once it's discarded.  We talk about the benefits of pre-sorted recycling of packaging and the downsides to closed lid systems. We also touch on the confusion caused by mixed packaging materials, compostable packaging, and film laminates used in pouch packaging. The rising use of mono material packaging is a key finding, and something to consider for packaging designers looking to move into more sustainable packaging.  Recycling isn't a single system operating under a single protocol, depending on where you live you will experience differences in collection. Beau explains source separation recycling popular in rural areas and small towns. Just because you have curbside closed lid recycling in your area, doesn't mean you design for these commingled systems. Packaging designers need to consider the realities of a global recycling systems. Learn more and contact Beau Peck here: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beau-peck-21a86713/ Interwest Paper: http://www.interwestpaper.com Connect with Evelio Mattos on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/ Subscribe - Rate - Review