

The Packology Podcast
Brandon Frank
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 17, 2023 • 35min
Protective Film and Packaging Solutions The Printpack Way with David McLain
Print Pack is a converter that makes various forms of plastic films. They are well known for their shelf-stable goods, which make them a popular choice among many industries. They also manufacture their own line of films and polymers to meet customer demands for specialty items. With their expansive product offering, they can ensure customers get exactly what they need when it comes to protective film and packaging materials.On this episode, we'll talk about:Printpack and what are the core competencies specialties?What drew David to packaging?Sustainability at Printpack.What have been some of the fundamental objectives or goals from a sustainable basis that they have kind of put their flag on? Which one is the most important to focus on out of those three?the downside is what is captured, that most of the flexible packaging is never going to be recycled if any of it.what are some of the things that David wish people knew about flexible packaging?What are his thoughts on EPR in general? Extended producer responsibility?seeing the complexities from individual states coming up with programs of this EPR and how do they navigate those waters? And every state has their own kind of set of rules.Shifting a little bit over to supply chain. We've gone through COVID it was crazy. Lead times, machines down, finding people to even run. The machines were tough. What does he see now? What's next for the world in terms of production, manufacturing, and packaging in general?Does he think lead times are going to get extended out again or it's just the industry kind of resetting, kind of like an active recovery type of thing? Like we got to keep moving and recover at the same time?Dave graduated from Virginia Tech in 2000 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and spent five years in the automotive industry. He began his career in packaging with Printpack's Rigid Division in 2004 as Maintenance Manager and eventually served as Plant Manager for two rigid facilities. He then relocated to China and Thailand, and is now based in Atlanta at Printpack's global headquarters. He spent several years in Marketing and Sales focused on Printpack's PE business and Sustainability, and is a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition's Executive Committee and the Plastics Industry Association's Sustainability Advisory Board. He now leads Printpack's efforts to help customers realize a more sustainable future.For more information and to explore other episodes, go to www.ppcpackaging.com/the-packaging-brothersFollow PPCPackaging on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-packaging-components-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPCPackaging/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppcpackaging/?hl=en Website: http://www.ppcpackaging.com/Find out more about David on his website, and connect with him on LinkedIn.Website: printpack.comLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/david-mclain-08a95644The views and opinions expressed on the "Packaging Brothers" 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 Packaging Brothers, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2023.

Jan 29, 2023 • 36min
The Secrets to Success in a Family-Run Business with Ed Delia
Ed Delia, the president of Delia Associates and a second-generation family member, is leading the company forward with the assistance of his unique expertise in B2B marketing, sales process strategy, and branding. It will be interesting to just talk about the family business and some of the insights, experiences, and things he has learned from working with various family businesses over the years.On this episode, we'll talk about:The opportunity that led him to return to the family business? What caused him to have a change of heart?Where does he think are the most significant things or what's the main thing we must address first when thinking and talking about a family business?How does someone who may not be naturally inclined to have a vision or think about leading the company forward but who is very good at operating transition into that role?What advice would he give for managing and communicating with family members?His point about separating the family and the business.His thoughts on the situation of employees who are now working in a family business and are dealing with family dynamics as well as potential challenges that come with the family business?The thought of having an opportunity in the family business.What, in his opinion, are the main mistakes or, on the other hand, the guiding principles that family businesses should follow when considering marketing their business?Does he think that the family business should be vocal, talk, or express to their clients or prospects that they are a multigenerational family business, or should they just let the business speak for itself? What's his take on it?His thoughts on his business or on family business in general.Ed Delia became President of Delia Associates in 1998, assuming full control of the company founded by his father, Michael A. Delia, in 1964. Under Ed’s leadership, Delia Associates has contributed directly to the success and growth of a wide variety of clients, from global to regional organizations. The firm has helped many businesses to grow and expand their sales opportunities through the development and implementation of highly successful brand-based programs. Known for its business-centric creativity, Delia Associates has received numerous professional awards and industry commendations.For more information and to explore other episodes, go to www.ppcpackaging.com/the-packaging-brothersFollow PPCPackaging on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-packaging-components-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPCPackaging/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppcpackaging/?hl=en Website: http://www.ppcpackaging.com/Find out more about Ed on their website and connect with him on Twitter and LinkedIn.Website: https://www.delianet.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdDeliaLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddelia/The views and opinions expressed on the "Packaging Brothers" 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 Packaging Brothers, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2023.

Dec 17, 2022 • 22min
Meet Krupa Koestline, the Clean Beauty Expert Behind KKT Consulting
Krupa Koestline is a Clean Cosmetic Chemist, Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Founder of KKT Consultants. She helps companies create their products, design product strategies, formulate product formulations, and work with copyright holders and regulatory agencies.If you love beauty, seeking out new brands, and talking business, you'll be very pleased with this episode.On this episode, we'll talk about:KKT ConsultantsHow did she go from working at a great number of reputable companies and then decide to start her own company?Did the epidemic make her thoughts change in any way? Was it good for business or bad for business? As for her, what impact did it have?How did she become acquainted with Credo? Was it through one of the brands she works with? Was it her reputation in the industry for focusing on clean, all-natural materials, or something else?Krupa's step-by-step guide to creating your own personal care product line.Why does the person who is launching a brand right now need to have a very clear why and it has to be special, and what does she consider to be a really bad reason to start a brand right now?When an existing brand that wants to maybe think about adding on additional product lines.How Ayurveda quickly entered the beauty spaceDoes she see that changing in the near future, where there will be regulation, a system similar to the FDA for food and beverage and any injectables, but as that applies to the beauty industry?What is her perspective on all of the celebrity brands that have entered the market in recent years?Clean Cosmetic Chemist Krupa Koestline is a thought leader, trend forecaster, and industry pioneer in Clean Beauty. Merging her background in biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology with her lifelong practice of Ayurveda, Krupa has created award-winning formulations with breakthrough technology for brands like Kopari, May Lindstrom Skin, and Tower 28. Krupa also consults for brands and retailers on improving their Clean Beauty guidelines based on the latest research in ingredient safety, environmental impact, and sustainability impact.For more information and to explore other episodes, go to www.ppcpackaging.com/the-packaging-brothersFollow PPCPackaging on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-packaging-components-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPCPackaging/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppcpackaging/?hl=en Website: http://www.ppcpackaging.com/Find out more about Krupa on her Instagram, and connect with her on LinkedIn.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/krupa-koestlineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kktconsultants/The views and opinions expressed on the "Packaging Brothers" 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 Packaging Brothers, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

Nov 20, 2022 • 35min
Packaging for a Sustainable Solutions How Businesses Can Collaborate to Make a Difference
GreenBlue is an environmental non-profit that focuses on the sustainable use of materials in society, encompassing all types of materials. However, because there is such a demand for jobs in that field, Under the umbrella of GreenBlue, one of them is the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (or SPC), a membership-based collaborative dedicated to everyone throughout the packaging value chain, from brands and retailers to packaging converters and materials suppliers to governmental academic members, to bring together all of those different members of the supply chain and value chain to talk about some of these challenging issues.On this episode, we'll talk about:What is the overall mission of each?There was a lot of collaboration between members of the packaging value chain, which seemed to be a trend for the event. Is it something she's noticed as well?How much has changed since SPC's membership has grown?Are there still sectors or areas that she sees as underrepresented where SPC feels like we need to get some of those people at the table?Was there one that kind of stood out to her as an example of a great benefit or an idea where there was this great collaboration between companies that produced something innovative and exciting?With all of this business collaboration, what role does the SPC play, and how are you becoming involved?So, with all of the misinformation, confusion, and need for education, if she could simply snap her fingers and the entire world would understand this about sustainable packaging, what is the best thing she can think of? or maybe she wishes everyone knew about?The differences and challenges with the single stream of recycling collection points that we have in the United States vs Europe?What are her views on molecular, chemical, and advanced recycling? Is it a good thing? Is it a potential solution for a lot of these recycling problems?Which business or what business should consider joining the SPC if they're not members yet?How did Karen Hagerman manage to go from the United States Naval Academy to the Director of the SPC?Looking back on her time as a marine in the Navy, are there any characteristics or lessons she learned that she is implementing for SPC?Karen Hagerman is the Director of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) at GreenBlue. Karen holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Always looking for ways to improve herself and her surroundings, Karen is a trained yoga teacher, avid trail runner, and committed trash-picker-upper.For more information and to explore other episodes, go to www.ppcpackaging.com/the-packaging-brothersFollow PPCPackaging on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-packaging-components-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPCPackaging/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppcpackaging/?hl=en Website: http://www.ppcpackaging.com/Find out more about Karen and connect with her on LinkedIn.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/karen-hagermanThe views and opinions expressed on the "Packaging Brothers" 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 Packaging Brothers, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

Nov 9, 2022 • 36min
Sustainability in Beauty What I Learned as a Beauty Editor
Sustainability in Beauty: What I Learned as a Beauty EditorMegan McIntyre has been a beauty editor for about 17 years now, and she was involved with companies and the inner workings of how things came to be, and it gave her a front-row seat to learning every aspect of the business and satisfying her curiosity, especially when sustainability came up as something that was both interesting to consumers and brands. On this episode, we'll talk about:Have there been a lot of intentional dishonesty or has it been more of a lack of education and awareness?How has the conversation changed in her 17 years as a beauty editor? What is different now in terms of how people talk about sustainability?Are there certain brands that are doing it well?Have she come across an audience that's very vocal and makes a very strong argument in favor of virgin plastic in reducing carbon emissions because of the other material's weight and processing time?What she thinks of The PACK Collective?Her take on the beauty industry's use of refillable packaging, like, what is this all about? Where do you think it's going?What makes her excited about Biotech Packaging?Could she sort through the topic of recyclability into what she thinks we should be talking about or how we should be thinking about it?How different are recyclers across the country?How often is recycling happening?What is her take on being a journalist in today's world of distrust and fake news, and what is the overall situation? How have things changed for her in the field of journalism or is it still the same? And all of the world's noise is just out there.Megan McIntyre is a beauty and wellness writer based in Denver. You can read her work on Byrdie, Glamour, Coveteur, Marie Claire, Elle, Gossamer, and Fashionista. She is also a freelance copywriter and brand consultant for a diverse array of brands, including Shen Beauty in Brooklyn, Kiehl's, Ulta, Aveda, Pantene, Nexxus, and many more. Prior to her freelance life, Megan was the beauty director at Refinery29, a senior editor for Daily Makeover, and an assistant editor at Women's Wear Daily. She lived in Brooklyn for 15 years before deciding she liked proximity to skiing better than proximity to bagels (for shame!) and packed up her husband, 13-year-old Schnoodle, and borderline hoarder levels of face serums to head to Colorado. She loves the mountains and easy access to cannabis edibles, but TBH really misses decent bagels.For more information and to explore other episodes, go to www.ppcpackaging.com/the-packaging-brothersFollow PPCPackaging on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-packaging-components-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPCPackaging/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppcpackaging/?hl=en Website: http://www.ppcpackaging.com/Find out more about Megan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-mcintyre-6546532/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CDwgSsdnSbA/?hl=en# The views and opinions expressed on the "Packaging Brothers" 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 Packaging Brothers, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

Nov 5, 2022 • 26min
Get Your Life Back: The Revolutionary Way to End 'Throwaway Culture'
Returnity works with brands and retailers who are looking to implement reuse in their shipping and delivery packaging system. They are the alternative to cardboard boxes and polybags, but they do it with the product that can be used over and over again. Returnity also help them identify and implement the system to make sure it's the right choice. On this episode, we'll talk about:Considering the whole system change, Returnity is supplying the packaging that will be reused, but also looking at the whole business model.What are some of the core systems? either hang-ups or issues that would prevent it from succeeding?A great example of a case study of how it kind of started? what was the packaging used for some of the systems and how successful was it?How much more valuable or how much more pride or trust does it build when you have this more robust package being sent back and forth not just on the sustainability concerns, but just the quality of the packaging?How did Mike Newman get into this crazy reusable packaging idea?Is legislation regulation coming down the pipe?seeing any use of incentives for kind of encourage return rates to get to that 95% with consumers staying in the program?What are the easiest problems to solve today with reuse? not the hardest. what kind of movement or changes in the grocery sector that are going to be exciting going forward?concerns about the cleanliness of sterilization with the reusable model?Where do you think this industry will be in 5, 10 years in terms of reusable packaging?Mike Newman is considered one of the leading experts in the transformation of logistics platforms from single-use packaging to reusables, combatting the mountains of corrugated cardboard entering our waste stream while saving millions in logistics expenses. He received his MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Over the last 20 years, He worked at the intersection of supply chain and sustainability He directed the Sierra Clubs political operations in 20 states and built e-waste programs that saved millions of used cell phones from landfills for companies such as Verizon, ATT, Walmart, and Best Buy during my tenure as the Sales and Marketing Vice President for ReCellular.For more information and to explore other episodes, go to www.ppcpackaging.com/the-packaging-brothersFollow PPCPackaging on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-packaging-components-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPCPackaging/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppcpackaging/?hl=en Website: http://www.ppcpackaging.com/Find out more about Mike on his website and connect with him on LinkedIn.Website: https://www.returnity.co/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newmanmi/The views and opinions expressed on the "Packaging Brothers" 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 Packaging Brothers, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

Oct 29, 2022 • 25min
Solving Some of the World's Biggest Problems with AMP Robotics, Amanda Marrs
After Amanda had identified a number of work experiences with a number of different companies, she took an interest in product management. She felt that this was the right spot for her skill set to enter. She gets to take part in technologically advanced work and enjoys working on an important issue with AMP Robotics.On this episode, we'll talk about:How do these sensors view and process each type of waste material?How would technology read the materials and what would it do with them?The actual robots that are doing this sorting? How does that work?Why is there no glass in the processing, and why is glass better for reuse?Electronic wasteHow does AMP track or trace the materials that are processed?What is Amanda's background? How did she do it? Or is it just a matter of chance?Is she seeing a lot of support for AMP from large companies?When it comes to general recycling, what are some of her biggest lessons, takeaways, or pieces of advice she likes to give?Amanda Marss is the Sr. Director of Product of AMP Robotics. She believes technology can help create value for customers and solve tough problems. Her experience includes building new product lines, scaling products globally, and managing full product lifecycles. She excels in industrial technology spaces where products combine hardware, software, and human processes.For more information and to explore other episodes, go to www.ppcpackaging.com/the-packaging-brothersFollow PPCPackaging on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-packaging-components-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPCPackaging/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppcpackaging/?hl=en Website: http://www.ppcpackaging.com/Find out more about Amanda, and connect with her on LinkedIn.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandamarrs/Website: https://www.amprobotics.com/The views and opinions expressed on the "Packaging Brothers" 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 Packaging Brothers, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

Oct 22, 2022 • 5min
Let's Celebrate Abigail Frank's 4th Birthday!
We are so excited to have Abigail as our special guest for today's episode. Abigail is turning four years old this coming October 22nd, and we can't wait to wish her a happy birthday.On this episode, we'll talk about:what's her favorite food?what's her favorite animal?about her brother and sister.what does she love about playing soccer?For more information and to explore other episodes, go to www.ppcpackaging.com/the-packaging-brothersFollow PPCPackaging on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-packaging-components-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPCPackaging/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppcpackaging/?hl=en Website: http://www.ppcpackaging.com/The views and opinions expressed on the "Packaging Brothers" 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 Packaging Brothers, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

Oct 12, 2022 • 38min
The True Meaning of Recyclable with Mike Indursky, CEO of Hear Me Raw
Mike never wanted to be in the beauty business for 30 years, but it simply happened. He thought he'd be in sports marketing or entertainment marketing. He wanted to be the HBO Boxing Head of Marketing since he loved boxing, but he ended up working with Unilever. He simply liked the people there because they were diverse and he fit into a group of very excellent people, and after working in a couple of categories, they put him in skincare, He didn't understand why skincare, why women put stuff in their pinkies, and other things. And after about six months, he understood it, and it's all about helping women feel wonderful about themselves and giving them options so they can live better lives with their skin and health.On this episode, we'll talk about:Everything he's learned and potential advice he has for people in this fieldWhat's the purpose and the passion behind doing Hear Me Raw?Being able to identify the cost savings and the ability to bring effective good products that maybe aren't natural to the public in some way is better than nothing.The Four Groups of IndustriesHis biggest learnings about refillable packaging? How had he been able to communicate with his consumers to get buy-in?Does he think there will be a wholesale industry organization, with the entire chain coming together to get this massive buy-in for change?Is there any brand or business that he is particularly proud of or that he thinks is doing an excellent job?His general thoughts and where he thinks this whole beauty industry is going? Does he think consumers are going to catch on? What timeline does he think people are going to be buying in more to this kind of clean, true, truly clean, natural ingredient?Mike Indursky is the founder and CEO of HEAR ME RAW. He has spent the the last 30 years in the beauty and wellness business. Mike is a two-time winner of Advertising Age's Top Marketers of the Year and WWD's Most Innovative Marketer.For more information and to explore other episodes, go to www.ppcpackaging.com/the-packaging-brothersFollow PPCPackaging on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-packaging-components-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPCPackaging/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppcpackaging/?hl=en Website: http://www.ppcpackaging.com/Follow Hear Me Raw on Social Media!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hear-me-raw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hearmerawbeauty?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearmerawbeauty/?hl=enWebsite: https://hearmeraw.com/Find out more about Mike and connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-indursky-58715bInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeindursky/?hl=en The views and opinions expressed on the "Packaging Brothers" 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 Packaging Brothers, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

Sep 22, 2022 • 20min
Sightline Systems is Providing an AI-powered Data Monitoring and Analytics Solution
Sightline System is a software company based in Fairfax, Virginia, and has a pretty colorful history. The company first started doing data performance monitoring collection for mainframe environments. About 15 years ago, Brandon was on a trip to Japan, and one of the customers there said his work would be great for their manufacturing plant. They were having issues and were trying to understand what was causing them. With Sightline, they were able to go in and collect data in real-time and give them an easy-to-use way of seeing what was happening, and that's kind of how their journey into manufacturing started just by accident.On this episode, we'll talk about:When it comes to data collection, how does the system work, particularly in areas such as packaging and manufacturing?How do they use artificial intelligence to optimize either information collection or processing?When things start to go wrong, can the data or the AI predict potential fixes, potential solutions, or even potential problems?How many manufacturers in the United States use systems to optimize production?Have they come across any circumstances where data has been able to be shared with other members of the supply or value chain to assist in improving production timelines, preventing issues, inventory levels, or something similar?Is there any other way that sightline may be used to improve the sustainability of package manufacturing?Who is their ideal customer, or who do they think would benefit the most from the sightline in the packaging or manufacturing industries?Is he seeing many opportunities or changes for sightline to adopt some of those technologies as the world shifts into web 3.0 and blockchain and all of that?Where does he see the sightline system heading in 10 years, 20 years, or 50 years? What is the potential?Brandon Witte, CEO of SightLine System, experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the computer software industry. Skilled in Requirements Analysis, Enterprise Software, Enterprise Architecture, IT Strategy, and Professional Services. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Science (BS) focused in Management Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - Pamplin College of Business.For more information and to explore other episodes, go to www.ppcpackaging.com/the-packaging-brothersFollow PPCPackaging on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-packaging-components-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPCPackaging/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppcpackaging/?hl=en Website: http://www.ppcpackaging.com/Find out more about Brandon on his website and connect with him on LinkedIn.Website: https://www.sightline.com/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandon-witte-76a5653The views and opinions expressed on the "Packaging Brothers" 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 Packaging Brothers, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.


