The Packology Podcast

Jennifer Benolken came to packaging by accident during her collegiate years. She doesn't have a packaging engineering degree, so she went to Kettering University in a five-year program. She just fell in love with the packaging during her entire Coop experience and ever since she has always gone back to packaging sterilization and labeling. On this episode, we'll talk about:What was it about that specific part of the packaging that excites her?What's her specific role at Dupont right now?ISO 11 607 and ISO 16 775.What are the most fascinating parts that she finds about working with medical devices and packaging?Is she seeing any great innovations or new trajectories in the medical device manufacturing packaging world right now?Is sustainability in the medical world going to become the main priority in the foreseeable future?The Institute of Packaging Professionals or IOPPWhat are the goals of some of these committees in IOPP? Is it just going to create a platform where discussion can happen or are there some objectives? IOPP's new fundamentals course will be offered.What are her thoughts on leadership, career development, and how to cultivate a personal brand?What she has to share with the audience?Jennifer earned her undergraduate degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering and her master’s degree in International Management. Jen has worked in the medical device community since 1991 in a variety of packaging roles – packaging, labeling, and sterilization engineer in operations and R&D, flexible packaging sales representative, and manager of packaging engineering and labeling groups. She is currently the sub-committee chairperson for ASTM F02.50, Package Design and Development, as well as co-chair for AAMI’s ST/WG 7, Packaging Working Group. Jen is an active member of the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP). She is also on the Board of Directors and is Vice Chair on its Medical Device Packaging Technical Committee (MDPTC). She works with downstream customers at medical device and pharmaceutical organizations, providing education and answering questions about Tyvek® packaging and sterilization using her wide range of knowledge.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 Jennifer on her on LinkedIn.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbenolken/

Ben Stern, founded Nohbo which is on a mission to literally get rid of unnecessary plastics. It is by simply converting the existing personal care packages to a pod-friendly packaging format. Therefore, saving thousands of pounds of water, plastic, and preservatives! Nohbo has been featured in Shark Tank and Mark Cuban invested in his business.Learn more about the fascinating multiple patents of technology and how to get involve with the company!Benjamin Stern founded Nohbo as a passion project freshmen year of high school, after learning about the insanely destructive impacts of most single-use plastics. Nohbo made waves with an appearance on Shark Tank, and went on to secure a deal with Mark Cuban. Today, Ben leads a team of mission-driven beauty and personal care experts that are determined to rid the world of unnecessary plastics. Partner with CPG's and hotels to convert existing lines into podded solutions, collaboratively making products that melt away and leave no trace behind. Nohbo has 3 issued patents. 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 Ben Stern:  Website: http://www.nohbo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-stern-746812a4/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.

Ashley Pradhan and Cierra Valor built a platform that integrates with brands and retailers' websites to dynamically score their products based on their sustainability. Scores are expressed on a 1-10 scale so that customers can simply take in that information and easily discover products that match their values. On this episode, we'll talk about:Everything about In Bold Print, what it does, where it fits in, and what value it adds.How likely is it that companies will share complete disclosure, all of the information that you'll need to create this final number?There are some adverse relationships between different sustainable goals and different types of packaging. How have they navigated through when glass has a larger carbon footprint than plastics but is viewed as being more sustainable at the end of its life? Have they taken any of these things that are a little more complicated and reduced them to a number or two?What have been some of the biggest learnings or the biggest obstacles they have had to go through?What is their background schooling or work experience that brought them into this new venture?What more would they like to share about In Bold Print, where it is now and where it is going in the future?What is their hierarchy for the most sustainable types of packaging and the least sustainable types based on their analysis and the different examples or samples that they have researched?How much of a difference does that make in terms of the final score of a sustainability score for that specific piece of a package?How have they balanced the difference between focusing on carbon emissions and packaging waste for the product's packaging and ingredients?In Bold Print was founded by Ashley Pradhan and Cierra Valor. During quarantine, Ashley and Cierra, like many, had a lot of time to look inward and do some reflecting—mostly about their place in, and contributions to, this world they are living in. Ashley and Cierra talked a lot about the desire they had to contribute more, research more, know more, and BE more. The problem? There’s information everywhere that you have to sort through. It’s just not easy. So they decided to put their backgrounds in data and technology to good use.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 Ashley and Cierra on their website and connect with them on LinkedIn.Website: https://inboldprint.co/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cierravalorLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashley-pradhanThe 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.

She began her career in the 1970s with Este Lauder, where she worked for many years in marketing and product development, before moving on to L'Oreal until establishing her own company, The Young Group. She has been in the world of sustainability, beauty and products, product development, and packaging. She just has a wealth of knowledge and experience to impart to the entire industry. On this episode, we'll talk about:Her journey of being in the beauty industry, like what first attracted her to the space and why she stayed for as long as she did?That emotional connection to a buying decision. Does she think that's one of the reasons why Indie beauty brands have had such a successful run over the last 5, or 10 years, whereas bigger brands may have had a harder time connecting with consumers?What kind of that emotional secret sauce to building a brand, being an indie beauty, and interacting with your consumers on a more personal level on social media? Can a big company acquire it and then scale a brand successfully?Her decision to create her own company, the Young group. What is the backstory and what does it do?What have been some of the biggest important lessons she has learned in her years of product development and marketing, or perhaps the importance of packaging and how it has played a role in all of the work that she has done?We see a lot of brand marketing to customers that are honest and transparent about what packaging is and what they should do with it at the end of life. Has she seen the big shift on the brand side from a marketing and communicating side?What advice does she give to students and young professionals that into the product development world?Karen Young has been a key player in the beauty industry for decades. She founded her global beauty marketing business, The Young Group, in 1999. Young is inspiring the next generation of beauty executives by teaching at SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology. Her passion for developing innovative products and effective marketing strategies continues.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 on her website and connect with her on LinkedIn.Website: https://www.theyounggroupny.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-young-704738/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.

We'll get to know more about Cory Connors, host of the Sustainable Packaging Podcast, and other interesting facts about him.On this episode, we'll talk about:Why is he concerned about sustainable packaging?What is one of his greatest fears when he considers our children's future living and going through life? What does he think is at stake here?Cory Connors' advice to his younger version of himself and some of the biggest challenges he had back then helped him get through.What are some of his biggest pet peeves that he has come across in the sustainable packaging world?What has been the biggest kind of opposition? or the people that may have the most to lose when it comes to sustainable packaging solutions. Where does he think this resistance to change is coming from?What piece of information would he want to share that he hasn't been able to do on other platforms?Blockchain and Web 3 in the context of packaging, sustainability, circularity, upcycling, and traceability. What does he think is going to happen? Who does he think are going to be the players who are going to help move forward?What does his favorite quote from Adam Peek mean to him?Cory Connors has been a packaging professional for his entire adult life. Right out of high school, he started making boxes at a Weyerhaeuser plant in Oregon. He paid my way through college with corrugated production! That early experience prepared him for the next 19 years at Landsberg ORORA, and he now guides clients through the complete design and packaging process. 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 Cory on his website, personal blog and connect with him on LinkedIn.Website: http://www.landsberg.com/Personal Blog: https://sustainablepackaging.buzzsprout.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/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.

Kate is a fourth-generation machinist and Stanford University engineering Ph.D. Her research and private consulting practice focus on matching medical innovation with the manufacturing technologies needed to develop, test and manufacture them.On this episode, we'll talk about:What are some of the ways that medical device packaging differs from the packaging we encounter on a daily basis?the very critical functions that packaging actually performs and making sure that the device works the way it's supposed to.What are the other changes she has seen in the last couple of years as the world has battled against COVID?Have there been certain parts of the packaging value chain that have been more difficult to trace?What is unique or special about the labeling requirements in medical device packaging or the different considerations that must be made?How does medical device packaging help against all of the different counterfeits and fakes out there? the significant role of packaging in this.Sustainability and packaging have been a big topic. Has it also kind of been a part of the medical device packaging world?How to accomplish all of these things and still try to save pennies on the packaging? Packaging is expensive in developed nations around the world. In comparison to the actual drug, it's quite low. Is this true or untrue?Her advice or thoughts for the packaging industry as a whole as they're thinking about the medical device packaging industry.DYAD EngineeringWhat does her favorite quote from Steven Johnson mean to her?Dr. Katherine J. Stephenson is an engineer, researcher, public speaker and writer with over 20 years and 60+ products worth of design and development experience. She has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and has developed and taught multiple classes and workshops in medical device innovation. She is particularly passionate about the ways manufacturing technologies can support and even drive innovation in medical devicesFor more information and to explore other episodes, go to www.ppcpackaging.com/the-packaging-brothersFollow PPCPackaging on social media! :arrow_down:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-packaging-components-inc-/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPCPackaging/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppcpackaging/?hl=enWebsite: http://www.ppcpackaging.com/Find out more about Kate on her website and connect with her on LinkedIn.Website: https://www.dyadengineering.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dyadengineering/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.

Elizabeth launched her company five years ago, and it was then that she decided to work as a consultant for manufacturing companies, putting her recycling experience to good use. Her idea was to go and assist them and get the best describe recycling out there for better processes.On this episode, we'll talk about:What are some of the things that companies need the most amount of help with?Her view on the circular economy and what people need to know about it.a recent example of something that functions within the circular modelhow would she define the value of waste and how important is it to circularity?Mast Scrap Management Advisors' four main pillarsWhat does she think the future holds for the circular economy?Her advice to either individual consumers or businesses that are currently developing packaging for their products?Her advice to everyoneMAST founder and an Industrial Scrap Specialist, Elizabeth Muñoz-Lebaron was born in the U.S. and raised in Mexico. As a teenager, she helped her father with his family's lead smelting business. After six years at Shapiro Metals, Elizabeth decided to revive MAST. Joining forces with her trusted mentors and a network of recycling professionals, she turned her attention again to the manufacturing and maquiladora industry. Her top priority, besides her family, is to help clients to embrace the revenue potential of their by-products and design recycling programs that achieve higher value.For more information and to explore other episodes, go to www.ppcpackaging.com/the-packaging-brothersFollow PPCPackaging on social media! :arrow_down:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-packaging-components-inc-/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPCPackaging/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppcpackaging/?hl=enWebsite: http://www.ppcpackaging.com/Find out more about Elizabeth on her website and connect with her on Email and LinkedIn.Website: http://www.scrapadvisors.com/Email: elizabeth@scrapadvisors.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mastscrapdvisorsThe 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.

Dustin began working with digital labels in 2013 and made his first investment in a digital packaging startup in 2017. He discovered personally that there are no playbooks to follow in emerging industries after investing in two digital packaging startups and leading the commercial development of three more.On this episode, we'll talk about:A quick summary of Digital PackagingHow has digital packaging evolved?What the future holds for Digital Packaging and what are some of the key drivers as we look toward the future?Digital Packaging and Smart Packaging coming togetherHow can digital packaging kind of create those individual personalized experiences between a brand and each customer?His advice on how they should approach the next wave of packaging and smart packaging, web three, and how it relates to digital packaging and other issues.What role does Web three play in the packaging business?What is CMYK?As we look to build this community around disruptors in packaging and digital print, collaboration may provide some value.Dustin Steerman founded CMYK and today, He is building a boutique agency, for global packaging executives who seek to or have already begun investing in their digital transformation, Developing a community for digital packaging disruptors and industry enthusiasts, and Coaching a select few sales leaders and sales professionals in the digital packaging sector and Writing about the industry and how others can create their success within this rapidly emerging sector. All intended to further advance the global digital packaging industry. He believes our niche provides the opportunity to rewrite the narrative around the global packaging sector. One that places people, diversity, sustainability, collaboration, and innovation at its core.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 Dan on his website and connect with him on Email, LinkedIn and Twiiter.Website: https://www.dustinsteerman.com/Email: hey@dustinsteerman.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinsteerman/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PKGingDisruptorThe 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.

Ameripen is the acronym for American Institute for Packaging in the Environment. They were a US-based trade association that primarily served as an advocacy and lobbying organization. They represent the packaging industry in the United States. Ameripen represents the whole packaging value chain, which means they include material suppliers, package manufacturers, brand owners who utilize that packaging, recyclers, and other end-of-life materials managers among their members. They have a number of product-specific and materials-specific trades as members, and Ameripen works with them to lobby for them on issues and to learn about the specifics of different industries and types of packaging. Ameripen's main focus is on federal and state work.On this episode, we'll talk about:How long has he been working in this field?When there is more discussion about sustainability and sustainable packaging now than there has been in the past. Has he noticed this or is it just a passing fad or trend?What kind of legislation does he expect the new sustainability committee to pass? Where is it coming from? What is his perspective on it?What does packaging producer responsibility mean for the packaging producers around the country?Is there a sense that there should be more federal law or guidance on how recycling works or is it really up to the individual states to exercise?What does he have to say to those who question the US manufacturing industry's ability to compete globally? The extra fees and charges will only make bringing manufacturing back to the United States more difficult.When it comes to the recycled content mandates, what are the core materials that are being focused on? is it mostly plastic or are there other kinds of materials that are being considered as well?The impact he believes these mandates will have on the packaging value chain?What legislation is currently kind of being looked at or has been passed recently that deals with the beauty industry?We manufacture a lot of plastic and glass molds, and many of them, both locally and internationally, have the chasing arrows symbols on the bottom with the resin identification code. If legislation were to pass, would molds have to be changed as well?What are the dangers of toxic chemicals?Dan Felton is executive director of AMERIPEN, an organization that leads the packaging industry through advocacy based on science and enhances understanding of the role packaging plays in a more sustainable society, economy, and environment. A well-known leader in the state government affairs arena for nearly 20 years.  A graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, Dan has lived in the Washington, DC, area for nearly 30 years.For more information and to explore other episodes, go to www.ppcpackaging.com/the-packaging-brothersFollow PPCPackaging on social media! :arrow_down:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-packaging-components-inc-/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPCPackaging/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppcpackaging/?hl=enWebsite: http://www.ppcpackaging.com/Find out more about Dan on his website and connect with her on LinkedIn.Website: https://www.ameripen.org/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dan-felton-398a505The 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. T

Dye Candy is a company that Kathryn founded, and under the umbrella of Dye Candy, its flagship product is the hummingbird, a hair color applicator. She is very highly trained and then move to Portland, Oregon where she stepped away from her salon career to take care of her family. She discovered that coloring her hair at home was a completely different experience than the very caring boutique feeling of getting her hair done. she also discovered that applying color to your head took time and the precision that was lacking with the tools that she had, and that she was pretty much-wrecking hair within a few months.On this episode, we'll talk about:What inspired her to design a fully reusable productWhat has been the feedback on her product since its launch? How did she navigate all of the different aspects of designing custom packaging and the process of manufacturing design?With so many different samples delivered to her, how did she choose which one was the one? Where are the other parts being made?Were there any big moments during the development of the packaging?When there is a significant difference between molds that are made domestically and overseas, especially in smaller quantities.Where did she get the conviction from overcoming all the challenges and still stay persistent?What does her family think while she goes through all of this? What advice does she have for anyone who is designing and developing something new?A former salon professional with 15 years in the industry, Kathryn Madison was surprised by how frustrating (and damaging) it was to dye her own hair at home. Mass-produced applicators were flimsy, messy, single-use plastics better suited for dressing a garden burger than putting fine touches on her roots. So Kathryn decided to put her salon experience to work. She knew this new tool had to be reusable. It needed precise flow control - no more blobs on blouses, no more sloppy over-dyeing. And it had to be easy. After years of research, design, and dozens of prototypes, The Hummingbird™ was ready to spread its wings.For more information and to explore other episodes, go to www.ppcpackaging.com/the-packaging-brothersFollow PPCPackaging on social media! :arrow_down:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-packaging-components-inc-/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPCPackaging/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppcpackaging/?hl=enWebsite: http://www.ppcpackaging.com/Find out more about Kathryn on her website and connect with her on LinkedIn.Website: https://dyecandy.com/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathrynmadisonThe 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.