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What happens when someone refuses to accept "that's how it's always been done" as an answer? Rocky Batzel's story proves that persistence against overwhelming skepticism can transform lives.

When Rocky's grandmother complained about struggling to open her prescription bottles, he noticed a problem hiding in plain sight: medication packaging hadn't meaningfully changed since 1974. Traditional child-resistant closures require two hands, significant strength, and dexterity – making them nearly impossible for millions of Americans to use independently. As an ex-medical student with no background in manufacturing or packaging, Rocky seemed unlikely to disrupt this established industry.

The solution Rocky developed – Snapslide – replaces twisting motions with an intuitive sliding mechanism that requires just one hand to operate. The cap never detaches, eliminating dropped or misplaced caps while providing an audible "snap" that confirms secure closure. By removing threads entirely, the design reduces plastic usage by 27% while maintaining full child-resistance.

Rocky's journey exemplifies the realities of innovation: multiple iterations, consumer testing with different populations, and unexpected setbacks (including a factory fire that destroyed his first $50,000 mold). Rather than giving up, he refined his design to accommodate industry constraints – where pennies matter more than dollars, and change is resisted unless absolutely necessary.

At disability expos, users frequently describe Snapslide as "life-changing," restoring independence to people who previously required assistance for the simple act of accessing medication. This human impact earned Snapslide recognition from the Plastics Industry Association with their Sustainability Award – the first for a non-publicly traded company in five years.

Subscribe to hear more stories about packaging innovations that solve real human problems and the perseverance required to bring them to market in an industry resistant to change.

https://www.snapslide.com/

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The packaging industry stands at a critical inflection point as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies gain momentum across the United States. In this revealing conversation with Rob Kesabowski, Managing Director for Packaging Optimization at NTT Data, we cut through the complexity to understand how these regulations are reshaping the entire packaging landscape.

Rob brings over 20 years of packaging expertise to explain how EPR shifts waste management costs from consumers back to manufacturers and brands. While this concept has existed for decades in Europe, it's now taking root in America state by state, beginning with Oregon and soon expanding to Colorado and California. The implications are far-reaching - companies must now track exactly what materials they're using, how much packaging they're selling into each state, and prepare for fees that could significantly impact their bottom line.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is how Rob balances the financial reality with the innovative potential. These policies create economic incentives for more sustainable packaging by making less recyclable materials more expensive. We explore real examples where previously cost-prohibitive sustainable options become competitive when EPR fees are factored in, potentially accelerating the adoption of greener packaging technologies.

The discussion dives into the practical challenges companies face - from data infrastructure needs to navigating the complex requirements across different states. As the president of the revitalized IOPP Packaging Consultants Council, Rob also shares insights on how packaging professionals are mobilizing to address these changes collectively.

Whether you're a packaging professional, sustainability manager, or simply curious about how these policies might affect the products you buy, this episode provides a clear roadmap through the changing regulatory landscape. Subscribe now to stay ahead of the packaging industry's sustainable transformation and discover how these changes might actually lead to better, more environmentally responsible packaging solutions.

To connect with Rob on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robkaszubowski/

If you want to learn more about NTT Data:

https://us.nttdata.com/en/services/consulting-services/supply-chain-consulting/packaging-optimization

And if you are in need of a packaging consultant:

https://www.iopp.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=5106

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From lab technician to "Banding Queen," Patty Wexler's journey as a packaging pioneer breaks barriers and reshapes sustainability in the industry. After joining her father's fledgling packaging supply company in 1978, Patty transformed Wexler Packaging Products into a specialized powerhouse by focusing exclusively on paper banding technology—a decision that would prove visionary as sustainability concerns grew decades later.

Wexler's pivotal moment came in 2007 when she trademarked "Go Green with Banding" in response to Walmart's vendor packaging reduction initiative. The business case was compelling: paper bands cost pennies compared to traditional packaging while dramatically improving efficiency. Retailers reported shelves could be stocked up to 80% faster with banded products versus shrink-wrapped alternatives. Additionally, eliminating plastic and sharp cutting tools created safer working environments for retail staff.

European sustainability regulations further accelerated adoption of Wexler's solutions, particularly in the UK where strict plastic limitations drove innovation. The company developed fully recyclable paper bands using starch-based adhesives that require no poly coating, allowing companies to maintain strong branding while meeting environmental requirements.

The COVID pandemic and e-commerce boom created unexpected opportunities, with major retailers adopting Wexler's systems to efficiently prepare online orders. Today, the company's banding solutions span diverse applications from bundling medical supplies to securing produce without traditional packaging.

Throughout her 50+ year career, Patty navigated the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, earning recognition as a packaging pioneer and recent induction into the Packaging Hall of Fame. Her leadership focuses on creating growth opportunities for team members and supporting the next generation through scholarships for women in packaging.

Ready to explore how sustainable banding could transform your packaging strategy? Visit the Wexler website to learn how small changes can deliver significant environmental and financial benefits.

https://wexlerpackaging.com/

https://www.precisionengsolutions.com/