Turn EPR Compliance Into Your Competitive Advantage | Data-Driven Packaging Strategy for Food & Beverage

Is your packaging strategy ready for the EPR wave hitting the US? While most companies see Extended Producer Responsibility as just another compliance burden, smart R&D and packaging leaders are using EPR data requirements to drive real business value.

In this conversation, sustainability expert Ali Uribe (Founder at Co2ral) talks with Jessie Schwartz (Founder and CEO at Strategic Packaging Partners) where they break down how the same data you need for EPR compliance in Oregon, Colorado, and California can power your carbon calculations, lifecycle assessments, and product innovation decisions. Learn why companies like IKEA reduced glue usage by 70% and cut 3% of their scope 3 emissions just by analyzing their materials data.

While this conversation covers the strategic importance of EPR data collection, implementing a systematic approach requires a detailed roadmap. For manufacturers ready to move from awareness to action, our comprehensive guide walks through the practical steps to transform EPR compliance into competitive advantage, including specific data collection frameworks, cost optimization strategies, and real-world implementation examples that can help you outsmart EPR fees while building operational intelligence.

What You'll Learn:

• Why EPR isn't going away (and why that's good for your business)
• How to leverage EPR data for scope 3 emissions and cost reduction
• Simple steps to organize packaging data before you're scrambling
• Real ROI examples from companies using sustainability data strategically
• Practical tools and resources for mid-sized manufacturers

Perfect for: Directors of R&D, Package Engineering, and Sustainability professionals at food and beverage companies who want to get ahead of regulatory requirements while driving innovation and cost savings.

Stop waiting for the "hurricane to hit shore" – start building your data advantage now.

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Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Are logistics and sustainability hurdles blocking your organization's progress?

In this episode, Jessie Schwartz sits down with Megan Dobratz from Native Sustainability to explore innovative solutions for overcoming these challenges. In this conversation, you'll learn:

• The role of organizations like Second Harvest in streamlining transportation and storage for perishable goods.
• How industrial composting advancements are revolutionizing waste management despite existing complexities.
• The impact of technological progress on food recovery and overall sustainability efforts.
• Strategies for improving communication within organizations to enhance sustainability initiatives.
• The importance of starting with small, actionable steps to foster momentum in achieving your sustainability goals.

Tune in to gain insights and practical advice on navigating the intersection of logistics, sustainability, and packaging efficiency.

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com
Connect with Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-dobratz-leed-ap-58b0a85/
Check out Native Sustainability: https://www.nativesustainability.com/

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Struggling to navigate the complexities of private label food manufacturing? Tune in as host Jessie Schwartz and special guest Pamela Derus, Director of R&D at Heavenly Hunks, recap PLMA 2024 and unlock industry secrets that could save you time, money, and headaches. In this conversation, you'll learn:

• How to identify and leverage co-packers to enhance your business's operational efficiency and capacity.
• The significance of better-for-you trends in private label food production and the growing demand for gluten-free and organic products.
• Inside tips on navigating the intricacies of contract manufacturing, from allergen considerations to production capacity challenges.
• The differences between European and American approaches to food manufacturing, and what unique opportunities each offers.
• Expert advice on the networking and strategic benefits of attending key industry shows like PLMA.

Join us for an enlightening discussion aimed at simplifying your journey in the world of food and beverage manufacturing.

Connect with Pamela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-derus-a378786a/
Check out Heavenly Hunks : https://heavenlyhunks.com/

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Plastic pollution and finding sustainable alternatives have become urgent priorities in the packaging industry.

In this episode of The Packaging Therapist, Dave Craggan, Christopher Tom, and Chris Tyra from Futamura join Jessie Schwartz in a discussion that explores these issues and how cellulose-based films and other innovations in compostable solutions are transforming the market. In this conversation, you'll learn:

• How partnerships with suppliers have evolved the use of films over the past five years.
• The shift from sourcing finished films to collaborating on laminated film structures.
• The compostability and biodegradability standards of metallized films, and their environmental impacts.
• The technological advancements in compostable films, particularly for food and beverage applications.
• Current market trends and the economic and environmental balance for sustainable packaging solutions.

Learn more about Futamura: https://www.futamuragroup.com/en/

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Are you overwhelmed by the complexities of brand design and sustainable packaging?

In this episode, Aaron Keller from Capsule joins Jessie Schwartz to talk about innovative solutions to packaging design challenges and the broader landscape of responsible packaging. In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• How Patagonia's Octagon box revolutionized sustainable packaging with enhanced recyclability and reduced material usage.
• The significance of minimalistic packaging, like Patagonia’s "sushi roll" design, in both environmental and consumer appeal.
• The role of design agencies in bridging brand storytelling and market opportunities, illustrated with examples like "Liquid Death" and "Smartwool."
• The critical balance between distinctive design and cost-effectiveness for standout shelf presence.
• Strategies for integrating eco-friendly practices in packaging while ensuring scalability for large brands.

Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronjkeller/

Visit Capsule’s website: https://capsule.us/

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Are your logistics costs soaring due to inefficient pallet patterns and cube specs? In this episode, Jessie Schwartz is joined by Trey Carson from TOPS Software, a company specializing in software solutions for optimizing pallet spaces. Trey shares valuable insights on maximizing pallet density, reducing shipping costs, and enhancing supply chain efficiency. In this conversation, you'll learn:

• Why designing around the 40"x48" palette is crucial for cost-effective shipping.
• Real-world examples of how slight packaging adjustments can lead to significant cost savings.
• The importance of setting concrete maximum parameters for pallet utilization.
• Best practices for calculating and improving pallet efficiency using TOPS Pro.
• How to balance pallet stability with stacking strength for optimal performance.

Tune in to discover actionable strategies for mastering your pallet patterns and cutting down logistics expenses.

Connect with Trey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trey-carson/
TOPS Website: https://topseng.com/

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

Struggling to keep up with the fast-paced advancements in automation and robotics?

In this episode, Jessie Schwartz chats with Saman Farid from Formic to uncover how automation can revolutionize manufacturing in the CPG industry. They discuss the risks, rewards, and the future of robotics in packaging, and reveal strategic insights to help you make informed decisions.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

• The key factors to consider when deciding if your facility is ready for automation.
• How to strategically approach packaging standardization to facilitate smooth automation processes.
• Why risk mitigation is crucial when investing in robotics and how Formic takes on that risk for you.
• How integrating robots can improve employee satisfaction and operational efficiency in your facility.
• The transformative potential of AI and machine learning in enhancing the capabilities of automated systems and future-proofing your manufacturing operations.

Tune in to understand the full scope of how robotics and intelligent systems can optimize your packaging line and boost your bottom line.

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com

In this conversation, Tara Foster and I discuss the challenges and strategies for scaling a business from the perspective of a chief operating officer. We cover topics such as supplier relationships, simplifying manufacturing, logistics, and leveraging web-based tools to support business operations. The conversation also delves into the importance of team utilization, culture building, and problem-solving in a growing business environment.

Scaling a business is no small feat—it requires a strategic mindset, careful planning, and the ability to adapt to new challenges. This episode offers a deep dive into the operational side of scaling, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone looking to take their company to the next level. Whether you’re just starting out or already on your growth journey, Tara's practical advice and real-world examples will equip you with the tools you need to succeed.

Tune in now to discover the operational strategies to help you scale your business confidently and clearly!

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Scaling a Business
01:21 Supplier Relationships and Partnership Building
13:13 Leveraging Web-Based Tools for Business Operations
26:24 Utilizing Line Operators' Expertise and Fostering a Growth Mindset

Tara Foster Bio:
Tara Foster spent the last 10 years as COO of the fast-growing brand Nutpods, a maker of dairy-free creamers and ready-to-drink coffee beverages. At Nutpods, Tara led the R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain from the initial commercial development stage to selling over 15,000 retail locations and becoming the #1 selling plant-based creamer brand on Amazon. Before Nutpods, Tara held sales and operational leadership positions in CPG companies, from start-ups to multi-billion dollar organizations, facilitating products from innovation concepts to successful commercial launches. Tara is focused on helping founders and CEOs scale and optimize their operations for success through the lens of a former CPG operator.

If you love our content and want to learn more about the packaging industry, hit SUBSCRIBE!

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com