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.

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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.

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In this episode, we are joined by Zach Frantz, an innovative entrepreneur who has joined the Sales team at SpecRight. We delve into the topic of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the United States. We explore the significance of EPR, explaining its purpose and benefits, especially for packaging engineers. We discuss the financial implications, emphasizing that EPR fees are not taxes but payments to Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) that handle recycling and disposal costs. Zach provides valuable insights into EPR and PRO's.


Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com
Zach Frantz- zach.frantz@specright.com
https://specright.com/

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

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Hoederle, the General Manager of Mankato Packaging, to learn about the world of paperboard packaging. Tom guides us through the various types of paperboard, explaining their specific uses for products like cartons, folding boxes, toy packaging, and beverage packaging. He sheds light on the sustainable packaging solutions that can enhance your product's appeal, discussing the benefits of coated paperboard and its applications. From the most economical choices to higher-cost, high-quality options, Tom provides valuable insights into selecting the right paperboard to meet your packaging needs.

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com
Tom Hoelderle - tom.hoelderle@mankatopackaging.com
https://mankatopackaging.com/

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

Welcome back to the Packaging Therapist Podcast! Today we engage in a profound discussion with Jennifer Barta, Fractional CEO at FINNOVATION Lab, as she unpacks the intricacies of packaging evolution. Jennifer walks us through the crucial phases of packaging transformation, starting with the insightful Discovery phase, where carton considerations and key factors take center stage.With in-depth analysis of the comprehensive framework, Jennifer outlines the four pivotal phases: Discovery, Feasibility, Development, and Implementation. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking a deeper understanding of the transformative journey in the world of paperboard carton packaging, guided by the expertise of Jennifer Barta.

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com
Jennifer Barta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersbarta/
Finnovation Lab: https://www.finn-lab.com/

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

In this episode of the Packaging Therapist Podcast, we welcome Jennifer Barta, Fractional CEO at FINNOVATION Lab, who shares invaluable insights into the strategic aspects of packaging management. Jennifer delves into the crucial topic of why and how partnering with vendors is essential for successful outcomes. She provides a comprehensive look at the implementation process, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with manufacturing facilities, logistics teams, and operators. Jennifer discusses the role of operators as a valuable resource for information and stresses the significance of following finished cases into distribution. Tune in as she highlights the importance of establishing baselines for tracking cases through the system and explores effective strategies for consolidating case sizes. Join us for a deep dive into the intricate world of packaging optimization with Jennifer Barta, offering practical guidance for businesses looking to enhance their packaging processes.

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - jessie@stratpackpartners.com
Jennifer Barta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersbarta/
Finnovation Lab: https://www.finn-lab.com/

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

In this episode of the Packaging Therapist Podcast, we sit down with Kim Carswell, a Sustainable Packaging Leader and valued member of GreenBlue Navigate. Kim's expertise lies in the realm of sustainable packaging, where she actively guides companies in establishing goals and strategies to minimize the environmental impact of their packaging. As an advisor on the Navigate team at GreenBlue, Kim is dedicated to fostering actionable improvements within packaging systems and serving as an authoritative voice on sustainability issues in the industry. Join us as we delve into the world of sustainable packaging with Kim Carswell, exploring the transformative power of strategic planning and the commitment to creating packaging that is both environmentally friendly and aligned with the goals of businesses.

If you have questions about how to start your plan, you can reach out to Kim at: Kim.carswell@greenblue.org

https://greenblue.org/

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In this episode of the Packaging Therapist Podcast, we sit down with Deepak, Applications Development Engineer at NatureWorks, a global supplier of polylactic acid (PLA) resin for flexible packaging. Join us as we delve into the world of bio-based flexible packaging, exploring the distinctions between bio-based and conventional flexible materials. Deepak sheds light on the environmental and economic advantages of biopolymers, emphasizing the benefits of PLA in particular. From its versatility to compostability and reduced carbon footprint, we unpack the unique qualities that make PLA an attractive choice in the packaging industry. Deepak also shares insights into the challenges associated with adopting bio-based packaging and discusses the latest innovations driving sustainability. Tune in for a glimpse into the future of sustainable packaging trends and a compelling conversation on reshaping the industry for a greener tomorrow.

To learn more about Natureworks, visit: https://www.natureworksllc.com/

Brought to you by Strategic Packaging Partners.
Find us at www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com or email us at: jessie@stratpackpartners.com

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