Beyond Packaging with Laura Foti & Matthew Wright

On this episode of Beyond Packaging, discover how NicePak’s Jonathan Rabedeau is simplifying complexity by embracing data-driven design, considering new innovative solutions, and a shift toward minimalistic, sustainable packaging. In this episode, he shares insights from over a decade at NicePak, the company behind many of the store-brand wipes consumers use every day. From navigating evolving sustainability demands to rethinking how brands meet consumer demands, Jonathan offers a fresh perspective on innovation in consumer goods packaging.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright are joined by Victoria Chatman-Galloway, a global packaging leader whose work spans markets, products, and consumer needs around the world. Victoria shares the story of how she has built influence in large, complex organizations and championed packaging as a strategic business driver. The discussion dives into sustainability, data-driven decision making, and what it means to create packaging systems that truly work. Plus, Victoria shares more about her new role as Founder and CEO of Paradigm Packaging Partners.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright dive into the wine and spirits industry to explore how brands are embracing sustainability and reshaping their packaging strategies.From eco-friendly bottles and lightweight materials to bold design changes that communicate brand values, this conversation highlights the innovative ways companies are reducing their environmental footprint while strengthening consumer loyalty. Laura and Matthew also discuss how storytelling and transparency in packaging are becoming just as important as the product itself.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Kaushik Boruah of LatentView Analytics to explore how data and AI are transforming the packaging world. Kaushik shares his knowledge on the power of analytics to uncover consumer insights, drive smarter innovation, and help brands stay ahead in a rapidly changing market. From the role of AI in product development to what’s next for packaging strategy, this conversation is all about rethinking the future through data.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright speak with Amanda Sparks, VP of Revenue at Micronetbd. Amanda shares insights on how specification management helps companies be strategic and make positive changes in their supply chains, all by using data.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

In this episode, co-hosts Matthew Wright and Laura Foti dive into how packaging is transforming the food and beverage industry. They discuss three stories, from nostalgic mac and cheese makeovers to punk rock energy drinks and snack downsizing. Tune in to hear how design, consumer trends, and brand strategy all impact shelf performance, and what it means for the future of the food and beverage industry.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Matt Daum, Dean and Associate Provost for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University (MSU), and former Director of MSU’s School of Packaging. With over 25 years of industry experience, Matt shares key lessons from his career, including the importance of cross-functional collaboration and learning from failure. He discusses how academia and industry work together to prepare students for real-world packaging challenges, and highlights how emerging trends such as AI and sustainability-driven innovation guide the next generation workforce.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright unpack two topics impacting the packaging world today: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and evolving product labeling requirements. From navigating regulatory shifts to the role of data in staying compliant and competitive, they explore how companies can adapt and thrive in a fast-changing landscape. Learn how to stay on top of packaging regulations and innovation trends, as well as hear about Matthew and Laura's new roles at Specright.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, Laura Foti is joined by Specright’s Danielle Goad for a discussion around sustainability, expanding to diverse markets, and the next generation. Danielle shares about her journey with Specright including work around sustainability, investing in the Academia program, and leading the expansion of a Specright presence in Europe. Additionally, the duo touch on the latest news in sustainable design and what sustainability is trending to look like in the future.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Danielle Goad on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright dive into the critical topic of tariffs and their growing impact on global supply chains, the decisions major brands are making around sustainable packaging, and a conversation on brand identity.Fresh off a panel at the MD&M event in New York, Matthew shares real-world challenges companies face—from deciding whether to relocate suppliers to maintaining visibility across complex vendor relationships. The conversation highlights why strong data and thoughtful planning are key to making confident, cost-effective decisions in uncertain times.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Cory Connors—Sustainable Packaging podcast host and sustainable packaging consultant—to explore the intersection of sustainability, packaging, and data. Cory shares insights into the urgency of sustainability especially around Extended Producer Responsibility, how businesses can take meaningful steps toward sustainable packaging, and why implementing upcoming best practices makes a lasting impact. Whether you're a business owner, packaging professional, or just curious about greener solutions, this episode offers valuable takeaways. Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

In the latest episode of Beyond Packaging, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright engage with Matt Reynolds, Editor-in-Chief of Packaging World, to explore innovative packaging solutions and sustainability trends.They discuss Target's paper wine bottles, legislative advances in extended producer responsibility, and the critical role of digital transformation in the packaging industry. The conversation highlights the importance of executive-level focus on packaging and the strategic use of AI and digital twins to boost efficiency and accelerate product development.Closing thoughts emphasize the need for adopting digital tools to stay competitive, with an invitation to explore further insights on PackWorld.com.Download the free report from Packaging World at: https://packworld.dragonforms.com/loading.do?pk=1126_podcast_video&omedasite=pwgmfd2024Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, Laura Foti and Matthew Wright chat with Ryan Fox of Bloomberg intelligence about tariffs, the price of corrugated packaging, the future of the box industry and more.Plus, they'll go "Off the Shelf" with Matt Dingee at Michigan State University's New Product Works Collection to look back in time at tooth powder! You can connect with Ryan Fox on LinkedIn.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

In the inaugural episode of Beyond Packaging, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright aim to explore the evolving landscape of packaging and specification management. The episode kicks off with a nostalgic reflection on Matthew’s early days in the packaging industry in New York. The discussion then transitions to contemporary issues, emphasizing the continued reliance on outdated methods—such as Excel, shared drives, and email—for managing complex product spec data. The episode highlights the findings from Specright's third State of Spec Management report, revealing that 65% of professionals still use Excel, with increasing challenges in data accuracy and supplier collaboration. The podcast delves into the implications of new regulations like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, which are progressively being adopted in states like Maryland. Insights are shared on how these laws compel brands and packaging companies to modernize data management for compliance and sustainability. There's also a discussion on the rising consumer demand for transparency and the impact of greenwashing, exemplified by a recent fine imposed on Clorox in Australia for false sustainability claims. Special guest Matt Dingee from Michigan State University's New Product Works Collection joins the show to discuss the significance of historical packaging and its potential for inspiring modern innovation. The collection, which houses over 140,000 packages, serves as a resource for both inspiration and practical insights, blending physical and digital data for future-ready solutions. The episode concludes with the announcement of a recurring segment, "Off the Shelf with Matt Dingee," where Matt will present historical packaging to spark fresh insights and discussions. Overall, the podcast underscores the urgent need for the packaging industry to embrace digital transformation in data management to drive compliance, innovation, and sustainability.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

Hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright introduce their new biweekly podcast, Beyond Packaging, an evolution of Beyond the Shelf. The show will explore the intersection of packaging, innovation, technology, and sustainability. It will also feature a recurring segment with packaging consultant Matt Dingee, examining historical packaging from Michigan State University’s New Product Works Collection. With over 20 years of industry experience, Matthew will also share personal insights and predictions for the future of packaging. The tone is fun and enthusiastic, promising both education and entertainment.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.To listen to previous podcast episodes, click here.

In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Matthew Wright, Founder & Executive Chairman of Specright about the evolution and complexities of the packaging industry. They discuss how Specright revolutionized Specification Management, empowering brands to control product and packaging data seamlessly. Wright shares his accidental entry into packaging, the chaotic challenges he faced, and the groundbreaking idea of creating spec books. The conversation covers sustainability's shift from voluntary to mandatory regulations, the critical role of data, and the significance of AI and actionable intelligence in supply chains. Wright emphasizes the importance of industry collaboration, academia involvement, and continuous learning. The episode concludes with the announcement of a new podcast, Beyond Packaging, co-hosted by Wright and Foti, aimed at exploring the intersections of packaging, technology, sustainability, and innovation. That podcast is scheduled to launch April, 15, 2025. Stay tuned for more information!You can connect with Matthew on LinkedIn here. Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. You can learn more here and request a demo.To listen to other Beyond the Shelf episodes, click here.

In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti is joined by Cory Connors and Brodie Vander Dussen, hosts of the Sustainable Packaging Podcast live from the Specification Management Summit, presented by Specright.The group discusses the significance of Spec Summit in showcasing Specright’s innovations and its impact on Specification Management. The conversation highlights how digitizing specs can streamline processes, improve sustainability efforts, and enhance collaboration across packaging and product development teams. Brodie shares insights from a panel she moderated on dedicated spec management roles, while Cory emphasizes the urgency of data readiness for new regulations like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The hosts reflect on the annual event's community spirit, learning opportunities, and success stories from companies using Specright to save time and reduce errors. You can connect with Cory and Brodie on LinkedIn and follow their podcast here.Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. To learn more and request a demo, click here.To listen to previous Beyond the Shelf podcast episodes, click here.

In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Shelia Millar, of Keller and Heckman LLC. Sheila leads Keller and Heckman’s consumer protection regulatory practices and brings deep experience to a range of public policy and regulatory matters, including advertising and promotions, sustainability and environmental claims, connected products, privacy, cybersecurity, and product safety. She counsels United States (U.S.) and international businesses on compliance questions and processes, represents them in regulatory enforcement matters, and advocates on their behalf before federal and state legislative and regulatory bodies.In this episode, Sheila highlights the challenges companies face with inconsistent regulations and emphasizes the importance of substantiating advertising claims to avoid allegations of greenwashing. Sheila advises companies to leverage trade associations for information tracking and emphasizes the need for data collection and continuous monitoring in making sustainable claims. The conversation touches on extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, packaging regulations, consumer education, and the complexities of balancing environmental goals with practical considerations like food safety. You can connect with Sheila at millar@khlaw.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management software. To learn more or request a demo, click here.To listen to other Beyond the Shelf episodes, click here.

In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Kitty Dowgert, Senior Manager of Specification Program at Taylor Farms, about making data-driven decisions for product development and more sustainable packaging.To connect with Kitty on LinkedIn, click here.To learn more about Taylor Farms, click here.Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management. Click here to learn more or request a demo.To listen to previous episodes of Beyond the Shelf, click here.

In this episode of Beyond the Shelf: The Product & Packaging Podcast, Laura Foti chats with Paul Nowak, Executive Director of GreenBlue, about the organization's efforts in advancing sustainable practices through education and collaboration. Paul shares insights on GreenBlue's mission to accelerate a just and sustainable materials economy, highlighting their key programs like Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) and How2Recycle. He discusses the challenges and opportunities posed by Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, emphasizing the importance of managing packaging data for compliance. Paul also touches on future trends in packaging sustainability, such as paperization and advanced recycling technologies. Additionally, he underscores the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in driving innovative solutions for sustainability challenges. The conversation concludes with Paul's advice to choose courage over fear and take actionable steps towards sustainability goals while leveraging strategic partnerships.To learn more about GreenBlue and its programs, click here or connect with Paul on LinkedIn.Beyond the Shelf is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management, to learn more or request a demo, click here.To listen to preview Beyond the Shelf podcast episodes, click here.