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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 The discussion then transitions to contemporary issues, emphasizing the continued reliance on outdated methods—such as Excel, shared drives, and email—for managing complex product spec data.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 LinkedIn
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