Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share #245 – Kacie Freeberg | The Power of Returnable Packaging in Automotive Manufacturing
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
#245 – Kacie Freeberg | The Power of Returnable Packaging in Automotive Manufacturing
In this episode of Building Better with Brandon Bartneck, Kacie Freeberg, a leader in automotive returnable packaging, joins the conversation to discuss the critical role of sustainable packaging solutions in the supply chain. Kacie is Senior Director, Industrial at ORBIS Corporation. With a deep understanding of returnable packaging, Kacie shares insights on how it drives cost savings, reduces waste, and enhances sustainability in automotive manufacturing.
The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and clear communication in achieving continuous improvement. Kacie also provides valuable perspectives on supplier relationships, career development, and the innovations shaping the future of automotive packaging and manufacturing automation.
About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.
About ORBIS Corporation: Menasha Corporation, ORBIS’ parent company, celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2024. With 175 years of material handling expertise and 70 years of plastics innovations, ORBIS helps world-class customers move their products faster, safer, and more cost-effectively with reusable totes, pallets, containers, dunnage, and racks. Using a proven approach, ORBIS experts analyze customers’ systems, design solutions, and execute reusable packaging programs to create a more sustainable supply chain for their business. ORBIS uses packaging life-cycle assessments to provide directional guidance on environmental impact data, helping customers make informed decisions on the benefits of reusable vs. single-use packaging to achieve longer-term cost savings while minimizing their overall environmental impact. As a steward of sustainability, ORBIS is committed to a better world for future generations. ORBIS is a part of Menasha Corporation, one of the oldest family-owned manufacturers in the United States. Headquartered in Oconomowoc, ORBIS has more than 3,300 employees and almost 50 locations throughout North America and Europe.
Key Takeaways:
Returnable packaging is a sustainable alternative to expendable packaging.
It increases pack density, reduces waste, and drives cost savings.
Achieving sustainability goals requires collaboration across the supply chain.
Clear problem definition is essential for effective problem-solving.
Continuous improvement is key in automotive manufacturing.
Ergonomics and safety must be prioritized in packaging design.
Change management plays a crucial role in implementing new packaging strategies.
Using real-world examples helps demonstrate successful collaboration.
Effective communication strengthens supplier relationships and team dynamics.
A continuous improvement mindset can be cultivated through coaching.
Common language within teams is essential for long-term success.
Supplier relationships are crucial for problem-solving and innovation.
Automation is reshaping the role of packaging in modern manufacturing.
Hands-on manufacturing experience provides valuable learning opportunities.
Embracing challenges fosters career growth and leadership development.
Chapters:
Introduction to Returnable Packaging
Understanding the Scale of Impact
Driving Continuous Improvement
Personal Insights on Problem Solving
Building a Common Language for Team Success
Innovations in Automotive: Cost Savings and Sustainability
Navigating Complex Systems in Manufacturing
Embracing Challenges for Career Growth
About the Guest:
Kacie Freeberg is an expert in returnable packaging and supply chain efficiency, helping automotive manufacturers implement sustainable, cost-effective solutions. She brings extensive industry experience in collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement strategies that drive meaningful impact within organizations.
Links & Resources:
Learn more about Kacie Freeberg: LinkedIn
Learn more about ORBIS Corporation: ORBIS Website
Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/kaciefreeberg
Connect with Building Better:
Follow the podcast for more inspiring conversations:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts
View all episodes
By Brandon Bartneck
5
1919 ratings
In this episode of Building Better with Brandon Bartneck, Kacie Freeberg, a leader in automotive returnable packaging, joins the conversation to discuss the critical role of sustainable packaging solutions in the supply chain. Kacie is Senior Director, Industrial at ORBIS Corporation. With a deep understanding of returnable packaging, Kacie shares insights on how it drives cost savings, reduces waste, and enhances sustainability in automotive manufacturing.
The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and clear communication in achieving continuous improvement. Kacie also provides valuable perspectives on supplier relationships, career development, and the innovations shaping the future of automotive packaging and manufacturing automation.
About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.
About ORBIS Corporation: Menasha Corporation, ORBIS’ parent company, celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2024. With 175 years of material handling expertise and 70 years of plastics innovations, ORBIS helps world-class customers move their products faster, safer, and more cost-effectively with reusable totes, pallets, containers, dunnage, and racks. Using a proven approach, ORBIS experts analyze customers’ systems, design solutions, and execute reusable packaging programs to create a more sustainable supply chain for their business. ORBIS uses packaging life-cycle assessments to provide directional guidance on environmental impact data, helping customers make informed decisions on the benefits of reusable vs. single-use packaging to achieve longer-term cost savings while minimizing their overall environmental impact. As a steward of sustainability, ORBIS is committed to a better world for future generations. ORBIS is a part of Menasha Corporation, one of the oldest family-owned manufacturers in the United States. Headquartered in Oconomowoc, ORBIS has more than 3,300 employees and almost 50 locations throughout North America and Europe.
Key Takeaways:
Returnable packaging is a sustainable alternative to expendable packaging.
It increases pack density, reduces waste, and drives cost savings.
Achieving sustainability goals requires collaboration across the supply chain.
Clear problem definition is essential for effective problem-solving.
Continuous improvement is key in automotive manufacturing.
Ergonomics and safety must be prioritized in packaging design.
Change management plays a crucial role in implementing new packaging strategies.
Using real-world examples helps demonstrate successful collaboration.
Effective communication strengthens supplier relationships and team dynamics.
A continuous improvement mindset can be cultivated through coaching.
Common language within teams is essential for long-term success.
Supplier relationships are crucial for problem-solving and innovation.
Automation is reshaping the role of packaging in modern manufacturing.
Hands-on manufacturing experience provides valuable learning opportunities.
Embracing challenges fosters career growth and leadership development.
Chapters:
Introduction to Returnable Packaging
Understanding the Scale of Impact
Driving Continuous Improvement
Personal Insights on Problem Solving
Building a Common Language for Team Success
Innovations in Automotive: Cost Savings and Sustainability
Navigating Complex Systems in Manufacturing
Embracing Challenges for Career Growth
About the Guest:
Kacie Freeberg is an expert in returnable packaging and supply chain efficiency, helping automotive manufacturers implement sustainable, cost-effective solutions. She brings extensive industry experience in collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement strategies that drive meaningful impact within organizations.
Links & Resources:
Learn more about Kacie Freeberg: LinkedIn
Learn more about ORBIS Corporation: ORBIS Website
Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/kaciefreeberg
Connect with Building Better:
Follow the podcast for more inspiring conversations:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts
More shows like Building Better with Brandon Bartneck
View all
The Daily
112,814 Listeners
Automotive News Daily Drive
96 Listeners
Everything About Hydrogen
81 Listeners
The Ezra Klein Show
14,859 Listeners
Out of Spec Podcast
103 Listeners
Catalyst with Shayle Kann
255 Listeners
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
17,937 Listeners
Batteries Included
132 Listeners
Open Circuit
112 Listeners