Econo-Pak Contract Food Packaging Podcast

Today we are introducing the newest member of our Sales and Marketing team and giving you a look at the exciting updates happening behind the scenes. From fresh initiatives to how this new role will help strengthen the customer experience, this episode highlights where we are headed and how we continue to grow.

Whether you are a current partner or exploring co-packing solutions, this is a great way to see the team energy and innovation driving Econo-Pak forward!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• What Olivia had learned so far.
• How we help our clients based on what we specialize in. 
• We review some of the systems that we have in place, a brief conversation about our facility, and shout out some helpful coworkers that showed Olivia around.
• Review of some of our automated equipment. 
• New marketing material that will be launching.

EPISODE BREAKDOWN
00:00-1:06 - Introductions

1:07-1:50 – Olivia’s New Learnings

1:51-2:30 Assisting Clients/ How we do it 

2:31-3:35 Systems, Facility, and helpful coworkers 

2:36-4:42 Equipment and specialties 

4:43-7:15 New Marketing Material 

7:16-8:10 Conclusion 

Econo-Pak is your source for contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing services for all dry food products. Our highly-automated facility of 200+ machines and 800+ production workers is set up to help you scale your product into new markets.

Follow us on social media:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Podcast

Visit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

At Econo-Pak, interns don’t just watch from the sidelines, they help shape the business. In this episode, we sit down with Dylan Olson, who joined as an intern and quickly became a valuable part of the team. From building data dashboards executives use daily to sitting in on high-level meetings, Dylan shares what it’s really like to intern at a mid-sized company like Econo-Pak where your work truly makes an impact.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Why interns at Econo-Pak are trusted with real-life projects that make a lasting impact
• How Dylan built Power BI dashboards, an attainment tracker, and a truckload capacity calculator that the team still uses today
• The unique benefits of interning at a mid-sized company like Econo-Pak  vs. a large corporation
• How presenting to executives builds confidence and communication skills
• Dylan’s best advice for future interns

EPISODE BREAKDOWN
00:00 - 2:29 Dylan's Internship Journey
2:30 - 5:44 Dylan's Data Projects and Tools
5:45 - 9:14 Benefits of Being an Intern at Econo-Pak
9:15 - 12:30 Learning and Growth Opportunities at Econo-Pak
12:31 - 12:44 Dylan's Advice for Future Interns 

Econo-Pak is your source for contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing services for all dry food products. Our highly-automated facility of 200+ machines and 800+ production workers is set up to help you scale your product into new markets.

Follow us on social media:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Podcast

Visit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

In this episode of the Econo-Pak Contract Food Packaging Podcast, Sarah, Mike, and Tim break down Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), why it’s such an important part of supply chain management, and how this improvement in our process directly benefits businesses like yours. They explain how VMI ensures a reliable packaging supply at Econo-Pak, which translates into better pricing for customers, the ability to meet demand quickly without delays, and helping food products get to shelves on time.

The team also explores how Econo-Pak’s just-in-time production and strong supplier relationships allow us to stay efficient, flexible, and responsive to changing market conditions.

If you’re a business looking to partner with a food packaging company, this episode will give you a clear picture of how Econo-Pak continues to improve operations to provide smoother, more reliable, and ultimately more valuable solutions for your success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is a proven strategy that makes inventory management smarter and more efficient.
• Strong supplier partnerships are the foundation of successful VMI programs.
• At Econo-Pak, VMI ensures a reliable packaging supply, which translates into better pricing and consistent service for customers.
• By combining just-in-time manufacturing with trusted supplier relationships, Econo-Pak maintains both efficiency and flexibility.

EPISODE BREAKDOWN

00:00 - 02:17 What is Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)?
02:18 - 05:33 Benefits and Challenges of VMI
05:34 - 07:58 Just-in-Time Manufacturing and Supplier Relationships

Econo-Pak is your source for contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing services for all dry food products. Our highly-automated facility of 200+ machines and 800+ production workers is set up to help you scale your product into new markets.

Follow us on social media:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Podcast

Visit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

In this episode, Sarah and Mike are joined by Tim Shay, Director of Procurement at Econo-Pak, to explore how Econo-Pak is helping food brands navigate the future of sustainable packaging and prepare for the growing wave of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws.

Currently adopted in five states and with more on the horizon, these regulations shift the cost and responsibility of packaging waste back onto the manufacturers. Tim breaks down what EPR really means, the cost considerations for sustainable packaging, and the technical challenges of switching to materials like PCR (post-consumer recycled content).

We also dive into how Econo-Pak is partnering with suppliers, learning alongside clients, and building a Learning Center to share knowledge that can help food businesses make smart, sustainable choices.

From sustainable packaging options and cost-effective strategies to navigating complex compliance requirements, Econo-Pak is building the tools, partnerships, and know-how to help food brands meet the demands of today’s evolving sustainability landscape and stay ahead of tomorrow’s regulations.

If you're building your food brand’s sustainability strategy or looking to strengthen it, this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward confidently!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• What EPR means for CPG and food brands
• Why now is the time to plan, test, and evolve your packaging strategy
• Overcoming challenges in recyclability, printing, and barrier design
• Industry collaboration is key, especially when it comes to sourcing and testing new materials
• Aesthetics in packaging must balance sustainability and marketability
• The Econo-Pak Learning Center is being developed as a go-to hub for education, resources, and sustainability support
  
  

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - 07:21 What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
07:22 - 12:42 Tackling Challenges in Sustainable Packaging
12:43 - 14:44 Data, Compliance & Storytelling
14:45 - 16:51 Inside the Econo-Pak Learning Center

Econo-Pak is your source for contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing services for all dry food products. Our highly-automated facility of 200+ machines and 800+ production workers is set up to help you scale your product into new markets.

Follow us on social media:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Podcast

Visit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

Welcome to the very first episode of our newly improved podcast! In this kickoff, our hosts, Sarah Richter and Mike Mead, sit down to share behind-the-scenes updates on the exciting changes to the podcast setup—better equipment, a smoother production flow, and upgraded audio and video quality.

They also introduce a brand-new Learning Center, designed to provide valuable, centralized resources for anyone in the food packaging industry. From innovative solutions to regulatory compliance, this episode lays the foundation for what's to come.

With an emphasis on client feedback, adaptability, and a passion for continuous learning, our hosts reflect on the podcast’s growth and invite listeners to be part of the journey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• We've upgraded our podcast setup for a more polished and engaging experience.
• Listener feedback has played a key role in how we improve and grow.
• Our new Learning Center will make expert guidance and industry knowledge more accessible than ever.
• Econo-Pak offers a wide range of packaging solutions tailored to evolving client needs. We handle a wide range of product types, including foods, vitamins, powders, drink mixes, baby products, and much more.
• Regulatory compliance remains a major focus, and future episodes will continue to explore it in depth.
• We’re committed to providing real value to those navigating the food packaging space.
  
  

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Podcast Setup & Equipment Upgrades
02:31 – Launching the Learning Center
04:51 – Packaging Solutions That Evolve With Market Needs
06:59 – Community Growth & What’s Ahead

Econo-Pak is your source for contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing services for all dry food products. Our highly-automated facility of 200+ machines and 800+ production workers is set up to help you scale your product into new markets.

Follow us on social media:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Podcast

Visit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

In this episode of the Econo-Pak Contract Food Packaging Podcast, Sarah sits down with Tim, our Director of Procurement, to explore how strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, and packaging choices can impact your food brand's bottom line.

Learn how our procurement team supports high-volume food packaging projects, from sourcing film, cartons, and pallets to helping brands meet sustainability goals and retail requirements like Costco. We also share how Econo-Pak’s fixed-cost pricing model simplifies budgeting while driving efficiency.

Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:09 Tim’s background in procurement
1:06 How Econo-Pak offers turnkey procurement solutions
2:01 Packaging material selection and cost-saving evaluations
3:46 Comparing folding carton types and production efficiencies
5:28 The impact of packaging on consumer decision-making
6:31 Aligning packaging with customer goals and fixed-cost pricing
7:13 Sustainability in packaging and upcoming regulations
8:25 Navigating retailer requirements like Costco’s packaging standards
9:36 How fixed-cost pricing covers packaging, labor, and efficiencies
10:25 Supplier vetting and preferred networks
11:23 Commodity market awareness and raw material forecasting
12:16 Closing thoughts

Econo-Pak is your source for contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing services for all dry food products. Our highly-automated facility of 200+ machines and 800+ production workers is set up to help you scale your product into new markets.

Follow us on social media:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Podcast

Visit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

Econo-Pak Maintenance Manager Jared Ellsworth joins us to talk about how flexible equipment setups, smart automation, and quick changeovers allow our team to help clients scale into new retail formats with ease.

Timestamps
0:00 - 0:25 Introduction: Equipment flexibility in contract packaging  
0:26 - 1:10 What makes packaging equipment flexible?  
1:11 - 2:05 Starting manual and scaling into automation  
2:06 - 2:48 How Econo-Pak shortens lead times for co-packing  
2:49 - 3:30 Building efficiency and reducing cost for high-volume clients  
3:31 - 4:15 Managing rapid changeovers across three shifts  
4:16 - 5:10 Preventing cross-contamination and staying audit-ready  
5:11 - 6:00 How shift communication supports seamless transitions  
6:01 - 6:45 Scaling into variety packs, club store formats, and custom cartons  
6:46 - 7:25 Why flexibility is key for co-packing success  
7:26 - 7:45 Conclusion

Econo-Pak is your source for contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing services for all dry food products. Our highly-automated facility of 200+ machines and 800+ production workers is set up to help you scale your product into new markets.

Follow us on social media:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Podcast

Visit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

How do food brands choose the right packaging equipment? In this episode, we break down the difference between universal and dedicated equipment and how Econo-Pak’s flexible approach helps brands test, scale, and optimize their packaging.

With over 200 types of packaging equipment, Econo-Pak provides food brands the ability to explore different packaging formats without massive upfront investments. Learn how universal equipment supports market testing and why transitioning to dedicated machinery can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline operations as brands grow.

We also discuss: ✅ Why retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Amazon require different packaging sizes
✅ How packaging flexibility helps brands enter new market segments
✅ A real-world example of a pretzel brand optimizing its packaging for efficiency and market success

📩 Need a co-packing partner with scalable solutions? Contact Econo-Pak today: www.econo-pak.com

🔔 Subscribe for more insights on contract packaging, food industry trends, and supply chain strategies!

Timestamps
0:00 - 0:10 Introduction & topic overview  
0:11 - 0:26 Why equipment matters in co-packing  
0:27 - 1:21 Universal vs. dedicated equipment explained  
1:22 - 2:45 How Econo-Pak helps brands test packaging formats  
2:46 - 3:59 Why retailers like Walmart & Costco require different packaging  
4:00 - 4:52 How exclusivity affects packaging choices for big retailers  
4:53 - 5:27 Real-world example: Optimizing pretzel packaging  
5:28 - 6:30 How Econo-Pak scales brands with flexible solutions  
6:31 - 6:36 Closing thoughts

Econo-Pak is your source for contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing services for all dry food products. Our highly-automated facility of 200+ machines and 800+ production workers is set up to help you scale your product into new markets.

Follow us on social media:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Podcast

Visit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

In this episode of the Econo-Pak Contract Food Packaging Podcast, Sarah Richter sits down with Project Manager Johnny Montana and GM Mike Mead to discuss the importance of SOP3 (Standard Operating Procedure Form 3) in ensuring food safety, quality, and seamless production.

Discover how SOP3:

- Captures essential details for new and existing projects.
- Supports quality assurance, customer service, and production teams.
- Helps clients meet their unique packaging needs across various styles like bagging, blending, and seasoning.
- Enhances collaboration between Econo-Pak and its partners for accurate, efficient, and safe production.

If you're curious about how SOP3 contributes to food safety as part of our SQF Level 3 certification or want insight into our co-packing process, this episode is for you!

Timestamps
0:00 - 0:12 Introduction to SOP3
0:13 - 0:40 What is SOP3?
0:41 - 1:27 How SOP3 ensures quality and food safety
1:28 - 2:01 How SOP3 involves multiple departments
2:02 - 2:45 What information does SOP3 capture?
2:46 - 3:47 Why clients should fill out SOP3 carefully
3:48 - 4:21 Customizing SOP3 for unique client needs
4:22 - 4:53 SOP3 for various packaging styles
4:54 - 5:39 When is SOP3 completed in the process?
5:40 - 5:52 SOPs across all projects
5:53 - 5:58 Econo-Pak’s SQF Level 3 certification
5:59 - 6:10 Conclusion

Econo-Pak is your source for contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing services for all dry food products. Our highly-automated facility of 200+ machines and 800+ production workers is set up to help you scale your product into new markets.

Follow us on social media:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Podcast

Visit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

In this episode, John Mellage, CFO of Econo-Pak, shares his transition from a 25-year career in public accounting to joining one of the leading family-owned co-packers in the industry. Discover how Econo-Pak’s dynamic work culture, strategic planning, and fixed-cost pricing model have made a difference for both employees and clients. John discusses the importance of building lasting client relationships, fostering team collaboration, and creating an environment where growth is nurtured from the top down. Tune in to hear his unique perspective on what drives success in contract food packaging.

Timestamps:
00:00-00:03 – Introduction
00:04-01:08 – John's background in public accounting
01:09-01:50 – Why John chose Econo-Pak
01:51-02:36 – The culture and energy at Econo-Pak
02:37-03:47 – What makes a company successful
03:48-05:09 – Planning and communication at Econo-Pak
05:10-06:33 – How Econo-Pak helps clients grow
06:34-08:12 – Strategic partnerships and building relationships
08:13-10:02 – The importance of Econo-Pak’s fixed-cost model
10:03-10:58 – Fixed-cost model benefits for clients
10:59-11:06 – Closing remarks

Econo-Pak is your source for contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing services for all dry food products. Our highly-automated facility of 200+ machines and 800+ production workers is set up to help you scale your product into new markets.

Follow us on social media:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Podcast

Visit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.