The Strategic Packaging Podcast

EPR compliance is a cost — there’s no ROI to the program on its own. But the packaging data companies are required to gather to comply with it? That’s where the opportunity begins.

In this episode, Jessie Schwartz, President of Strategic Packaging Partners, joins the conversation to unpack what’s actually happening with Extended Producer Responsibility right now: why so many companies still don’t know where their packaging data lives, why “sustainable” is one of the most poorly defined words in the industry, and why companies should think beyond simply submitting an EPR report.

After a career at General Mills, Jessie founded Strategic Packaging Partners, a packaging engineering and EPR reporting company that gives brands flexible access to experienced packaging engineers. Today, the company is focused on helping clients take the data being collected for EPR and turn it into an actionable packaging cost-savings pipeline.

Because once you know what packaging you have, how much of it you use, what it’s made from, and what it costs, that information can do much more than satisfy a reporting requirement. It can help identify material reductions, specification changes, design improvements, sourcing opportunities, and other packaging optimization projects that can deliver measurable savings.

Jessie also shares the thinking behind Pack-IQ, a platform designed to bring structure to fragmented packaging data and help companies move from compliance to analysis, optimization, and execution.

The bigger idea: EPR may force companies to finally organize their packaging data — but the winners will be the companies that actually do something with it.

In this episode:

• (0:29) Lavazza's zero-packaging coffee pod
• (2:53) California's SB54 EPR lawsuit and the Oregon precedent
• (5:24) Introducing Jessie Schwartz, President of Strategic Packaging Partners
• (6:03) From packaging engineer at General Mills to founder
• (7:19) The core EPR challenge: where does the data even live?
• (8:14) What does "sustainable" actually mean?
• (10:53) Why companies are still catching up on EPR basics
• (13:07) Turning compliance data into a cost-savings pipeline
• (14:24) The real adoption barrier: culture, not tech
• (17:00) Why no one has all the answers — and why that's okay
• (18:55) Off-the-Shelf: a 1987 expandable drink concentrate bottle
• (23:04) Closing thoughts

This episode originally aired on the Beyond Packaging podcast, hosted by Laura Foti and Matthew Wright.

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Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 
Jessie Schwartz - [email protected]

EPR reporting isn't just a regulatory box to check — it's the most complete packaging data set most companies have ever had. In this episode, packaging engineers Jessica Schwartz and Eric Abraham break down how brands are turning EPR compliance data into real business strategy: cost reduction, supplier RFPs, material redesign, and innovation roadmaps.

Topics covered: the historical gaps in packaging data, building a single source of truth, EPR as a cross-functional governance challenge, the recyclable film innovation curve, why the regulatory clock is outpacing packaging development cycles, and how brands like Target are using packaging redesign as a competitive edge.

If your organization is still managing EPR in disconnected spreadsheets — or you're not sure your source reduction plan is where it needs to be — this conversation lays out the playbook for moving from reactive compliance to strategic packaging decisions.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Beyond Compliance, meet Jessen & Eric
00:57 – Why packaging data has historically been a mess
02:29 – Eric's binder-and-specnum days at Nestlé (the "before EPR" era)
04:09 – The "Build It Once, Use It Everywhere" framework
06:01 – Two ways companies are handling EPR today (static spreadsheets vs. living data)
06:56 – Harmonizing data into a single source of truth
12:37 – EPR as a cross-department governance problem
14:19 – Recyclable films, runnability, and the innovation curve
16:22 – Why the regulatory clock outruns the packaging development clock
22:01 – Real-world example: Target's shelf disruption & on-pack innovation
22:59 – Reformulation as your packaging redesign "moment of truth"
25:06 – Early adopters vs. EPR fatigue — flipping the mindset
26:38 – EPR as a competitive advantage, not a government takeover
28:01 – PPWR deadline & why compliance is the next big expansion
29:00 – How to get help organizing your EPR data
29:37 – Sign-off

#EPR #PackagingData #Sustainability #PPWR #PackagingEngineering #CircularEconomy

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Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 
Jessie Schwartz - [email protected]

Join Jesse Schwartz (Founder of Strategic Packaging Partners) and Eric (EPR and packaging expert) as they break down the complex, fast-moving landscape of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and packaging sustainability.

Whether you’re navigating California's SB 54 and SB 343 legislation, trying to decipher truth-in-labeling laws, or figuring out how to reduce plastic packaging by 25%, we've got you covered. From the red pencil strategy to actionable compliance steps, we explore the 5 Pathways to Source Reduction:

1. Elimination: Removing unnecessary packaging components entirely.
2. Right-Sizing: Eliminating unused headspace and excess volume.
3. Lightweighting: Down-gauging and optimizing structural design.
4. Reusable/Refillable Models: Shifting away from single-use plastics.
5. Format Shifting: Transitioning to widely recyclable or compostable materials.

Each episode bridges the gap between regulatory pressure and practical engineering. We discuss how brand owners, producers, and packaging suppliers can transform compliance mandates into bottom-line cost savings and sustainable brand loyalty.

Tune in to discover how to turn packaging data into your brand’s ultimate competitive advantage!

About Strategic Packaging Partners

Strategic Packaging Partners helps CPG companies solve complex packaging challenges through packaging engineering, EPR consulting, sustainability strategy, commercialization support, and packaging optimization.

Get Ready for SB 54
Source Reduction Readiness Workshop™
A 90-Minute Facilitated Session to Help You Assess Where You Stand and What Comes Next https://strategicpackagingpartners.com/source-reduction-readiness-workshop

Learn more:

https://strategicpackagingpartners.com

Connect with Jessie Schwartz:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-schwartz-62094416/

Connect with Eric Abraham:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdanielabraham/

#PackagingEngineering #EPR #SB54 #SB343 #Sustainability #CPG #Packaging #PackagingDesign #CircularEconomy #Recyclability #FoodPackaging

#ConsumerPackagedGoods

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

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com

Jessie Schwartz - [email protected]

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

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 
Jessie Schwartz - [email protected]

# SB 54, SB 343 & the Reality of "Recyclable" Packaging 

California's packaging regulations are creating new challenges for CPG brands, especially when it comes to recyclability claims, EPR compliance, and packaging portfolio decisions.

In this discussion, Strategic Packaging Partners' Jessie Schwartz is joined by Eric Abraham to break down what companies need to know about California SB 54, SB 343, and the growing scrutiny around "recyclable" packaging claims.

Whether you're responsible for packaging, sustainability, regulatory compliance, or product development, this conversation will help you better understand the risks, requirements, and practical considerations shaping packaging decisions today.

Show Agenda

✅ What California SB 54 actually requires
✅ How SB 343 changes the rules around chasing arrows and recyclability claims
✅ Why "technically recyclable" may still create compliance risk
✅ Packaging formats most exposed to future compliance challenges
✅ Timeline realities: what's happening now versus what's coming next
✅ How brands are quietly adjusting packaging portfolios behind the scenes

About Strategic Packaging Partners

Strategic Packaging Partners helps CPG companies solve complex packaging challenges through packaging engineering, EPR consulting, sustainability strategy, commercialization support, and packaging optimization.

Learn more:
https://strategicpackagingpartners.com

Connect with Jessie Schwartz:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-schwartz-62094416/

Connect with Eric Abraham:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdanielabraham/

#PackagingEngineering #EPR #SB54 #SB343 #Sustainability #CPG #Packaging #PackagingDesign #CircularEconomy #Recyclability #FoodPackaging #ConsumerPackagedGoods

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

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 
Jessie Schwartz - [email protected]

5 Pathways to Source Reduction: How to Turn Compliance Pressure into Better Packaging Decisions

California's SB 54 regulations are changing how CPG companies think about packaging, source reduction, and EPR compliance. But where should packaging teams begin?

Jessie Schwartz, President of Strategic Packaging Partners, is joined by Eric Abraham, EPR expert, to discuss practical approaches to source reduction that go beyond compliance and help organizations make better packaging decisions.

Together, they explore five proven pathways that packaging engineers and sustainability teams can use to reduce material, lower business risk, and prepare for evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements.

In this training, you'll learn:
• Why source reduction has become a business priority under California's SB 54
• The five practical pathways to source reduction:

1. Eliminate unnecessary packaging
2. Right-size packaging
3. Lightweight materials
4. Reuse & refill systems
5. Format and material shifts

• How to evaluate tradeoffs between sustainability, performance, cost, and consumer experience
• Common mistakes companies make when pursuing source reduction
• How packaging decisions may impact future EPR fees, compliance costs, and business risk
• A practical framework for prioritizing source reduction opportunities across your packaging portfolio

Whether you're a packaging engineer, sustainability leader, regulatory professional, or CPG decision-maker, this session provides practical guidance for turning compliance pressure into smarter packaging decisions.

About Strategic Packaging Partners

Strategic Packaging Partners helps CPG companies solve complex packaging challenges through packaging engineering, EPR consulting, sustainability strategy, commercialization support, and packaging optimization.
www.strategicpackagingpartners.com

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

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 
Jessie Schwartz - [email protected]

**📋 FREE GUIDE: Crush Rework Chaos**
Bring your team together to eliminate unplanned rework with our step-by-step guide. 

👉 **Download it now:** https://strategicpackagingpartners.com/crush-rework-chaos

In this episode of The Packaging Therapist, we dig into rework—what it is, why it happens, and what you can do about it. From quality risks to cost impact to prevention strategies, we cover everything packaging and operations leaders need to know to turn rework from a daily headache into a rare exception.

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### ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introduction  
0:16 – What is Rework? Defining planned vs. unplanned  
1:24 – Quality Risks: Where rework introduces safety & spec gaps  
4:50 – Building Quality Into Your Line (weight checks, code dates, fiber tear)  
5:35 – Real-World Story: The 6-hour timestamp gap  
7:05 – Refeed vs. Rework: When rejects can still be saved  
8:27 – When Packaging Goes Down: All-hands scenarios  
9:19 – The Accumulation/Surge Debate  
10:52 – Material Changes: Why "same spec" doesn't mean same results  
13:00 – Coefficient of Friction & Environmental Variables  
14:27 – Setup Sheets & Preventive Maintenance  
16:51 – Tracking Rework: OEE, shift reports & data signals  
17:58 – Speak Finance: Putting a dollar figure on rework  
20:14 – SKU Rationalization: The true cost of complexity  
23:00 – Scrap Rate & Overuse: The 100 pounds in, 98 pounds out reality  
24:46 – How Rework Shows Up in OEE  
26:44 – Root Cause Analysis & The 5 Whys  
29:21 – The Value of Your Quality & Food Safety Team  
31:05 – Creating a Positive Shift Culture  
33:00 – Cross-Functional Alignment: Packaging meets upstream processing  
35:21 – Key Takeaways & Wrap-Up  

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### 🎙️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

**Jessie Schwartz**  
CEO, Strategic Packaging Partners  

Jessie is the CEO of Strategic Packaging Partners, a consulting firm that helps food and beverage manufacturers bridge the gaps between procurement, operations, and packaging engineering. With experience including packaging roles at Target and work with companies ranging from PepsiCo to mid-size food manufacturers, Jessie specializes in cutting through organizational silos and packaging industry complexity to help companies make practical decisions. Her approach focuses on identifying costly blind spots and facilitating the cross-functional collaboration needed to implement packaging solutions that work in the real world—not just in press releases.
https://strategicpackagingpartners.com

**Tom Hammann**  
Food Manufacturing Operations Expert

Tom brings over 9 years of food manufacturing leadership experience spanning plant operations, corporate strategy, and continuous improvement. He has held roles including Production & Logistics Team Leader, Business Unit Manager, Operations Manager, and Operations Business Manager at major CPG companies. Tom has facilitated 50+ Value Stream Mapping events and led 100+ cost savings initiatives across internal plants, contract manufacturers, and supplier facilities. His hands-on approach—walking the floor, quantifying waste in dollars, and building quality into manufacturing systems—makes him a trusted resource for tackling operational challenges like rework, scrap reduction, and capacity improvement.

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### 📌 TOPICS COVERED

#PackagingEngineering #FoodManufacturing #Rework #OEE #QualityControl #FoodSafety #ContinuousImprovement #ManufacturingOps #PackagingTherapist #SupplyChain #CPG

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

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 
Jessie Schwartz - [email protected]

This is a follow-up Q&A session from an IOPP (Institute of Packaging Professionals) webinar featuring Daniel Peretz, Kelly Williams, and moderator Jessie Schwartz. 

The discussion addresses questions about sustainable packaging, focusing on bioplastics (particularly PLA), compostability challenges, recycling infrastructure, and the integration of recycled content. 

Key themes include the practical limitations of different composting methods, the challenges of replacing fossil-based plastics with sustainable alternatives, consumer education needs, and the importance of setting realistic recycling goals. 

The conversation emphasizes that while material science has advanced significantly, infrastructure and market adoption remain major barriers to widespread sustainable packaging solutions.

Questions Discussed
PLA Compostability: Does PLA break down in windrow compost facilities or home composting, and how do bench chemistry tests correlate with real-world compostability?

Fish Box Alternatives: What are alternative options for fish boxes to meet refrigeration requirements while using sustainable materials?

Recycling Infrastructure: Why don't more establishments (like fast-food restaurants) have recycling bins despite making sustainability claims?
Consumer Confusion: How can the packaging industry address the confusion consumers face with inconsistent recycling labeling and instructions?

Pilot Programs for Recycled Content: What pilot programs exist for integrating recycled content, and what approaches are proving successful?
Attainable Sustainability Goals: How should brands approach recycled content commitments to make them realistic and achievable?

Small vs. Large Scale Partnerships: Do brands need to partner with companies of similar scale, or can smaller companies effectively support sustainability initiatives?

About the Expert Panel:
Jessie Schwartz, Moderator is the CEO of Strategic Packaging Partners, a consulting firm that helps food and beverage manufacturers bridge the gaps between procurement, operations, and packaging engineering. With experience including packaging roles at Target and work with companies ranging from PepsiCo to mid-size food manufacturers, Jessie specializes in cutting through organizational silos and packaging industry complexity to help companies make practical decisions. She's currently helping numerous brands navigate EPR reporting requirements and has firsthand visibility into how sustainability mandates translate (or fail to translate) into actual operational changes. Her approach focuses on identifying costly blind spots and facilitating the cross-functional collaboration needed to implement packaging solutions that work in the real world—not just in press releases.

Daniel Peretz is a resin distributor at NextGen Polymers who works across both virgin and post-consumer recycled materials. His unique position provides unfiltered visibility into market dynamics, supply challenges, and the gap between corporate sustainability announcements and actual purchase orders. He's invested in recycling infrastructure and works with major brands on implementation pilots.

Kelly Williams is an independent compostable films consultant with over a decade in the industry, including work with Elevate and Earth First. He's partnered with converters on cutting-edge projects, experienced major market disruptions, and currently develops practical compostable structures designed for commercial scale.

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

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 
Jessie Schwartz - [email protected]

Turn EPR Compliance Into Your Competitive Advantage | Data-Driven Packaging Strategy for Food & Beverage

Is your packaging strategy ready for the EPR wave hitting the US? While most companies see Extended Producer Responsibility as just another compliance burden, smart R&D and packaging leaders are using EPR data requirements to drive real business value.

In this conversation, sustainability expert Ali Uribe (Founder at Co2ral) talks with Jessie Schwartz (Founder and CEO at Strategic Packaging Partners) where they break down how the same data you need for EPR compliance in Oregon, Colorado, and California can power your carbon calculations, lifecycle assessments, and product innovation decisions. Learn why companies like IKEA reduced glue usage by 70% and cut 3% of their scope 3 emissions just by analyzing their materials data.

While this conversation covers the strategic importance of EPR data collection, implementing a systematic approach requires a detailed roadmap. For manufacturers ready to move from awareness to action, our comprehensive guide walks through the practical steps to transform EPR compliance into competitive advantage, including specific data collection frameworks, cost optimization strategies, and real-world implementation examples that can help you outsmart EPR fees while building operational intelligence.

What You'll Learn:

• Why EPR isn't going away (and why that's good for your business)
• How to leverage EPR data for scope 3 emissions and cost reduction
• Simple steps to organize packaging data before you're scrambling
• Real ROI examples from companies using sustainability data strategically
• Practical tools and resources for mid-sized manufacturers

Perfect for: Directors of R&D, Package Engineering, and Sustainability professionals at food and beverage companies who want to get ahead of regulatory requirements while driving innovation and cost savings.

Stop waiting for the "hurricane to hit shore" – start building your data advantage now.

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

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 
Jessie Schwartz - [email protected]

Are logistics and sustainability hurdles blocking your organization's progress? 

In this episode, Jessie Schwartz sits down with Megan Dobratz from Native Sustainability to explore innovative solutions for overcoming these challenges. In this conversation, you'll learn:

• The role of organizations like Second Harvest in streamlining transportation and storage for perishable goods.
• How industrial composting advancements are revolutionizing waste management despite existing complexities.
• The impact of technological progress on food recovery and overall sustainability efforts.
• Strategies for improving communication within organizations to enhance sustainability initiatives.
• The importance of starting with small, actionable steps to foster momentum in achieving your sustainability goals.

Tune in to gain insights and practical advice on navigating the intersection of logistics, sustainability, and packaging efficiency.

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com
Jessie Schwartz - [email protected]
Connect with Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-dobratz-leed-ap-58b0a85/
Check out Native Sustainability: https://www.nativesustainability.com/

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

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 
Jessie Schwartz - [email protected]

Struggling to navigate the complexities of private label food manufacturing? Tune in as host Jessie Schwartz and special guest Pamela Derus, Director of R&D at Heavenly Hunks, recap PLMA 2024 and unlock industry secrets that could save you time, money, and headaches. In this conversation, you'll learn:

• How to identify and leverage co-packers to enhance your business's operational efficiency and capacity.
• The significance of better-for-you trends in private label food production and the growing demand for gluten-free and organic products.
• Inside tips on navigating the intricacies of contract manufacturing, from allergen considerations to production capacity challenges.
• The differences between European and American approaches to food manufacturing, and what unique opportunities each offers.
• Expert advice on the networking and strategic benefits of attending key industry shows like PLMA.

Join us for an enlightening discussion aimed at simplifying your journey in the world of food and beverage manufacturing.

Connect with Pamela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-derus-a378786a/
Check out Heavenly Hunks : https://heavenlyhunks.com/

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

Connect with us: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 
Jessie Schwartz - [email protected]