Beyond Packaging with Laura Foti & Matthew Wright

Making the Case for Change with Lisa Husken

Building a business case for new technology is difficult — even if the need is strong. In this episode, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Specright's own Value Engineer, Lisa Husken, to break down exactly how packaging and CPG professionals can turn operational pain points into a compelling case for change. Lisa unpacks the forces driving conversations right now — expanding EPR regulations, geopolitical supply chain uncertainty, and the urgent need for a clean data foundation before AI can deliver any real value. She also shares her framework for building a business case that goes beyond ROI to include risk mitigation, strategic alignment, and long-term compounding value. As mentioned by Lisa, find out how much value you could be gaining with a specification management system with Specright's ROI Calculator: https://www.specright.com/roi-calculator/ [https://www.specright.com/roi-calculator/] Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright [https://www.specright.com/], the leader in Specification Management. Feel free to connect with Laura Foti [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lefoti/] and Matthew Wright [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-wright-specright/] on LinkedIn To listen to previous episodes click here [https://www.specright.com/podcast] or subscribe to our YouTube playlist [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi753xKKGxZlAuHEbX7_LARxiocL92_T0].

The Hidden Complexity of Packaging Transitions with Maureen Dollard

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, Laura Foti and Matthew Wright welcome Maureen Dollard, Artwork Project Lead at Complete Acuity, the only firm in North America dedicated exclusively to managing packaging transitions for CPG companies. Maureen breaks down what a packaging transition really involves, what most commonly goes wrong — from incorrect die lines to allergen triggers to runout schedules — and why a single source of truth is non-negotiable. Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright [https://www.specright.com/], the leader in Specification Management. Feel free to connect with Laura Foti [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lefoti/] and Matthew Wright [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-wright-specright/] on LinkedIn To listen to previous episodes click here [https://www.specright.com/podcast] or subscribe to our YouTube playlist [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi753xKKGxZlAuHEbX7_LARxiocL92_T0].

The Next Generation of Packaging — and the Impacts They're Driving

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Greg Batt, Director of Clemson University's Packaging Science Program, to explore how the next generation of packaging professionals are reshaping the industry. Greg shares how his students are already using AI tools like ChatGPT to accelerate design and prototyping — turning what used to be napkin sketches into polished concepts in a fraction of the time. They talk about why thinking outside the box is no longer optional, how global events and geopolitical shifts are redefining materials, supply chains, and innovation, and how Specright is there to support these change makers and innovators. Plus, Matt Dingee takes us back to 1981 with a foil-stamped Prell concentrated shampoo tube and its very fancy snap cap. Listen now! Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright [https://www.specright.com/], the leader in Specification Management. Feel free to connect with Laura Foti [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lefoti/] and Matthew Wright [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-wright-specright/] on LinkedIn To listen to previous episodes click here [https://www.specright.com/podcast] or subscribe to our YouTube playlist [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi753xKKGxZlAuHEbX7_LARxiocL92_T0].

How AI-Ready Data Is Powering the Future of Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors

Live from Spec Summit 2026, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Cory Connors, host of the Sustainable Packaging Podcast and Sustainable Packaging Sales and Marketing leader at Atlantic Packaging. Cory discusses the industry’s shift from sustainability ambition to urgent execution, as evolving regulations like EPR and PPWR force companies to rethink how they manage packaging data and compliance. The conversation highlights a growing divide between organizations still relying on fragmented systems and those investing in connected, AI-ready specification data to reduce costs, improve reporting, and scale sustainable innovation. Ultimately, the episode reinforces a clear message: companies that act now—leveraging collaboration, technology, and better data—will lead, while those that delay risk rising costs, inefficiencies, and competitive disadvantage. Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright [https://www.specright.com/], the leader in Specification Management. Feel free to connect with Laura Foti [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lefoti/] and Matthew Wright [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-wright-specright/] on LinkedIn To listen to previous episodes click here [https://www.specright.com/podcast] or subscribe to our YouTube playlist [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi753xKKGxZlAuHEbX7_LARxiocL92_T0].

Simplifying the Complex: Modern Packaging Innovation with Jonathon Rabedeau

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 [https://www.specright.com/], the leader in Specification Management. Feel free to connect with Laura Foti [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lefoti/] and Matthew Wright [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-wright-specright/] on LinkedIn To listen to previous episodes click here [https://www.specright.com/podcast] or subscribe to our YouTube playlist [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi753xKKGxZlAuHEbX7_LARxiocL92_T0].