Send us a text What happens when someone refuses to accept "that's how it's always been done" as an answer? Rocky Batzel's story proves that persistence against overwhelming skepticism can transform lives. When Rocky's grandmother complained about struggling to open her prescription bottles, he noticed a problem hiding in plain sight: medication packaging hadn't meaningfully changed since 1974. Traditional child-resistant closures require two hands, significant strength, and dexterity – maki...

Send us a text The packaging industry stands at a critical inflection point as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies gain momentum across the United States. In this revealing conversation with Rob Kesabowski, Managing Director for Packaging Optimization at NTT Data, we cut through the complexity to understand how these regulations are reshaping the entire packaging landscape. Rob brings over 20 years of packaging expertise to explain how EPR shifts waste management costs from consu...

Send us a text From lab technician to "Banding Queen," Patty Wexler's journey as a packaging pioneer breaks barriers and reshapes sustainability in the industry. After joining her father's fledgling packaging supply company in 1978, Patty transformed Wexler Packaging Products into a specialized powerhouse by focusing exclusively on paper banding technology—a decision that would prove visionary as sustainability concerns grew decades later. Wexler's pivotal moment came in 2007 when she tradem...

Send us a text The story of materials science innovation rarely makes headline news, yet it's responsible for transformative changes in how we package products, build infrastructure, and handle waste. Dr. Tom Nosker, a National Academy of Inventors Fellow and materials science pioneer, shares his remarkable journey from Georgia mechanic to ground-breaking Rutgers researcher whose work has generated an estimated million jobs in recycling. Dr. Nosker's career began with a practical observation...

Send us a text Bridget Meadows shares her journey from a 20-year career in packaging-adjacent roles to becoming a life coach who helps technical professionals get unstuck and create practical, strategic plans for change. Through her own experience of corporate burnout and personal tragedy, she discovered a passion for helping others reconnect with their values and make seemingly impossible changes possible. • Using project management and risk assessment principles in life coaching • How to o...

Send us a text Take a fascinating journey behind the scenes of pharmaceutical packaging with Leo Frias, Sales Manager at Fariba Pack, as he pulls back the curtain on the invisible world of automation that brings medications safely to pharmacy shelves nationwide. When you grab that prescription from your local Walgreens or CVS, you're holding the end result of an extraordinarily complex manufacturing and packaging process. "The average person doesn't think twice about the world of automation ...

Send us a text Are plastic packaging’s days numbered? In this compelling episode, we explore the innovative world of fiber-molded packaging with industry expert Guido Schmitz. As the conversation unfolds, we dive into Guido’s impressive journey from a traditional packaging background to leading the charge in sustainable solutions. Discover how his work at Parpax is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in reducing plastic usage through fiber-based materials. Throughout our discussion, we...

Send us a text Ever wonder how a career in fashion could lead to a significant role in packaging? Meet Christen Cupo, the newly elected president of the New Jersey Packaging Executives Club for 2025, as she recounts her fascinating transition from fashion to becoming a pivotal figure in the packaging industry. Christen shares her career journey insights, the influence of mentors like Lori Tirelli and Rick Todd, and the transformative potential of networking. From her early days as an expedite...

Send us a text Ever wondered how a slice of free pizza could change your life's trajectory? That's how my unexpected journey into the world of Packaging Engineering began, taking me from architecture and civil engineering aspirations to discovering a passion I never knew existed. In our first episode of the Packaging Etcetera Podcast, I'm joined by my wonderful wife, Joanna, as we open up about the motivations behind launching this podcast. From hosting Packaging Roundtables at Rutgers Univer...