Beyond Packaging with Laura Foti & Matthew Wright

Hosted by Specright

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Beyond Packaging with Laura Foti & Matthew Wright! The bi-weekly podcast, released every other Tuesday, will explore the intersection of packaging, innovation, technology, and sustainability. It will also feature a recurring segment with packaging consultant Matt Dingee, examining historical packaging from Michigan State University’s New Product Works Collection. With over 20 years of industry experience, Matthew will also share personal insights and predictions for the future of packaging. The tone is fun and enthusiastic, promising both education and entertainment. The podcast is presented by Specright , the leader in Specification Management. To listen additional podcast episodes, click here .

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60 recent

May 28, 202626 min

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, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

April 28, 202622 min

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, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

March 19, 202617 min

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, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

November 25, 202532 min

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, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

October 28, 202527 min

Our Packaging Mentor on the Power of Packaging

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright are joined by Victoria Chatman-Galloway, a global packaging leader whose work spans markets, products, and consumer needs around the world. Victoria shares the story of how she has built influence in large, complex organizations and championed packaging as a strategic business driver. The discussion dives into sustainability, data-driven decision making, and what it means to create packaging systems that truly work. Plus, Victoria shares more about her new role as Founder and CEO of Paradigm Packaging Partners.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

September 9, 202520 min

Raising a Glass to Packaging Innovation in Wine & Spirits

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright dive into the wine and spirits industry to explore how brands are embracing sustainability and reshaping their packaging strategies.From eco-friendly bottles and lightweight materials to bold design changes that communicate brand values, this conversation highlights the innovative ways companies are reducing their environmental footprint while strengthening consumer loyalty. Laura and Matthew also discuss how storytelling and transparency in packaging are becoming just as important as the product itself.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

August 25, 202525 min

Data, AI & The Future of Innovation with Kaushik Boruah

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Kaushik Boruah of LatentView Analytics to explore how data and AI are transforming the packaging world. Kaushik shares his knowledge on the power of analytics to uncover consumer insights, drive smarter innovation, and help brands stay ahead in a rapidly changing market. From the role of AI in product development to what’s next for packaging strategy, this conversation is all about rethinking the future through data.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

August 13, 202528 min

Why the Future of Packaging Starts with Better Data with Amanda Sparks

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright speak with Amanda Sparks, VP of Revenue at Micronetbd. Amanda shares insights on how specification management helps companies be strategic and make positive changes in their supply chains, all by using data.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

August 5, 202519 min

Reimagining Food & Beverage: The Impact of Packaging Innovation

In this episode, co-hosts Matthew Wright and Laura Foti dive into how packaging is transforming the food and beverage industry. They discuss three stories, from nostalgic mac and cheese makeovers to punk rock energy drinks and snack downsizing. Tune in to hear how design, consumer trends, and brand strategy all impact shelf performance, and what it means for the future of the food and beverage industry.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.

July 15, 202526 min

Bridging Industry and Academia: Matt Daum on the Future of Packaging

In this episode of Beyond Packaging, co-hosts Laura Foti and Matthew Wright sit down with Matt Daum, Dean and Associate Provost for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University (MSU), and former Director of MSU’s School of Packaging. With over 25 years of industry experience, Matt shares key lessons from his career, including the importance of cross-functional collaboration and learning from failure. He discusses how academia and industry work together to prepare students for real-world packaging challenges, and highlights how emerging trends such as AI and sustainability-driven innovation guide the next generation workforce.Beyond Packaging is presented by Specright, the leader in Specification Management.Feel free to connect with Laura Foti and Matthew Wright on LinkedInTo listen to previous episodes click here or subscribe to our YouTube playlist.