Econo-Pak Contract Food Packaging Podcast

Hosted by Econo-Pak

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Oct 2025

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About the show

Contract food packaging specialist sharing co-packing industry insights, food packaging, machinery, and packaging equipment innovations, and interviews with contract manufacturing experts and industry leaders. Econo-Pak is here to help brands fast-track new products and scale their business with our industry-leading contract packaging service and experience. Visit www.econo-pak.com to learn more.

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28 recent

October 31, 20258 min

New Hire, Real Talk

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 TAKEAWAYSWhat 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 - Introductions1:07-1:50 – Olivia’s New Learnings1:51-2:30 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:LinkedInYouTubeFacebookInstagramPodcastVisit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

September 22, 202512 min

Behind the Scenes: What It’s Like To Intern At Econo-Pak

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 TAKEAWAYSWhy interns at Econo-Pak are trusted with real-life projects that make a lasting impactHow Dylan built Power BI dashboards, an attainment tracker, and a truckload capacity calculator that the team still uses todayThe unique benefits of interning at a mid-sized company like Econo-Pak vs. a large corporationHow presenting to executives builds confidence and communication skillsDylan’s best advice for future internsEPISODE BREAKDOWN00:00 - 2:29 Dylan's Internship Journey2:30 - 5:44 Dylan's Data Projects and Tools5:45 - 9:14 Benefits of Being an Intern at Econo-Pak9:15 - 12:30 Learning and Growth Opportunities at Econo-Pak12:31 - 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:LinkedInYouTubeFacebookInstagramPodcastVisit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

August 25, 20257 min

How Vendor Managed Inventory Powers Econo-Pak’s Efficiency in Food Packaging

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 TAKEAWAYSVendor 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 BREAKDOWN00:00 - 02:17 What is Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)?02:18 - 05:33 Benefits and Challenges of VMI05:34 - 07:58 Just-in-Time Manufacturing and Supplier RelationshipsEcono-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:LinkedInYouTubeFacebookInstagramPodcastVisit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

July 23, 202516 min

The Future of Sustainable Packaging: What Every Food Brand Needs To Know About EPR

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 TAKEAWAYSWhat EPR means for CPG and food brandsWhy now is the time to plan, test, and evolve your packaging strategyOvercoming challenges in recyclability, printing, and barrier designIndustry collaboration is key, especially when it comes to sourcing and testing new materialsAesthetics in packaging must balance sustainability and marketabilityThe Econo-Pak Learning Center is being developed as a go-to hub for education, resources, and sustainability supportTIMESTAMPS00:00 - 07:21 What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?07:22 - 12:42 Tackling Challenges in Sustainable Packaging12:43 - 14:44 Data, Compliance & Storytelling14:45 - 16:51 Inside the Econo-Pak Learning CenterEcono-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:LinkedInYouTubeFacebookInstagramPodcastVisit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

July 10, 20258 min

The Econo-Pak Food Packaging Podcast Just Got an Upgrade

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 TAKEAWAYSWe'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.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Podcast Setup & Equipment Upgrades02:31 – Launching the Learning Center04:51 – Packaging Solutions That Evolve With Market Needs06:59 – Community Growth & What’s AheadEcono-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:LinkedInYouTubeFacebookInstagramPodcastVisit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

April 10, 202511 min

From Cartons to Cost Savings: Food Co-Packing Procurement with Tim Shay

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 Introduction0:09 Tim’s background in procurement1:06 How Econo-Pak offers turnkey procurement solutions2:01 Packaging material selection and cost-saving evaluations3:46 Comparing folding carton types and production efficiencies5:28 The impact of packaging on consumer decision-making6:31 Aligning packaging with customer goals and fixed-cost pricing7:13 Sustainability in packaging and upcoming regulations8:25 Navigating retailer requirements like Costco’s packaging standards9:36 How fixed-cost pricing covers packaging, labor, and efficiencies10:25 Supplier vetting and preferred networks11:23 Commodity market awareness and raw material forecasting12:16 Closing thoughtsEcono-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:LinkedInYouTubeFacebookInstagramPodcastVisit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

April 1, 20258 min

How Flexible Equipment Powers Scalable Co-Packing

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.Timestamps0:00 - 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 ConclusionEcono-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:LinkedInYouTubeFacebookInstagramPodcastVisit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

February 3, 20256 min

Universal vs. dedicated co-packing equipment | How Econo-Pak helps food brands scale efficiently

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!Timestamps0:00 - 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 thoughtsEcono-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:LinkedInYouTubeFacebookInstagramPodcastVisit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

December 26, 20246 min

SOP3 with Co-Packing Project Manager Johnny Montana

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!Timestamps0:00 - 0:12 Introduction to SOP30:13 - 0:40 What is SOP3?0:41 - 1:27 How SOP3 ensures quality and food safety1:28 - 2:01 How SOP3 involves multiple departments2:02 - 2:45 What information does SOP3 capture?2:46 - 3:47 Why clients should fill out SOP3 carefully3:48 - 4:21 Customizing SOP3 for unique client needs4:22 - 4:53 SOP3 for various packaging styles4:54 - 5:39 When is SOP3 completed in the process?5:40 - 5:52 SOPs across all projects5:53 - 5:58 Econo-Pak’s SQF Level 3 certification5:59 - 6:10 ConclusionEcono-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:LinkedInYouTubeFacebookInstagramPodcastVisit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.

October 31, 202411 min

How Strategic Planning and Culture Drive Success with CFO John Mellage

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 – Introduction00:04-01:08 – John's background in public accounting01:09-01:50 – Why John chose Econo-Pak01:51-02:36 – The culture and energy at Econo-Pak02:37-03:47 – What makes a company successful03:48-05:09 – Planning and communication at Econo-Pak05:10-06:33 – How Econo-Pak helps clients grow06:34-08:12 – Strategic partnerships and building relationships08:13-10:02 – The importance of Econo-Pak’s fixed-cost model10:03-10:58 – Fixed-cost model benefits for clients10:59-11:06 – Closing remarksEcono-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:LinkedInYouTubeFacebookInstagramPodcastVisit us online to view our contract food packaging and contract food manufacturing capabilities at econo-pak.com.