The Power of Packaging

Moishy Klein

"The Power of Packaging" is the podcast where packaging meets innovation! Join industry leaders as we explore how smart packaging solutions impact supply chains, branding, and customer experience. From supply chain challenges to breakthrough designs, we uncover strategies that help businesses scale, attract investors, and stay ahead of the competition. Tune in and discover how packaging can be a game-changer for your business!

Episodes

  1. 06/26/2025

    From Canvas to Cartons: Tony De Luz on Art, Branding, and the Psychology of Packaging

    In this episode of The Power of Packaging, we chat with Tony De Luz, Production and Design Supervisor at Cliff Castle Casino and a seasoned illustrator with a national portfolio. From fine art galleries in Santa Fe to brand identities for major clients, Tony brings a unique perspective on the intersection between artistic freedom and commercial packaging design. Tony shares his experience navigating the creative tension between expressive art and the structured world of design. Whether he’s working on logos, brochures, or packaging that needs to survive shipping and still “wow” on the shelf, Tony explains why good design is always about connection—and how psychology, print specs, and branding all play a role. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:🔹 Art vs. Commercial Design: How Tony balances the autonomy of fine art with the structured feedback loops of client-driven design. 🔹 Packaging Psychology: Why color, texture, and even material finish (like gold foil or matte coatings) deeply influence customer perception and product value. 🔹 The Logo’s Legacy: Tony breaks down why logo design is one of his favorite challenges—and how great logos communicate identity in a single glance. 🔹 Print Matters: The realities of working with Flexo, offset, and digital printing—and why PMS accuracy is still king when consistency matters. 🔹 Sound, Sight & Style: How brands like Apple and Tiffany’s use multisensory elements—from chimes to signature colors—to stand out in a crowded marketplace. 🔹 AI in the Arts: Tony gives his honest take on AI tools in creative industries—what they can do, what they can’t, and why human expression still wins. 🔹 Advice for Emerging Designers: Why sending a physical portfolio might help you stand out more than another link or PDF—and what it means to “pick a lane” in your career. Key Takeaways:✅ Packaging design is about more than looks—it’s about interaction, emotion, and clarity. ✅ Even as tech and AI evolve, artistic originality and branding fundamentals remain essential. ✅ Strategic packaging decisions can drive both functionality and consumer loyalty. ✅ To stand out in a digital world, sometimes old-school tactics like a clever mailer can make the biggest impression. Listen Now: Whether you’re a packaging professional, a brand strategist, or a consumer curious about what goes into product packaging, this episode offers eye-opening insights into the future of the industry. Spotify | Apple Podcasts Connect with Tony De Luz linkedin.com/in/tony-de-luz LinkedIn, Website: deluz.hedgereps.com (Other), tonydeluz.com (Personal) Share this episode with friends and colleagues who are passionate about innovation in packaging!

    26 min
  2. 06/26/2025

    Packaging That Sells, Ships, and Sustains: Betsy Mello on E-Commerce Innovation and Smarter Design

    In this episode of The Power of Packaging, we chat with Betsy Mello, a retail and e-commerce veteran who has led growth for top brands like Levi’s, Old Navy, and Dorel Home. From managing 3,000+ SKUs on Amazon to navigating complex supply chains for large home goods, Betsy brings unmatched insights into the critical role of packaging in today’s retail landscape. She shares how the shift from in-store to online sales has transformed packaging from a passive necessity into an active part of the customer experience—balancing cost, protection, and storytelling all in one box. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: 🔹 From Shelf to Shipment: This is how Betsy transitioned from traditional retail to e-commerce and what she learned about packaging high-value, heavy, and fragile items along the way. 🔹 Design Starts with the Product: Why good packaging begins at the product design stage and how brands can ship smarter by thinking about break-down, assembly, and materials early. 🔹 Returns, Damage, and Trust: What really drives e-commerce returns—and how proactive packaging can reduce breakage, protect margins, and enhance trust. 🔹 Sustainability with Purpose: How brands are cutting waste and rethinking materials—like molded inserts and recycled paper—to deliver on sustainability without sacrificing performance. 🔹 The Packaging Story: Why packaging is more than a box—it’s a brand touchpoint that can build emotional connections, deliver key messages, and even win over boardrooms. 🔹 Tariffs & Strategy: Betsy shares how tariffs are affecting packaging costs and what smart brands can do now to prepare, pivot, and protect their margins. Key Takeaways: ✅ Packaging is a strategic lever—not just a cost center. ✅ Thoughtful design reduces returns, enhances unboxing, and strengthens brand loyalty. ✅ The best packaging starts at the product design phase, not the warehouse. ✅ Consumers care deeply about sustainability—and are willing to pay for it. ✅ Tariffs are real, but the winners will be those who plan, partner, and adapt. Listen Now: Whether you’re a packaging professional, a brand strategist, or a consumer curious about what goes into product packaging, this episode offers eye-opening insights into the future of the industry. Spotify | Apple Podcasts Connect with Betsy Mello at linkedin.com/in/betsymello Share this episode with friends and colleagues who are passionate about innovation in packaging!

    21 min
  3. 04/09/2025

    Designing with Purpose: Alyssa O’Halloran’s Journey into Sustainable Packaging

    In this episode of The Power of Packaging, we chat with Alyssa O’Halloran, Manager of Packaging Design and Sustainability at Munchkin and Curio. Alyssa takes us on her unexpected journey from graphic design student to "trash designer"—a term she proudly embraces. She’s helping reshape the industry by merging creativity with sustainability, all while balancing the needs of two very different brands. From designing packaging for shelf-ready baby products at Munchkin to creating luxurious unboxing moments for Curio’s DTC line, Alyssa shares how thoughtful packaging can drive both brand value and environmental impact. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:🔹 Two Brands, One Mission: How Alyssa juggles packaging strategies for both Munchkin and Curio—balancing high-volume retail and premium direct-to-consumer design. 🔹 Designing with the End in Mind: Why Alyssa calls herself a "trash designer"—and how thinking about a package’s end-of-life shapes smarter design choices. 🔹 Sustainability in Action: How Munchkin is making real moves toward reducing plastic in packaging and embracing more eco-friendly materials. 🔹 The Power of Perception: How sustainable packaging can still look beautiful, premium, and elevate the customer experience. 🔹 Consumer Shifts: Why today’s consumers are more educated and demand transparency—and how brands can meet those expectations without compromise. 🔹 Collaboration is Key: How Alyssa works closely with cross-functional teams to bring designs to life while aligning with sustainability goals. Key Takeaways:✅ Great packaging isn’t just functional—it tells a story and builds trust with consumers. ✅ Balancing sustainability and brand identity is possible with the right mindset and collaboration. ✅ Designing with the end of a package’s life in mind leads to smarter material choices and less waste. ✅ Consumer expectations are evolving—and packaging must evolve with them. Listen Now: This episode is a must-listen for wine industry professionals, sustainability advocates, or anyone curious about the future of packaging in the beverage world. Spotify | Apple Podcasts Connect with Alyssa:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alyssa-o-halloran-3ba60a82 Website: munchkin.com | https://curiohomegoods.com Share this episode with friends and colleagues who are passionate about innovation in packaging!

    23 min
  4. 03/26/2025

    Revolutionizing Wine Packaging: Ian Dooley’s Vision for Sustainability & Efficiency

    In this episode of The Power of Packaging, we chat with Ian Dooley, the Business Development Lead at Free Flow Wines, a company transforming the wine industry with its sustainable and innovative packaging solutions. From shifting traditional wine packaging from glass bottles to stainless steel kegs, Ian explains how Free Flow Wines is not only helping wineries reduce their carbon footprint but also improving the overall efficiency of the industry. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: 🔹 The Future of Wine Packaging: How Free Flow Wines is leading the charge for sustainable packaging by promoting stainless steel kegs as a more eco-friendly alternative to glass bottles. 🔹 Sustainability vs. Tradition: Ian discusses the challenges of changing mindsets in an industry steeped in tradition and how sustainability is becoming a driving force for growth and innovation. 🔹 Wine-on-Tap: A Fresh Solution: Exploring the benefits of wine-on-tap, from reducing spoilage to offering better customer experiences in restaurants and bars, and how it helps eliminate waste. 🔹 The Power of Relationships in Sales: Why building strong relationships with wineries and restaurants is crucial for the success of wine-on-tap programs, and how Free Flow Wines is fostering these partnerships. 🔹 Supply Chain Challenges: How global supply chain issues are affecting the wine industry and how Free Flow Wines navigates these disruptions while continuing to grow and innovate. 🔹 Cost Efficiency & Sustainability: The balance between driving down packaging costs and improving sustainability, and how wineries benefit from Free Flow’s cost-saving solutions. Key Takeaways: ✅ Sustainable wine packaging can offer both environmental and economic benefits for wineries. ✅ Changing the traditional mindset in the wine industry requires persistence, education, and clear benefits. ✅ Wine-on-tap offers a unique and practical solution to reduce waste, spoilage, and improve customer experiences. ✅ Building strong relationships and understanding the supply chain are crucial to overcoming industry challenges. Listen Now: This episode is a must-listen for wine industry professionals, sustainability advocates, or anyone curious about the future of packaging in the beverage world. Spotify | Apple Podcasts Connect with Ian Dooley on LinkedIn and visit their site at freeflowwines.com Share this episode with friends and colleagues who are passionate about innovation in packaging!

    19 min
  5. 02/27/2025

    Redefining Packaging: Jenna Hunter’s Approach to Innovation & Sustainability

    In this episode of The Power of Packaging, we sit down with Jenna Hunter, a packaging engineer at Frida, a brand known for its innovative approach to baby and medical products. From designing for consumer convenience to balancing sustainability with strict industry regulations, Jenna shares her expertise on the challenges and breakthroughs shaping modern packaging. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:🔹 The Art of Packaging Design: How Frida prioritizes functionality while maintaining a strong brand identity through innovative packaging solutions. 🔹 Understanding Consumer Behavior: Why packaging must cater to parents shopping in urgent, high-stress situations and how thoughtful design improves their experience. 🔹 Sustainability vs. Practicality: Exploring the complexities of eco-friendly packaging, including lightweighting, right-sizing, and material selection challenges. 🔹 Navigating Regulatory Hurdles: Why baby and medical packaging require stringent safety measures—and how that impacts sustainability efforts. 🔹 The Future of Smart Packaging: How brands are leveraging QR codes, interactive elements, and tech-driven solutions to enhance user experience. 🔹 Lessons from Supply Chain Disruptions: What companies have learned from recent global challenges and how they’re adapting packaging strategies for a more resilient future. 🔹 Balancing Cost & Innovation: How brands like Frida make strategic decisions to improve packaging while keeping costs in check. Key Takeaways:✅ Packaging plays a critical role in shaping consumer trust and brand perception. ✅ Sustainability efforts must balance environmental impact with functionality and cost. ✅ The future of packaging will incorporate more digital and smart technology elements. ✅ Regulations in the baby and medical industries present unique challenges for packaging engineers. Listen Now: Whether you’re a packaging professional, a brand strategist, or a consumer curious about what goes into product packaging, this episode offers eye-opening insights into the future of the industry. Spotify | Apple Podcasts Connect with Jenna Hunter at LinkedIn, Tiktok and Instagram Share this episode with friends and colleagues who are passionate about innovation in packaging!

    25 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

"The Power of Packaging" is the podcast where packaging meets innovation! Join industry leaders as we explore how smart packaging solutions impact supply chains, branding, and customer experience. From supply chain challenges to breakthrough designs, we uncover strategies that help businesses scale, attract investors, and stay ahead of the competition. Tune in and discover how packaging can be a game-changer for your business!