Wrapping Things Up

Viking Masek

5.0 (2)
BUSINESS

Introducing Wrapping Things Up — the podcast that tackles packaging automation without putting you to sleep. No jargon. No gatekeeping. Just proven insights from the people who’ve been there (and have the busted bag samples to prove it). New episodes drop monthly to bring you dependable relief from your biggest packaging automation headaches — just by tapping ‘Play.’

JAN 5

What Engineers Need to Know About Flow Wrapping Speed, Precision, and Sustainability

In this episode of Wrapping Things Up, National Sales Manager Robert Barkley returns to dive deep into flow wrapping efficiency, seal integrity, and the realities of working with sustainable films. From pressure-heat-time tradeoffs to real-world packaging mistakes and upgrades, Robert breaks down what packaging engineers and operators need to know to optimize line performance—without sacrificing product integrity. What you’ll learn: Speed vs. seal quality: how to strike the right balanceCommon flow wrap inefficiencies—and how to fix themTips for running recyclable, compostable, and paper-based filmsWhy operator training and communication are key to successHow to pilot new films without shutting down your lineWhether you're managing packaging for baked goods, bars, or high-speed snack lines, this episode is packed with hands-on insights for engineers and ops teams alike.

32 min
12/01/2025

Future-Proofing Your Packaging Line: Smart Strategies for Sustainable Growth

In this episode of Wrapping Things Up, host Meredith Denning sits down with Viking Maskek’s Director of Sales, Nick Knapp, to explore how manufacturers can future-proof their packaging operations. From planning around labor shortages and rising demand to smart automation and scalable solutions, Nick shares practical strategies to ensure your packaging line keeps up—without overcomplicating operations. You’ll learn: What future-proofing really means (and why it matters)How to balance speed, flexibility, and simplicityWhen to upgrade vs. buy new equipmentHow to avoid costly integration mistakesReal-world examples of delayed decisions that hurt growthWhether you're scaling fast or just getting started with automation, this episode is packed with sales-side insights to guide smart packaging investments.

32 min
11/03/2025

The Packaging Engineer’s Survival Guide: Adapting to a Changing Industry

In this episode of Wrapping Things Up, host Meredith Denning sits down with Lucas Daane, Applications Engineering Manager at Viking Masek, to explore how packaging engineering is evolving with the rise of Industry 5.0. Lucas unpacks how manufacturers are shifting from designing everything in-house to relying on smart systems and integrators, and what this means for the role of engineers today. They also dig into collaborative robotics, augmented reality for service, and how engineers can become automation influencers (and avoid project-killing scope creep). Whether you're on the plant floor or planning the next system rollout, this episode delivers key insights into the intersection of packaging, automation, and human collaboration. What you’ll learn: The difference between Industry 4.0 vs 5.0, and why it matters nowHow engineers can thrive in an age of automation, data, and ARWhy labor shortages are the #1 disruptor in packaging todayTips to prevent automation projects from failing due to bad scope or planningThe rise of pre-made pouches, spout packaging, and refillable formats in CPGPlus: clever packaging innovations Lucas can’t stop thinking about (spoiler: pancake batter pouches). Subscribe to Wrapping Things Up for more smart takes on packaging innovation, automation, and engineering.

24 min
10/06/2025

Packaging Trends with Purpose: Innovation, Design, Sustainability

In this special episode of Wrapping Things Up, recorded at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, host Meredith Denning chats with AJ Nelson, Founder & CEO of PCKG, to explore the fast-evolving world of packaging trends, sustainability, and automation. AJ unpacks what’s really shaping the industry, from the shift away from one-size-fits-all formats to smart sustainability practices that go beyond greenwashing. Drawing on real-world examples (like coffee packaging’s outsized influence), AJ dives into what manufacturers and marketers need to consider, including machine compatibility, design trade-offs, and how to future-proof packaging decisions for retail, e-commerce, and beyond. What you’ll learn: Why material and format changes are accelerating in coffee & CPG packagingHow to balance shelf appeal, sustainability, and machine performanceReal insights on compostables, mono-materials, degassing valves, and carbon footprint trackingWhat manufacturers must consider when launching new packaging formatsAJ’s concept of packaging as a Venn diagram of trade-offs, and how to prioritize effectively Whether you’re in food, beverage, or specialty packaging, this episode delivers expert insight from the frontlines of packaging innovation. Don’t forget to subscribe to Wrapping Things Up for more insider tips on packaging automation, design, and strategy.

38 min
09/02/2025

Measuring the True ROI of Automation in Packaging

In this episode of Wrapping Things Up, host Meredith Denning sits down with Robert Barkley, Flow Wrapping Division Leader at Viking Masek, to dive into the real ROI of packaging automation. As labor shortages, rising interest rates, and shifting consumer demands challenge manufacturers, knowing when—and how—to invest in automated packaging solutions has never been more important. Robert shares expert insights on calculating ROI, the biggest mistakes companies make, and how to plan for long-term scalability without overextending your budget. Learn how Viking Masek helps businesses choose the right equipment, prepare for implementation, and partner for success. What you’ll learn: How to calculate ROI on automation projects effectivelyThe key factors driving automation decisions in 2025Why buying for future growth matters more than everCommon misconceptions about automation and long-term costsReal-world examples of companies accelerating ROI through smart automationWhether you’re a manufacturer, operations leader, or packaging decision-maker, this episode is packed with actionable insights to guide your automation strategy. Subscribe to Wrapping Things Up for expert tips on packaging, automation, and manufacturing innovation.

28 min
07/31/2025

How Automation Solves Labor Shortages in Packaging

In this episode of Wrapping Things Up, host Meredith Denning sits down with Robert Bur, Electrical Engineering Manager at Viking Masek, to explore how automation can help organizations overcome today's labor shortages. They discuss the spectrum of automation solutions—from simple packaging systems to fully automated operations—and how companies of all sizes can benefit. Robert also addresses common misconceptions about automation, its impact on jobs, and strategies for implementing it step by step. What you’ll learn: Why labor shortages are impacting manufacturing at record levelsPractical ways automation improves efficiency, quality, and consistencyHow even small businesses can adopt scalable automationReal-world examples of companies thriving through automated processesDon’t miss this insightful conversation about the future of manufacturing and packaging automation!

17 min
07/01/2025

Packaging Automation Misconceptions

In this premiere episode of Wrapping Things Up, host Meredith Denning sits down with Jordan Miller, General Manager of Customer Care at Viking Masek, to clear the air around packaging automation. Whether you're new to the industry or scaling your operations, Jordan shares firsthand insights into the most common misconceptions customers have when entering the world of automated packaging, from tricky product types like cheese and matcha powder to outdated resealable packaging formats. Together, they explore: Why some businesses fear automation (and how to move past it)What questions to ask before investing in equipmentThe role of testing and validation in long-term successHow customer education and honesty are key to smoother automation projectsWhat’s next for packaging automation, and how to prepareIf you're looking to upgrade your packaging process, or just want to understand what’s possible, this episode will leave you informed, confident, and ready to take the next step. Follow, rate, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode!

19 min

7 Episodes

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

Introducing Wrapping Things Up — the podcast that tackles packaging automation without putting you to sleep. No jargon. No gatekeeping. Just proven insights from the people who’ve been there (and have the busted bag samples to prove it). New episodes drop monthly to bring you dependable relief from your biggest packaging automation headaches — just by tapping ‘Play.’

Creator

Viking Masek
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

7
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Wrapping Things Up
Show Website

Wrapping Things Up