Packaging Speaks

PackStaff, LLC

Interviews with Packaging People. We cover topics like sustainability, career growth, industry trends, working conditions, and much more! Hosted by Christian Ellis, managing partner at PackStaff. New episodes bi-weekly

  1. PS Episode 13: Jay Edwards | Author of Packaging Done Right Is Magic

    09/22/2025

    PS Episode 13: Jay Edwards | Author of Packaging Done Right Is Magic

    Christian chats with Jay Edwards - packaging engineer, financial advisor, and founder of Pack2Sustain, about his unconventional career path and why he’s re-engaging the industry through fractional consulting and thought leadership. We cover his recent Walmart presentation on global trends, EPR, and clean packaging; the intersection of packaging and food safety; paperization and fiber closures; mycelium-based protection; and methane-to-plastic innovation. We also spotlight Jay’s new book, Packaging Done Right Is Magic, a field guide distilling decades of lessons for students and pros alike. Guest: Jay Edwards (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-edwards-61194320/) Host: Christian Ellis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianellis/) Presented by: PackStaff, LLC (https://www.packstaff.com/) Music: Flopsy by Wallypop

    32 min
  2. PS Episode 12: Jennifer Benolken | Regusalesgineerultantolunteer - Healthcare Packaging

    09/08/2025

    PS Episode 12: Jennifer Benolken | Regusalesgineerultantolunteer - Healthcare Packaging

    In this episode Christian sits down with Jen Benolken, MDM & Regulatory Specialist at DuPont. With over 30 years in the packaging industry, Jen shares her journey across medical device manufacturers and suppliers, her passion for sterile barrier systems, and why she proudly includes “volunteer” in her job title. From the critical role of Tyvek to the future of sustainability, standards, and wicked problems yet to be solved, Jen brings a wealth of insight and encouragement for packaging professionals at every stage of their career. Guest: Jennifer Benolken (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbenolken/) Host: Christian Ellis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianellis/) Presented by: PackStaff, LLC (https://www.packstaff.com/) Music: Flopsy by Wallypop

    56 min
  3. PS Episode 11: Calvin Lakhan, Ph.D | Director of Circular Innovation Hub at York University

    08/25/2025

    PS Episode 11: Calvin Lakhan, Ph.D | Director of Circular Innovation Hub at York University

    This week on Packaging Speaks, Christian sits down with Calvin Lakhan, Ph.D, Director of the Circular Innovation Hub at York University and an investigator at Waste Wiki, to explore where sustainability assumptions collide with real-world evidence. Dr. Lakhan shows how environmental impact plays out in practice, including situations where preventing spoilage can matter more than recyclability, and he walks through how to access and apply the datasets his team has assembled. If you build or buy packaging, this conversation gives you a sharper way to frame decisions and a clear path to the sources behind them. Guest: Dr Calvin Lakhan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-lakhan-ph-d-56329224/) Waste Wiki: https://wastewiki.info.yorku.ca/ Host: Christian Ellis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianellis/) Presented by: PackStaff, LLC (https://www.packstaff.com/) Music: Flopsy by Wallypop

    41 min
  4. PS Episode 10: Grace Cook | Manager for Strategic Sustainability Consulting at Ramboll

    08/11/2025

    PS Episode 10: Grace Cook | Manager for Strategic Sustainability Consulting at Ramboll

    We sit down with Grace Cook, a packaging engineer turned sustainability strategist, who’s rethinking what it means to make an impact. With roots in package development at P&G and KAO, Grace now consults across industries to help companies address their carbon footprint, climate risk, and material choices with eyes wide open. From revamping legacy spec systems to embedding LCA data into daily decision-making, Grace brings both a wide view and a long view to sustainability. We talk about designing better trash, how business incentives can drive meaningful change, and why just “doing what’s always worked” is no longer a viable path forward. Guest: Grace Cook (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracecookcircularity/) Host: Christian Ellis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianellis/) Presented by: PackStaff, LLC (https://www.packstaff.com/) Music: Flopsy by Wallypop

    47 min
  5. PS Episode 9: Lauren LaSpina | The Packaging Co-op Founder & Champion of Collaborative Contracting

    07/28/2025

    PS Episode 9: Lauren LaSpina | The Packaging Co-op Founder & Champion of Collaborative Contracting

    We sit down with Lauren LaSpina, Founder of The Packaging Co-op: a first-of-its-kind collective of independent contractors structured like a law firm. Lauren shares how she built a thriving network of experts who collaborate, support one another, and pool resources to serve clients across the packaging world. Guest: Lauren LaSpina (The Packaging Co-op: https://pkgco-op.com/, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenlaspina/) Host: Christian Ellis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianellis/) Presented by: PackStaff, LLC (https://www.packstaff.com/) Music: Flopsy by Wallypop

    46 min
  6. PS Episode 8: Liz Mellone | Packaging Executive & Former VP at Colgate-Palmolive

    07/14/2025

    PS Episode 8: Liz Mellone | Packaging Executive & Former VP at Colgate-Palmolive

    Liz Mellone spent nearly 30 years at Colgate Palmolive, moving from packaging engineer to VP through a mix of cross-functional experience, clear communication, and a deep understanding of the role packaging plays in product development. In this episode, she shares the lessons that shaped her career and the advice she gives to the next generation. Guest: Liz Mellone (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-mellone/) Host: Christian Ellis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianellis/) Presented by: PackStaff, LLC (https://www.packstaff.com/) Music: Flopsy by Wallypop

    40 min
  7. PS Episode 7: Jessie Schwartz | Founder & CEO of Strategic Packaging Partners | EPR Advisor

    06/30/2025

    PS Episode 7: Jessie Schwartz | Founder & CEO of Strategic Packaging Partners | EPR Advisor

    Jessie Schwartz reveals how she turned a post-layoff leap into a thriving consultancy; demystifying packaging data, fractional talent, and the coming wave of EPR compliance. Tune in for a masterclass on turning industry pain points into opportunity. Guest: Jessie Schwartz (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-schwartz-62094416/) Host: Christian Ellis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianellis/) Presented by: PackStaff, LLC (https://www.packstaff.com/) Music: Flopsy by Wallypop

    25 min
  8. PS Episode 6: Rob Kaszubowski | Director, Packaging Optimization at NTT DATA | Packaging Strategist

    06/20/2025

    PS Episode 6: Rob Kaszubowski | Director, Packaging Optimization at NTT DATA | Packaging Strategist

    Rob traces his path from hands-on engineer to global consultant, sharing candid stories and practical tactics that turn packaging challenges into wins for both brands and the planet. Guest: Rob Kaszubowski (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robkaszubowski/) Host: Christian Ellis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianellis/) Presented by: PackStaff, LLC (https://www.packstaff.com/) Music: Flopsy by Wallypop

    49 min
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Interviews with Packaging People. We cover topics like sustainability, career growth, industry trends, working conditions, and much more! Hosted by Christian Ellis, managing partner at PackStaff. New episodes bi-weekly

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  • Creator
    PackStaff, LLC
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © PackStaff, LLC
  • Show Website
    Packaging Speaks