Ep. 32 - "How Connected Packaging Shapes Sustainability and Traceability” with John Dwyer, Smart Packaging Expert at Smurfit Westrock & Maurizio Carano, Innovation & Marketing Director IML @ MCC Label

Product & Packaging Powerhouse

In this episode of Product & Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble along with guests John Dwyer and Maurizio Carano discuss the evolving landscape of packaging, focusing on essential functions like product protection, aesthetics, sustainability, and traceability. They explore connected packaging, serialization for anti-counterfeiting, and technological advancements to enhance the supply chain and circular economy. The conversation also highlights regulatory impacts, particularly the differences between US and European standards, and the challenges faced by industries. The episode concludes with personal anecdotes from the guests, emphasizing the need for technological solutions to modern packaging challenges.

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[Powerhouse Guest John and Maurizio LINKS]

John Dwyer

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpdywer/
• Read about the Smart Tag Case Study here: https://www.westrock.com/-/media/pdf/sustainability/smarttag-recyclability-report-pdf.pdf?sc_lang=en

Maurizio Carano

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maurizio-carano-105397b5/

Episode Quotes:

1. The common denominator to solve supply chain problems, to help eliminate theft and fraud, is to give each product its own unique identifier that can be traced all the way back to the point of origin.
2. If the packaging is not right, the product will not make it to the shelf. That’s the basics.
3. Packaging needs to actually do more than just protect the product. It’s about connecting with the environment, consumers, and the supply chain.
4. Traceability has been primarily focused on the supply chain, but now it’s being used for anti-theft, anti-diversion, and anti-counterfeiting.
5. Having better visibility and traceability in your supply chain is the only way to mitigate risk and avoid costly recalls.
6. Connected packaging is the next big thing, and it’s here. The terrain wasn’t fertile before, but now it’s growing.
7. There’s a treasure of data that can be uncovered at a recycling facility to help our customers meet their ESG goals measurably.