Learning of the Month (LOTM) Archive
Each month, the Packaging School team comes together to develop a short lesson related to numerous industry topics—from site visits, deep dives, and interviews, our LOTM series is designed to help you keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic packaging industry.
Past LOTM Lessons
Nick Riedl
Alli Keigley
Understanding the Types of Glass
Discover the three most common types of glass used in packaging—Type I, II, and III. Learn their unique properties, uses, and how to choose the right one for your product's needs.
2024/12/19
Andrew Hurley, PhD
Nick Riedl
Alli Keigley
A Circular Economy with Verdeco Recycling
Join Dr. Hurley at Verdeco for a look at the circular economy in action! Experts break down how recycled PET bottles are cleaned, processed, and transformed into new packaging, tackling contamination and sustainability challenges along the way.
2025/02/26
Nick Riedl
Carbon Neutral Packaging Part 2: Measurement and Implementation
Now that you understand the terminology surrounding the ins and outs of becoming carbon neutral, let’s get into some practical applications.
2023/02/20
Nick Riedl
FTC and Green Guides
Discover how to successfully navigate the complexities of sustainable packaging in a rapidly evolving legislative landscape. Learn about the Federal Trade Commissions Green Guides and its implications on marketing, labeling, and packaging.
2023/03/20
Nick Riedl
Material Trade-offs
This quick guide covers stakeholder collaboration and trade-offs in sustainable packaging, focusing on people, processes, and technologies.
2023/07/25
Mitch Webster
Alli Keigley
Nick Riedl
Learning with Leybold: Advancements in Vacuum Technology Equipment
The Packaging School team recently took a trip to Export, Pennsylvania, to visit the Leybold team to learn more about their operation, the role vacuum technology plays in the packaging process, and trends they are noticing in the industry.
2025/03/25
Nick Riedl
Shoe Shopping From Home
Explore the impact of product packaging on consumer behavior and purchase decisions, analyzing how design influences value perception.
2023/10/30
Julie Rice Suggs, PhD
Nick Riedl
Consolidation of Automotive Supply Chain Packaging for Recycling
At the 2024 Automotive Packaging Summit, Bridget Grewal (Magna) and Suzanne Fisher (Fisher Packaging) discussed consolidating automotive supply chain packaging for recycling and new Suppliers Partnership guidelines.
2024/11/06
Mitch Webster
Alli Keigley
Nick Riedl
What is GRAS? (Generally Recognized As Safe)
Ever wondered how unapproved additives like tara gum sneak into your ice cream? Enter GRAS—FDA’s “safe by experts” loophole. From tara flour fiascos to state bans, discover the world of GRAS. Get the scoop on surprises.
2025/04/29
Julie Rice Suggs, PhD
Andrew Hurley, PhD
Mitch Webster
Alli Keigley
Tariffs & Packaging
If any part of your product or packaging is from another country, tariffs may apply. This lesson shows how to locate tariffs to compare total costs between international and domestic providers.
2025/01/30
Nick Riedl
Make Your Packaging Pop With Unique Metal Pull Tabs!
Discover effective packaging design tips from experts Kevin Keigley and Anna Ogletree, as they explore the key elements of creating standout, sustainable, and economical designs for retail.
2023/08/24
Nick Riedl
Alli Keigley
Julie Rice Suggs, PhD
Speaking to a Sustainability Expert
Explore sustainable packaging solutions with Cory Connors, Director at Orora Packaging, as he discusses innovative strategies for eco-friendly packaging design and trends for 2024.
2024/01/29
Nick Riedl
Sustainable Packaging Glossary
Sustainability means meeting current needs without hindering future generations. Essential for today's packaging industry, this guide helps understand key terms. Here is a glossary of packaging related sustainability terms/concepts.
2023/04/25
Nick Riedl
The Beverage Can Forming Process
Discover the making of the two-piece metal can in our lecture, focusing on its structure and fast production methods like redrawing and ironing.
2023/12/29
Nick Riedl
Stakeholders in Packaging
Explore the vital roles and responsibilities in packaging, emphasizing teamwork in this complex business to ensure successful creation of packaged goods.
2023/06/27
Nick Riedl
Know Your Product First
Exploring the 'chicken vs. egg' dilemma, we dive into the similar, yet simpler, debate of packaging vs. product, seeking a definitive answer.
2023/05/24
Nick Riedl
Carbon Neutral Packaging Part 1: Definition and Crediting
Learn about carbon neutrality in packaging: Part 1 defines 'carbon neutral' and examines industry examples of carbon offsetting.
2023/01/21
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