You've read our stories at our Web site and in the print and electronic publications of Packaging World, but now you have your chance to hear us as we talk about the latest developments in packaging with the launch of our new podcast. PackCast is intended to be as informal as it is informative for a timely, behind-the-scenes look at packaging. You will hear the story behind the story, the low-down on the drivers that power the trends, the inside scoop from Packaging World editors, all ahead of publication.
PackCast is the latest brainchild from David Newcorn, VP/New Media of PW's parent company, Summit Publishing. Dave is a former packaging editor with a passion for technology, one that compelled him to leave the print side for the electronic side at PW in 2002. PackCast creates a convenient information delivery venue that's intended to be helpful, useful, and convenient.
Why podcast?
"Podcasting is one of the fastest growing forms of new media," responds Newcorn. "We wanted to explore this form of media in the packaging space, to see if it makes sense for our readers and Web site visitors."
How will it be different from print or other online content? "Our editors have built up a tremendous amount of knowledge about the areas they are covering," says Newcorn, "but often that 30ꯠ-foot view of what's happening doesn't come across in, say, an individual case study. An informal conversation with our editors, especially after they've worked on a particularly interesting piece, or just returned from a trade show, conference, or in-plant visit, can yield a lot of information that may not make it into print, yet can help our readers and listeners stay on top of trends that matter to them."
PW's podcast debut on January 23 features chief editor Pat Reynolds, whose 13 minutes PackCast includes the following observations:
• I am amazed at how many of the FPA winners, to be announced in our March issue, are stand-up pouches, many with standout graphics.
• Think of packaging machinery not merely as a capital asset, but as an intelligent asset, one that can help manufacturers meet unexpected demand when it surfaces if it is sufficiently networked.
• Contract packaging can play a key role in the increasingly networked world of manufacturing.
• Assets utilized don’t have to be internal assets if providers of contract packaging services are also plugged into the network.
• We're definitely seeing firm interest in sustainable packaging, even to the point that a lot of major corporations have positions with "sustainable" in their title.
• We received a phone call recently to help someone track down a vendor from a recent awards competition. It turned out that the vendor was no longer in business, so it's interesting how these competitions can scare up some technology, but sometimes not ones that stick.
Personally, I would compare a PackCast to the Q&A session of a presentation, which is often the most frank, revealing, and insightful part of a session.
While you can sign up to receive automatic downloads of the PackCast to your iPod or any other MP3 player, anyone with a computer can download directly to their PC and listen to the discussion. The PackCast is also found via the iTunes Apple Music Store, by searching for "Packaging World" or "PackCast".
