Specright and Packaging InfoMeyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBookSupplyCaddyDazmiiEmail Eric at enorman@dazmii.comSponsor information!If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.Show Notes: Eric Norman on Packaging SpecificationsIntroductionIn this episode, Adam interviews Eric Norman, a partner and senior consultant with Specs and the Spec Squad lead at Dazmii, who has over 23 years of experience in packaging engineering. Eric shares his journey from studying psychology and computer science to becoming a packaging engineer and his love for the food and beverage packaging industry. He also talks about his passion for data and how it led him to create SpecRight, a concept for spec data management.OverviewIn this interview, Eric and Adam discuss Eric’s background, his journey to becoming a packaging engineer, the importance of packaging specifications, the challenges faced by the industry, and Eric’s vision for the future of packaging. They also touch on the similarities and differences between various industries that require packaging. Eric explains how his company, Spec Right, helps CPG companies manage their spec data by normalizing it and putting it all in one place. He also talks about the importance of change management and organizational change management when implementing new systems.Timestamped Chapter Summary* Introduction to Eric Norman and his background (00:00:00)* Eric’s journey to becoming a packaging engineer (00:01:45)* Eric’s experience in the food and beverage packaging industry (00:03:24)* Eric’s passion for data and creating Spec Right (00:04:03)* The importance of packaging specifications (00:07:14)* The challenges faced by the packaging industry (00:09:55)* The similarities and differences between various industries that require packaging (00:06:12)* How Spec Right helps CPG companies manage their spec data (00:12:21)* The importance of change management and organizational change management (00:15:10)* Eric’s vision for the future of packaging (00:17:40)* The impact of sustainability on packaging (00:19:58)* The role of technology in packaging (00:24:39)* The missing data in extended producer responsibility and sustainability (00:18:52)* Spec Squad’s VRO process and supporting clients with various systems (00:19:18)* Leveraging technology to connect everyone together in one system (00:19:54)* The importance of standardization for AI in packaging (00:21:58)* The role of data in enabling companies to work smarter and faster (00:21:52)* Utilizing packaging students in Spec Squad (00:23:31)* Eric’s advice for those interested in packaging engineering (00:31:16)* Eric’s accessibility to all universities (00:25:12)* The role of CSU Rammies in packaging (00:25:44)* Cookies and Clean in Phoenix, Arizona (00:26:09)Relevant Links/Resources/References* Specs: https://www.specsservices.com/* Dazmii: https://dazmii.com/* SpecRight: https://specright.com/Quotable Phrases/Takeaways* “Packaging is not just a box. It’s the delivery system for the brand.” (00:08:57)* “The packaging industry is a very complex industry. There are a lot of regulations and a lot of stakeholders involved.” (00:10:10)* “Packaging is going to become more intelligent, more connected, and more sustainable.” (00:17:40)* “Sustainab