A new shipping mailer reminded us of an idea already used for corrugated boxes. Plus, where California's SB 54 stands and what happened to containerboard prices after September's increases.

Different supplier quotes don't always mean different prices for the same package. Learn why clear specifications matter and how material, structure, and shipping decisions affect packaging costs.

October has me thinking about fresh starts, new connections, and a few changes at PackagingChic. From meeting local brands in San Diego to returning to Cal Poly, here's what's happening behind the scenes and why I'm not waiting until January to try something new.

PRINTING United Expo 2026 packed plenty into two days, from the Taktiful embellishment tour and the AI Pavilion opening to conversations with students and Women in Print Alliance members. I'm sharing what caught my attention and a few ideas worth borrowing.

September took me from a Cal Poly classroom to a room full of emerging brands—and back to the packaging projects on my desk. A look at what those conversations reminded me about smarter packaging decisions, better questions and the value of seeing the whole picture.

What do this month’s packaging changes mean if you’re actually buying packaging? Containerboard price increases may affect corrugated costs, SBS lead times might be putting more attention on FBB, and new invisible print technology is giving brands another option for product authentication. Here’s what packaging buyers should know.

August has been one of those months where I look at my calendar and wonder if several different people are using it.

Packaging sample reviews. Client calls. AI training. Industry webinars. Mentoring. Follow-up from the Summer Packaging Challenge. And now I’m getting ready to head back to Cal Poly, where I’ll be speaking to a GrC 1000 class of students just beginning to figure out where Graphic Communication might take them.

Apparently, I like variety!

The first Summer Packaging Challenge™ brought designers, students and packaging professionals together to explore what happens when creative ideas meet production reality. Here’s a look back at what participants learned, what surprised the reviewers, and what I learned along the way.

When we design packaging, we spend months thinking about materials, graphics, manufacturing, shipping, retail shelves, and the customer experience. I teach and, some might say, preach about all of that all the time!

Then the package is produced, sold and opened. For most brands, that's where the story ends.

But what if you could actually see what happened next?

Did your package make it through the recycling system? Was it identified correctly?
Did it end up with the right material stream? Or did it become contamination that couldn't be recovered?

Three packaging-related laws took effect on July 1 in California, Virginia and Connecticut. Here’s what changed, who may be affected, and why these updates are worth understanding before they show up in your packaging decisions.