From the Desk at Packaging Chic | May 2025
Thoughts, tools, and tips from the production desk of Sharon Eucce
Hi!
Well, I kicked off May with a week of remote work in Cabo San Lucas. While the sunshine and setting were lovely, it reminded me just how much I rely on my large desktop monitor when reviewing packaging proofs. Remote work can be productive, but in packaging, where I need to catch fine lines, hairline borders, and decimal-point differences, the right screen really matters. It was a good lesson in being flexible, but also knowing when to pause and do a final review back at your production setup. Does that mean I wouldn’t do it again?! Nope - I’ll keep trying! 😂
Project Spotlight: When Tariffs Throw a Wrench in the Timeline
One of my projects this spring was a custom luxury shopping bag for a high-end athletic club. It’s their first time ordering packaging, so we’re balancing aesthetics, function, and cost without losing sight of brand presentation.
In April, we had to temporarily pause the order while we waited for final word on U.S. tariff policies. Their production is based in Vietnam, which turned out to be a good decision, but for a moment it was a frustrating standstill. Those moments where supply chain meets government policy are the ones where having a production advisor makes all the difference.
Now that the green light’s in place, production is underway. The bags will feature custom-dyed herringbone tape handles, a single color print inside and out on a textured uncoated paper. They’re elegant, practical, and perfectly on brand. We expect first samples in early June, and I’ll share a photo when they arrive!
Industry Watch: Washington State Passes New Packaging Law
Washington just became the latest state to adopt what's known as an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law for packaging. That means if you sell products in Washington, you’ll soon be responsible for part of the cost to recycle or manage the disposal of your packaging.
Here’s what product-based brands should know:
You’ll help fund state-wide recycling systems.
More states are following this model, it’s not a one-off.
Packaging recyclability and labeling will matter more than ever.
This is the time to assess your specs, especially if you're using multi-layer films or non-recyclable paper/plastic combinations.
This isn’t about panicking, it’s more about planning. If you want to make sure you’re not caught off guard, now’s the time to review what you’re using and what options exist.
📎 Read the source article from Waste Dive
On the Mic: Packaging Chic on the Systems Saved Me Podcast!
In May, I had the pleasure of being the guest host on the Systems Saved Me Podcast twice! The gal, Jordan Gill , is a tech genius and I’ve been in her orbit for awhile to stay up to date and create some of my own tech.
My topics are a bit “outside the box” from hers but I wove us together on the episodes! They both offer a behind-the-scenes look at how I help brands take control of their packaging and avoid the “last-minute panic” that’s all too common in product businesses. It was a pretty fun experience and it was a lot of work to collect my thoughts to deliver them to this audience!
🎙️ Episode 443: Packaging That Delivers: 4 Truths Every Digital Business Should Know
We talk about what packaging really signals to your customer and how to align your packaging with your brand promise.
🎙️ Episode 444: The 5-Phase Packaging System to Deliver Your Product Without the Panic
This one breaks down my full method for getting packaging done in an organized, repeatable way, even if you're juggling 10 SKUs and a product launch.
🟢 You can listen to both episodes here: Episode 443 and Episode 444
Looking Ahead: Two Industry Events Worth Watching
June will be busy in the best way. I’ll be attending Amplify Print in Chicago, which focuses on the latest in print finishing, embellishment, materials, and packaging systems. It’s not just about pretty stuff (though I love that). It’s where I stay sharp on production methods that make a real difference in quality and cost. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I afford a specialty finish?” or “What’s the newest paperboard that’s both luxe and recyclable?”, these are the kinds of questions I go there to answer on your behalf.
At the end of the month, I’ll be walking the floor at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York. It’s a place to taste new products, yes, but also to see what kinds of packaging are standing out on crowded tables and shelves. If you’re in food, beverage, or gifting, this show is a goldmine of inspiration (and reality checks). I bring back photos, ideas, and firsthand observations that help clients like you make smart, on-trend packaging decisions.
If you’re attending either event, or just want a post-show download, reach out. I'm always happy to share what I saw and what’s worth paying attention to next.
Need a Second Set of Eyes on Your Packaging?
Whether you’re ordering custom packaging for the first time or trying to improve your production process, I help product-based brands design and deliver packaging that’s functional, beautiful, and built for real-world production.
