In this episode of Wrapping Things Up, National Sales Manager Robert Barkley returns to dive deep into flow wrapping efficiency, seal integrity, and the realities of working with sustainable films. From pressure-heat-time tradeoffs to real-world packaging mistakes and upgrades, Robert breaks down what packaging engineers and operators need to know to optimize line performance—without sacrificing product integrity.

What you’ll learn:

• Speed vs. seal quality: how to strike the right balance
• Common flow wrap inefficiencies—and how to fix them
• Tips for running recyclable, compostable, and paper-based films
• Why operator training and communication are key to success
• How to pilot new films without shutting down your line

Whether you're managing packaging for baked goods, bars, or high-speed snack lines, this episode is packed with hands-on insights for engineers and ops teams alike.

In this episode of Wrapping Things Up, host Meredith Denning sits down with Viking Maskek’s Director of Sales, Nick Knapp, to explore how manufacturers can future-proof their packaging operations. From planning around labor shortages and rising demand to smart automation and scalable solutions, Nick shares practical strategies to ensure your packaging line keeps up—without overcomplicating operations.

You’ll learn:

• What future-proofing really means (and why it matters)
• How to balance speed, flexibility, and simplicity
• When to upgrade vs. buy new equipment
• How to avoid costly integration mistakes
• Real-world examples of delayed decisions that hurt growth

Whether you're scaling fast or just getting started with automation, this episode is packed with sales-side insights to guide smart packaging investments.

In this episode of Wrapping Things Up, host Meredith Denning sits down with Lucas Daane, Applications Engineering Manager at Viking Masek, to explore how packaging engineering is evolving with the rise of Industry 5.0.

Lucas unpacks how manufacturers are shifting from designing everything in-house to relying on smart systems and integrators, and what this means for the role of engineers today. They also dig into collaborative robotics, augmented reality for service, and how engineers can become automation influencers (and avoid project-killing scope creep).

Whether you're on the plant floor or planning the next system rollout, this episode delivers key insights into the intersection of packaging, automation, and human collaboration.

What you’ll learn:

• The difference between Industry 4.0 vs 5.0, and why it matters now
• How engineers can thrive in an age of automation, data, and AR
• Why labor shortages are the #1 disruptor in packaging today
• Tips to prevent automation projects from failing due to bad scope or planning
• The rise of pre-made pouches, spout packaging, and refillable formats in CPG

Plus: clever packaging innovations Lucas can’t stop thinking about (spoiler: pancake batter pouches).

Subscribe to Wrapping Things Up for more smart takes on packaging innovation, automation, and engineering.