# 62 - Shawn P. Welch from Hi Cone

- Show: [People of Packaging](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging)
- Published: 2021-06-01
- Length: 35m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-06-01-62-shawn-p-welch-from-hi-cone
- Listen: https://encase.substack.com/p/62-shawn-p-welch-from-hi-cone-606

## Summary

Shawn P. Welch, VPGM of Hi Cone at ITW, discusses his career transition from CPG giants like Kellogg's and Sara Lee to packaging, emphasizing the need to integrate packaging design early in product development to drive brand differentiation. He explains Hi Cone’s role in providing efficient plastic film packaging solutions that protect products while minimizing material use, arguing against the demonization of effective materials like LDPE which prevent food waste. Welch highlights the company’s sustainability initiatives, including the creation of a supply chain for post-consumer recycled content and the 'Ring Recycle Me' program to close the loop on ring carrier recycling.

## Chapters

- [0:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-06-01-62-shawn-p-welch-from-hi-cone#t=2) Introduction and Guest Background
- [3:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-06-01-62-shawn-p-welch-from-hi-cone#t=219) Career Journey from Kellogg's to Packaging
- [11:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-06-01-62-shawn-p-welch-from-hi-cone#t=702) Integrating Packaging Early in Innovation
- [15:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-06-01-62-shawn-p-welch-from-hi-cone#t=950) Hi Cone’s Film Solutions and Supply Chain Efficiency
- [20:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-06-01-62-shawn-p-welch-from-hi-cone#t=1236) Sustainability, Food Waste, and Material Nuance
- [27:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-06-01-62-shawn-p-welch-from-hi-cone#t=1661) Closing the Loop with Ring Recycle Me

## Topics

- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Packaging design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/packaging-design)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Hi Cone (company)
- ITW (company)
- Kellogg's (company)
- Sara Lee (company)
- Owens-Illinois (company)
- Ring Recycle Me (product)
- Avangard Innovative (company)
- Retail Aware (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [#260 - Packaging Changes as you Grow with Evie's Snacks and Belmark](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2026-08-04-260-packaging-changes-as-you-grow-with-evies-snacks-and-belmark) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
- [Making garbage useful with Tom Szaky of TerraCycle](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-08-17-making-garbage-useful-with-tom-szaky-of-terracycle) (How I Built This)
- [#203 - Packaging Your Brand 101: Jamie Valenti-Jordan and Andy Kurtts](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2025-07-01-203-packaging-your-brand-101-jamie-valenti-jordan-and-andy-kurtts) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
- [BONUS - iNEMI VP of Technical & Project Operations Grace O'Malley at APEX 2023 - EMSNOW & SCOOP On Location](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-02-09-bonus-inemi-vp-of-technical-project-operations-grace-omalley-at-apex-2023-emsnow) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Founder Feature: Cam Mathias of Huntaway](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2024-08-16-founder-feature-cam-mathias-of-huntaway) (The Startup CPG Podcast)

## Citing this page

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