Hardware Podcasts

130 - Global CPG Packaging Innovation with Liz Mellone from Colgate-Palmolive

People of Packaging · 3 May 2022 · 34m

What this episode covers

Liz Mellone, Worldwide Director of Packaging Innovation at Colgate-Palmolive, discusses her career path from Indiana State University to leading global packaging strategy at the multinational corporation. She details Colgate's major sustainability innovations, including a 100% recyclable HDPE toothpaste tube and a PET bottle for 'Re' toothpaste developed with Liquid Glide. Mellone explains the challenges of shifting to sustainable materials, such as PCR availability and supply chain constraints, and the importance of industry-wide collaboration to ensure recyclability.

Most relevant to

large enterprises

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Colgate-Palmolive, Liquid Glide, Bristol Myers Squibb, Albanese Confectionery
Products
Re, Elixir
Also
Indiana State University, RIT, APR

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Thoroughly Considered · 31m

    40: Agglomerated Cork

    Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat discuss the production status of their Mark One pen, detailing the transition from prototype to manufacturing with a Chinese factory. They explain the decision to use molded agglomerated cork for sustainable, reusable packaging and the logistical challenge of sourcing cheaper custom-branded Schmidt refills directly from the manufacturer rather than through US distributors. The episode covers specific engineering tweaks, such as testing nickel plating for lubricity and final assembly strategies in Austin.

    Packaging designManufacturing partners & offshoring
    7 chapters

  • How I Built This · 28m

    HIBT Lab! UNLESS Collective: Eric Liedtke

    Eric Liedtke, former Global Brand President at Adidas, explains his transition from revitalizing a major sportswear brand to founding UNLESS Collective, a startup creating 100% plant-based, biodegradable apparel. He details the environmental failures of the fashion industry, specifically the persistence of plastic waste and the limitations of recycling, which drove his decision to leave Adidas. Liedtke discusses the technical challenges of sourcing non-plastic materials, such as cellulose-based threads and water-based inks, and the supply chain complexities of manufacturing in the US and Portugal while maintaining a zero-waste ethos.

    Sustainability & circular productsMaterials & manufacturing processes
    6 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 33m

    Founder Feature: Woo Pailet of LOO

    Woo Pailet, co-founder and head of marketing for LOO, explains how a four-person founding team created a plant-based, flushable wipe brand with fully recyclable packaging to combat microplastic pollution. She details the rigorous R&D process, including GD4 compliance testing for flushability and the selection of natural plant pulp fibers, as well as the challenges of finding manufacturers willing to produce a novel format. Pailet discusses the company's bootstrapped financial model, their strategy of destigmatizing wipes through premium design and targeted sampling in New York City, and their upcoming participation in Expo West.

    Starting a product companyMaterials & manufacturing processes
    6 chapters

  • How I Built This · 43m

    Making garbage useful with Tom Szaky of TerraCycle

    Tom Szaky, co-founder and CEO of TerraCycle, recounts his journey from a Princeton dorm room to building a multimillion-dollar recycling enterprise. He details the early pivot from selling worm poop fertilizer in reused soda bottles to solving the broader waste crisis by partnering with brands like Stonyfield and Clif Bar to collect non-recyclable packaging. Szaky explains the economics of voluntary funding for waste management and introduces Loop, TerraCycle’s reusable packaging initiative, which aims to make traditional recycling obsolete by enabling infinite reuse of containers from brands like Tide and Häagen-Dazs.

    Starting a product companySourcing & supply chain
    9 chapters

  • It's Only a Prototype · 59m

    Taming the Dragons whilst Saving the Planet

    Lisa Hicks, founder of SNOAP, explains how she turned a lockdown frustration with slippery, unhygienic solid soap bars into the world’s first solid soap and shampoo dispenser. She details the development of seven prototypes to achieve a durable, 25-year lifespan and the rigorous due diligence required before appearing on Dragons' Den. After the episode aired, Hicks managed a massive surge in direct-to-consumer orders and secured investment from Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones to drive global expansion.

    Crowdfunding & preordersPrototyping & iteration
    10 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by People of Packaging. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.