Packaging plays a crucial role in our everyday lives, from protecting and preserving products to enhancing their visual appeal. Behind the scenes, there's a world of innovation happening in the packaging industry that often goes unnoticed. That's why in this episode of Beyond the Shelf, Laura Foti sat down with Matt Crider, Vice President of R&D and New Product Development at Lacerta Group LLC., live at Spec Summit 2024 to discuss the fascinating work they do and how they're pushing the boundaries of packaging innovation.

Below are some highlights from the conversation - you can listen to the full audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Soundcloud. Make sure to subscribe to our channel to get the latest episodes as soon as they are released.

The Breadth of Lacerta Group, LLC.

Lacerta Group LLC. has been a leading provider of thermo-formed packaging solutions since 1993. Their reputation is built on product integrity, excellent customer service, sustainability, and speed to market. They specialize in providing packaging and storage solutions for food processors and supermarkets, offering a comprehensive product portfolio that includes PET packaging, sustainable packaging options, and in-house design capabilities.

During our conversation with Matt Crider, he highlighted how their packages can be found primarily in the perimeter of grocery stores or grab-and-go establishments like Wawa or 7-Eleven. These packages include PET clamshells or tamper-evident containers used for fresh produce, sandwiches, and other perishable items.

Driven by Sustainability

But what sets Lacerta Group, LLC. apart is their commitment to sustainability. With the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions, they have made it a priority to develop recyclable packages that meet their customers' requirements while maintaining product freshness and shelf life. Their stock packages contain a minimum of 10% PCR (post-consumer recycled) content but can go up to 100% based on customer needs.

Matt Crider sees that the next generation cares deeply about the planet, and it motivates himself and his team to continue innovating for a more sustainable future. By continually learning and utilizing new technology, these ideas and goals for sustainable development are becoming realities.

Developing for the Future

One of the many impressive aspects about Lacerta Group, LLC. is their rapid product development process. With prototypes ready within a week and signed drawings promptly followed by production, they have truly embraced the concept of Rapid Application Development (RAD). This speed-to-market approach is embedded in their DNA and drives their commitment to innovation.

To support their rapid product development process, Lacerta Group relies on Specright’s Specification Data Management software. By collecting accurate and reliable spec data, they ensure that every handoff to the operations team is seamless and error-free. Specright's platform also enables them to stay ahead of regulatory requirements, such as those related to sustainability and recycled content percentages.

Navigating Regulations and Compliance

The packaging industry faces an ever-changing landscape with different requirements across different countries. Even varying state regulations can be challenging for packaging professionals unless they have a dynamic data management system in place. With Specright's live data capabilities, Lacerta Group, LLC. feels better prepared to navigate these challenges effectively.

During our conversation with Matt Crider, he emphasized the importance of staying proactive and forward-thinking when it comes to compliance. By anticipating future regulations and ensuring that their data accurately reflects their practices, Lacerta Group, LLC. can stay ahead of the game while still meeting customer demands for sustainable and reliable packaging solutions.

Listen to the whole episode here and you can connect with Matt on LinkedIn here.

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