Advertise on podcast: Better Product Solutions Podcast

In this episode, Steve Davis sits down with Bettylyn Krafft, Executive Director of the Phoenix Challenge Foundation, for a deep dive into workforce development in the printing and graphics industry. Bettylyn shares the origins and mission of the Phoenix Challenge, outlining how its high school and college competitions prepare students for real‑world careers in flexography and print. She highlights the hands‑on nature of the high school contest (covering math, prepress, plate making, press operation, and troubleshooting), and explains how the college competition expands into full brand development projects where students rebrand real small businesses and produce flexographic print pieces supported by a comprehensive technical book. Bettylyn and Steve also discuss the broader workforce landscape, including the industry’s population cliff, the critical need for talent pipelines, and the importance of engaging young people early through curriculum support, teacher training, and industry‑connected programs. She shares examples of student projects that have made real commercial impact, such as packaging concepts now used by major brands, and emphasizes the importance of purpose, mentorship, and meaningful work for the incoming generation. The episode wraps with guidance for HR and operations leaders on attracting and retaining young talent, as well as a call to industry professionals to mentor, volunteer, and help build the next generation of print professionals.

In this episode, Steve Davis sits down with Jack Anderson, Activation Marketer at 3M’s Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division, to discuss the 3M Solution Seminar and its survey-driven approach. Jack shares how his experience in sales shaped his current role, emphasizing the importance of shifting from product-focused conversations to problem-focused discussions. He explains how pre-event surveys help uncover design challenges, such as bonding, sealing, noise, and thermal management, so seminars can deliver tailored, high-value content for engineering teams. Jack also walks through the seminar process, from gathering insights via surveys to customizing presentations and demos that combine 3M’s material science with converter capabilities. He highlights the benefits of this approach, including improved engagement, discovery of hidden priorities, and stronger collaboration between OEMs, converters, and 3M. The conversation concludes with a powerful example where survey insights revealed unexpected EMI shielding needs, leading to new opportunities and deeper partnerships.

In this episode, Steve Davis sits down with Michael Muchin, Business Director at Avery Dennison Medical, to explore the complexities of wearable medical devices and stick-to-skin adhesives. Michael shares insights into the human factors that influence adhesive performance (such as skin type, age, activity level, and placement on the body) and explains why there's no one-size-fits-all solution. The conversation covers misconceptions designers often have, the importance of testing, and how Avery Dennison guides design teams through early development with tailored sample kits and wear study protocols. The episode also breaks down the construction of wearable adhesives, including the skin layer, tie layer, and overpatch materials. Michael defines key adhesive metrics like tack, shear, and peel, and explains how they influence design decisions based on device weight and placement. He emphasizes the role of the tie layer in bonding different materials and the need for customization depending on application requirements. Throughout the discussion, Michael highlights Avery Dennison’s collaborative approach to helping customers validate and scale their designs effectively.

In this episode, we chat with Harald Breivik, CEO of Condalign, a technology company based in Oslo, Norway, that focuses on developing and commercializing conductive materials. We delve into the collaboration between Condalign and Tapecon, highlighting their conductive products and technology. We explore the core technology behind Condalign, which involves a patented process to manufacture conductive films with aligned particles. These films can be used for both thermal and electric conductivity, with applications in bonding electronic components and heat transfer. Harald shares insights into the technical advantages of Condalign's conductive film over traditional conductive epoxy, emphasizing its quick assembly and bonding capabilities on heat and pressure-sensitive materials.

In this episode, we chat with Ken, Head of Growth and Innovation at Covestro, a leading company in the development of polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) products. We delve into Covestro's rich history, from its origins as part of Bayer to its expansion through strategic acquisitions in Europe and North America. We explore the unique properties and versatile applications of TPU, highlighting its use in inflatables, medical devices, bulletproof glazing, and advanced wound dressings. Ken shares insights into Covestro's ongoing innovation efforts in the printed flexible electronics market and their collaborative approach with partners to develop and demonstrate TPU applications.

In this episode, we chat with Peter Panneri, Business and Product Manager of Ryandra Inc., a subsidiary of Tapecon, specializing in cohesive tape solutions for medical tube set manufacturers. Ryandra provides cohesive tape and tape dispensers to buyers, engineers, and marketing leaders who rely on them to improve product designs and simplify their processes. We explore the history of cohesive tape, its role in the medical industry, and how Ryandra's cohesive tape differentiates itself by offering added value beyond the tape itself. ---- Bringing a product to market is challenging. Having confidence in your contract manufacturing partner is critical. Tapecon works with product teams to improve your market competitiveness by manufacturing functional graphics, materials, and complete products to improve look, feel, and usability.  Tapecon is a trusted partner of OEM contract manufacturing. We work with product teams to manufacture prototypes, components, assemblies and provide full production services involving custom materials converting and specialized application printing. Our extensive application engineering experience and collaborative partnerships enable us to assist in materials selection and process design for cost-effective functionality, performance, and reliability for medical, electronics, and industrial industries. Website - https://tapecon.com/

In this episode, we chat with Cameron Bell, Design and Application Engineer at Delta ModTech, a long-term machine collaboration partner of Tapecon. We discuss the Delta-Tapecon collaboration, focusing on their joint capabilities in supporting the production and commercialization of medical wearables. We also explore Delta’s advanced validation services, which help companies meet regulatory compliance requirements. To wrap up, we share an exciting preview of an upcoming trade show collaboration between Delta ModTech and Tapecon, where they'll showcase their innovative solutions for the medical device and wearable technology industries.

In this episode, we chat with Michelle Bonn, Chief Executive Officer at Compliance Team, offering FDA Regulatory, compliance, and engineering services for the life sciences, and biotech industries. In this episode, we discuss the critical role of quality agreements and the clear definition of intended use in medical device manufacturing.

In this episode, we chat with David Liebl, Chief Commercial and Technology Officer at Intricon, about the latest in wearable healthcare sensors. We discuss current trends, industry priorities, and how these innovative wearables are brought to market. Join us for a glimpse into the future of healthcare technology. ---- Bringing a product to market is challenging. Having confidence in your contract manufacturing partner is critical. Tapecon works with product teams to improve your market competitiveness by manufacturing functional graphics, materials, and complete products to improve look, feel, and usability.  Tapecon is a trusted partner of OEM contract manufacturing. We work with product teams to manufacture prototypes, components, assemblies and provide full production services involving custom materials converting and specialized application printing. Our extensive application engineering experience and collaborative partnerships enable us to assist in materials selection and process design for cost-effective functionality, performance, and reliability for medical, electronics, and industrial industries. Website - https://tapecon.com/

In this episode, we spoke with John Burgoon, medical sales manager for Mativ. Mativ manufactures advanced medical materials, composites, and skin-friendly adhesives. We discussed wound therapy construction, customization, and how Tapecon helps bring prototypes to scalable production. John also discusses customization options, Mativ’s sustainability efforts, and future wound care technologies.

In Episode 19, we had a great conversation about printed sensors with Brad Hull, Printed Electronic Solutions Business Unit Director here at Tapecon. In this episode, we discuss the evolution and future of sensors, printed electronics, flexible hybrid electronics, portable healthcare wearables, and consumer electronics.

In this episode of our podcast, we spoke with John Crosby, Vice President of Operations at Grand Rapids Label (GR Label). We discussed GR Label’s journey toward zero-landfill, including the impetus, measures of success, reactions of suppliers and potential employees, and mentorship from other companies.

In this episode, we spoke with Aditi Subramanian, Strategic Business Unit Manager for the Healthcare side at FLEXcon. We discussed how OMNI-WAVE™, a revolutionary biosensing technology, eliminates the need for hydrogel in medical diagnostic and therapeutic wearable devices. Aditi also explained OMNI-WAVE’s benefits, applications, and testing standards, and how it is a roadmap for FLEXcon’s future in the healthcare space.

In this episode, we spoke with Arlene Short, Manager of Outreach and Recruitment for Goodwill of Western New York. Arlene discusses how the Goodwill Goodskills Career Builder program is training and connecting people in our community to meaningful work in the manufacturing and tech industries.