Davis and Schaefer (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)
The Sustainability Question As the session wound down, Foley introduced a final question, citing AI’s list of top issues in packaging: Extend- ed Producer Responsibility (EPR), cost volatility, and the workforce/automation gap. As the only topic left off the table by this point in the session, the conversation veered toward EPR. EPR shifts the cost of recycling and waste management from local governments to manufacturers, essentially re- quiring producers to fund the end-of-life handling of their packaging. While intended to promote sustainable practic- es, the policy’s details remain murky for many in the cor- rugated space. “Customers want answers,” Davis said, “but no one really knows who’s responsible or what data we’re sup- posed to have. It feels like a tax that’s not clearly defined yet. Everyone’s trying to figure it out.” Schaefer added that from his seat in Ohio, the policy hasn’t made much of a ripple, at least not yet. “It’s not real- ly a front-burner issue for us,” he said. “We’re watching it, but it hasn’t reached our market in any real way.” Community, Consistency, And Craft As the session wrapped, what stood out was the grounded wisdom of two people who live the business ev- ery day. Schaefer and Davis reminded everyone that the independent side of the industry continues to thrive not because it’s the biggest, but because it’s built on experi- ence, integrity, and a genuine care for the craft.
Foley asked about automation, and Schaefer’s answer drew nods from around the room: “As a smaller plant, we’re not trying to drive massive tonnage through the door,” he said. “We’re trying to bring value to our customers. Boxes are cheap, owning boxes is expensive, and not having them when you need them is devastating. For us, auto- mation is less about cutting headcount and more about reliability. But most of what’s out there doesn’t fit us when you look at the price tag.” Davis added that while he’s always exploring automa- tion, it must fit the scale and budget of a family business. “We want to stay in the game for another twenty years,” he said. “That means doing the best we can with the team we have and making smart, steady investments.” An audience member proposed the notion that AI isn’t the only technology out there, and asked the panelists how they view digital printing and cutting technology in their operations. Schaefer shared the practicalities of outsourcing print- ing as opposed to keeping it in-house. “Tavens is a fairly small plant, so putting in a press requires costs and infra- structure. If we did that, we’d need to feed it 24 hours a day from day one or it’s obsolete in 18 months,” he said. “Working with partners lets us stay flexible. Having print partners has been the most effective for us.”
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October 20, 2025
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