2026 FlexForward® Conference Open to Members and Nonmembers of Flexible Packaging Association
The 2026 FlexForward® Conference, sponsored by the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), is open to both nonmembers and members of the trade association and will include panels on regulations impacting the flexible packaging industry, the Make America Health Again (MAHA) movement, and advanced recycling and mass balance technologies.
The conference is scheduled for Sept. 15–17. The full agenda and registration information are available at flexpack.org/events/2026-flexforward-conference. The cost is $1,500 for FPA members and $2,000 for nonmembers. The registration deadline is noon, Friday, Aug. 14. However, late registration will be allowed after the deadline but with a $250 late fee.
The conference, which will be held at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is designed for converters, suppliers, brand owners, recyclers, and industry partners.
Some highlights
The agenda includes the following:
Nishant Sharma, director—regulatory and scientific, Amcor: Sharma will give a presentation on the MAHA movement and how it is “driving greater attention to food safety, chemicals in food contact materials, and emerging contaminants, creating new challenges for the flexible packaging industry,” FPA says. “This session will examine how MAHA-related priorities are shaping federal and state policy, regulatory oversight, scientific research, and brand expectations.”
Advanced Recycling and Mass Balance: A Necessary Frontier for Flexible Packaging: The panelists include Steve Adams, vice president, Nexus Circular; Rachel Meidl, Ph.D., deputy, center for energy studies, Rice University; Adam Peer, senior director, plastics sustainability, American Chemistry Council (ACC); and Jen Ronk, senior sustainability manager, North America Packaging & Specialty Papers, Dow.
“Experts will examine the legislative and regulatory debates shaping adoption, funding, and accountability, and explore how advanced recycling intersects with extended producer responsibility (EPR) and post-consumer recycled (PCR) content schemes for flexible packaging,” FPA says.
Eco-modulation and Flexible Packaging Design: Industry Perspectives, Fees and Case Studies: Panelists will include Jason Bergquist, CEO—North America, RecycleMe; and Letricia Fry, director of sustainability, Inteplast Group. The discussion will examine the rationale behind eco-modulation programs, compare fee structures among states, and highlight policies impacting the flexible packaging industry.
“FlexForward® is where our industry comes together to exchange ideas, share expertise, and prepare for what’s ahead,” says Dan Felton, FPA president and CEO. “Whether you’re focused on sustainability, policy, innovation, operations, or business strategy, this year’s program offers valuable insights and practical takeaways you can bring back to your organization.”
