A Closer Look at James Rosenberger

In each issue, FlexPack VOICE® interviews an industry leader or a professional who supports the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) in its various efforts. In this edition, we profile James Rosenberger, product manager of sustainable solutions at Charter Next Generation (CNG), a material science company focused on specialty films and sustainable solutions, with a strong focus on supporting the flexible packaging market. In March, Rosenberger was named co-chair of FPA’s Emerging Leadership Council (ELC). 

Rosenberger studied chemical engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

“During a junior-year career fair, I was drawn into a conversation about packaging wine in bag-in-box formats with Scholle Corporation,” he says. “That discussion led to a summer internship, where I worked with a great team and discovered how flexible packaging is essential in protecting our food and wine. That experience pulled me into the industry.”

Since graduating, he has spent 11 years at CNG in a variety of technical and commercial roles. What continues to motivate him is the combination of a supportive, innovative community and the chance to solve technical problems with real-world impact, he adds. 

“In my current role, I focus on developing and commercializing next-generation flexible packaging solutions that help customers meet their sustainability goals,” Rosenberger says. “Most recently, one of the most exciting projects I helped lead was bringing to market CNG’s new matte machine direction-oriented (MDO) print film.”

He notes that the innovation integrates a matte aesthetic directly into a polyethylene (PE) print film, giving converters an “out-of-the-box solution that delivers both sustainability benefits and a premium look without additional processing steps.”

FlexPack VOICE®: Talk a bit about what you hope to do in your new position as co-chair.

James Rosenberger: One thing I value most about the ELC is the chance to collaborate with such motivated and talented people across the industry. As co-chair, one of my key goals is to reengage with our more than 75 ELC alums who work at FPA member companies. There is a deep bench of talent and experience among our alums, and strengthening those connections is a significant opportunity for our current ELC members. The ELC has always been an incredible platform for networking, and deepening connections between current and past members will only make it stronger.

FPV: What would you tell someone who is thinking about a career in the industry?

JR: My advice is to stay curious and be open to trying different roles within the industry. In my experience, this industry is full of genuinely collaborative people who care about advancing flexible packaging. It’s where you can work on complex challenges that have real, tangible impact. That blend is what drew me in early on and continues to make this a rewarding and exciting career path.

FPV: Is there a particular experience that stands out in your career?

JR: One experience that stands out was my decision to transition from product development into commercial sales in 2019. It was a big leap for an engineer, and I struggled at first to find my footing, especially adjusting from a technical mindset to a more customer-facing, commercial role. But I also knew that choice would push me outside my normal comfort zone, and that was exactly why it was worth doing. Looking back, the moments that may make you feel uncomfortable are often the ones where you grow the most. That transition challenged me in all the right ways, and I believe it has been one of the most impactful decisions in shaping my career into what it is today.

FPV: What mentors have you had, and why have they been important?

JR: I’ve been fortunate to have several key mentors throughout my career. In my early years at CNG, Fritz Stuedemann, vice president of operations, and Brent Greiner, vice president of technology, were especially influential. They both led by example, helping shape my approach to complex problem-solving and consistently challenging me to think differently. On the commercial side, Ben Tuttle, vice president of sales, played a key role in helping me navigate the transition into commercial work and develop a new skill set. I’m deeply grateful for all of their support. Their mentorship has played a meaningful role in my growth and laid the foundation for how I continue to develop today.

FPV: What advice would you give to a hiring manager who is seeking people to fill various positions?

JR: From my experience in the industry and in various community groups, I’ve learned that culture fit is just as important as what’s on a résumé. With the right support and development, people can grow into the role, but they need to align with the organization’s values and the way the team works. Investing early in young talent—and taking the time to mentor and develop them—has proven to be one of the most effective long-term strategies for building strong teams and a resilient, high-performing organization. 

FPV: What do you see as the major challenges facing the industry in 2026, globally and/or domestically?

JR: Every year brings its own set of uncertainties, and 2026 is no exception. Globally, ongoing geopolitical conflicts continue to create supply chain instability. Navigating these disruptions—and building resilience into our operations—will remain a major challenge throughout the year.

Domestically, the industry is entering a new era with the rollout of extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs. These policies are reshaping expectations for consumer packaged goods (CPGs) companies and the entire flexible packaging value chain. Understanding the implications of this legislation and helping our customers adapt will be a central focus in 2026 and well into the latter half of the decade.

FPV: Anything about your family that you would like to mention?

JR: I’d like to thank my wife, Megan, for her constant support throughout my career, especially during periods of heavy travel. We also share our home with our energetic 4-year-old Australian shepherd, Sophie, who is always ready for a game of fetch and loves spending time with us at our family lake house.

FPV: What didn’t we ask that we should have?

JR: I appreciate the opportunity to share my story with the readers of FlexPack VOICE®. I am especially excited to begin my co-chair role alongside Alana Carr, inside sales and marketing manager at Hosokawa Alpine American, Inc., and help build on the strong foundation of the ELC in the year ahead.