A top legislative priority for the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) continues to be an unwavering commitment to advocate for a national strategy to improve, advance, and increase plastics recycling in the U.S. From the time the Biden Administration and the 117th Congress were first sworn in earlier this year, FPA has worked with our industry partners on efforts to advance a comprehensive strategic framework to implement legislation and regulations that will create a more circular economy for flexible packaging and all plastics.
Read MoreJessica Price
Find in-depth stories about all the most relevant issues facing flexible packaging today. Digital-expanded and digital-exclusive features offer a deeper look at some of these topics to give you an even fuller view.
Digital Exclusive
Interns and Opportunities
FPA Program Connects Industry Interns With Each Other and Mentors
September 2, 2021
This summer, the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) coordinated a program that brought together approximately 35 interns from across various companies in the packaging and flexible packaging industries.
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Expanded Interview With Catherine Heckman
Business Unit Director, Ashland
September 2, 2021
In this segment, we interview Catherine Heckman, business unit director—North America, laminating, adhesives and coatings at Ashland, a global specialty materials company.
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Dynamic Dies Holds Giving Campaign
Sept/Oct 2021
In honor of its 50th anniversary, Dynamic Dies started a year-long program of giving called “Dynamic Dies Difference Makers.”
Read MorePolykar Donates Toward Pandemic Relief
Sept/Oct 2021
Early in the pandemic, Polykar donated $50,000 to support critical responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in the developing world. Polykar, which is based in Quebec, Canada, specializes in sustainable packaging solutions.
Read MoreAshland Helps School In India
Sept/Oct 2021
Ashland employees participated in several community outreach efforts during the pandemic, including staff in India who reconstructed a boys’ dormitory in a school.
Read MoreGriff Donates Space and Nonperishable Goods
Sept/Oct 2021
Since 2008, Griff Paper and Film has donated space in one of its warehouses in Fallsington, Pennsylvania, to a nonprofit organization.
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A Closer Look at Catherine Heckman
Business Unit Director, Ashland
Sept/Oct 2021
For each issue, FlexPack VOICE® hosts a question-and-answer segment with an industry leader. In this issue, we interview Catherine Heckman, business unit director—North America, laminating, adhesives and coatings at Ashland, a global specialty materials company.
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Exploring Automation
Challenges Abound For Packagers
Sept/Oct 2021
In the post-pandemic age, automation is more than a solution for labor shortages. It’s the future in a quest for efficiencies, agility, and competitiveness.
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Finding Workers
Experts: Problems Will Linger Long After Pandemic
Sept/Oct 2021
Openings at American Packaging Corp. run the gamut from entry-level production jobs to engineering positions, says Jeff Fuller, the Columbus, Ohio-based company’s manager of organizational development.
Read MoreMaine and Oregon Pass First U.S. EPR Laws
Sept/Oct 2021
2021 will go down as a landmark year in terms of new packaging policy at the state level. Maine and Oregon’s legislatures have now officially passed extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging sold or distributed in their states.
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Tapping Tech Schools
Worker Shortages Prompt Proactive Steps
Sept/Oct 2021
After an FPA Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) committee on recruitment was formed last year, its members quickly determined that they would need to branch out beyond traditional internship programs.
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Energy from Waste
Companies Create System Toward Circular Economy
Sept/Oct 2021
The column titled “FPA’s Recycling Efforts Accelerate” in the May/June issue of FlexPack VOICE® discussed FPA’s work with The Recycling Partnership, as well as other initiatives, to improve recycling efforts nationwide.
Read MoreSPMC®: A Deep History In Protecting The Public
Packaging Innovation and Security at Forefront of Work
Sept/Oct 2021
FPA’s Sterilization Packaging Manufacturers Council (SPMC®) convenes on a regular basis with like-minded companies to develop consensus documents that benefit the entire industry. It’s an effective framework that has not wavered in nearly 30 years.
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ELC’s Leadership Development Committee Continues Its Work
Speaker Series Will Spill Into New Year
Sept/Oct 2021
The leadership development committee is a subset of the newly formed Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) within FPA.
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FPA Combats Critical Worker Shortage
Various Initiatives Confront Nationwide Problem
Sept/Oct 2021
The flexible packaging industry is a dynamic and growing industry where technologies are rapidly evolving.
Read MoreEPR Bills Veer from Norms
Sept/Oct 2021
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation passed in two states this year—or did it?
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Emerging Leaders Discuss Careers
Members of the FPA Emerging Leadership Council See Vast Opportunities
September 2, 2021
The industry doesn’t have to look far when it comes to showing career development and interest. Several members of the FPA Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) discuss what got them into the industry and how their careers have gone so far.
Read MoreGarlock Names New CEO
Garlock Printing and Converting recently named Jim Squatrito as the new CEO.
Read MoreHuhtamaki Buys Supplier of Sustainable Flexible Packaging
Huhtamaki recently announced that it is buying Elif Holding, a major supplier of sustainable flexible packaging to global brand owners.
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