FlexPack VOICE® profiles colleges, universities, and schools that have developed programs to train people for work in the packaging industry.
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Important Work for and in the Industry
Advocacy, volunteerism, and sustainability efforts are all showcased in this section. You’ll also find letters from FPA’s president, who offers her valuable perspective on those topics and more.
A Closer Look at Kasie Fairbarn
Vice President of Sales, Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corporation
Sept/Oct 2023
In this issue, we interview Kasie Fairbarn, vice president of sales at Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corporation. Fairbarn also is co-chair of the Emerging Leadership Council of the Flexible Packaging Association.
Read MoreFlexible Packaging Industry Offers a Great Place to Grow Careers
July/Aug 2023
The Flexible Packaging Association is keeping tabs on the many opportunities to overcome workforce challenges.
Read MoreLiving at the Intersection of Flexible Packaging and Sustainability
July/Aug 2023
Flexible packaging continues to be a promising solution for many brands in various industries. But perceptions around recyclability and concerns about improper disposal continue to be obstacles that need to be overcome.
Read MoreWorkforce Issues Capture Attention in Washington
July/Aug 2023
The U.S. workforce is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread shifts to remote- and hybrid-work models, which does not work well for manufacturing jobs that require skilled, hands-on engagement.
Read More2023 Shaping up to be Odd Year for State Packaging Laws
July/Aug 2023
The year 2023 has proven to be a challenging one for keeping up with state legislative activity in the flexible packaging industry. At the year’s midpoint, it remains to be seen if new standards will be set.
Read MoreFPA and PMMI Develop Best Practices Guide for Transitioning Flexible Materials
July/Aug 2023
The project’s main objectives were to uncover the key operational challenges and barriers to switching between flexible materials in the consumer packaged goods company production lines; and to create a best practices document as an industry guide for CPG companies, original equipment manufacturers, and materials suppliers/ converters on the most effective way to transition between flexible materials
Read MorePack Jam Promotes Flexible Packaging to New Generation of Leaders
July/Aug 2023
Pack Jam is an annual student-run conference hosted at packaging universities nationwide.
Read MorePatient Safety Central to Material Testing and Sustainability Initiatives
July/Aug 2023
While all flexible packaging protects the content it contains, sterilized flexible packaging must keep its contents free of contaminants that can potentially harm a medical patient who is often receiving lifesaving care.
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A Closer Look at David Love
Senior Vice President, Marketing and R&D, Printpack
July/Aug 2023
In this issue, we interview David Love, Printpack’s senior vice president of marketing and research and development. He is a member of the executive committee of the Flexible Packaging Association, as well.
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Hennepin Provides Real-World Experiences for Students
July/Aug 2023
We talk to Jeff Thorstad, a faculty member at Hennepin Technical College in Minnesota, about the program named Automation Robotics Engineering Technology.
Read MoreEducating on the Differences Between PFAs and PPAs
May/June 2023
Six states have adopted laws that focus on regulating the intentional use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging. The regulations, however, do not equate to a total ban on the use of PFAS, and the industry needs to do more to educate on the differences between PFAS and the fluoropolymers we use as polymer processing aids.
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‘Packaging Compass’ Survey Offers Sustainability Insights
May/June 2023
Recyclers often note that from the time one begins to plan for the development of a materials recovery facility, it takes an average of 10 years to complete. In that time, packaging can shift dramatically as converters and brands replace materials, develop new formats, and launch innovative technologies designed to make packaging more effective in its roles—and to be recyclable.
Read MoreGridlock Marks Start of 2023 on Capitol Hill
FPA Continues to Monitor Congress and Biden Administration
May/June 2023
The situation in Washington, D.C., as we enter late spring and early summer is pretty much what was anticipated—a Congress that has accomplished little of meaningful substance to date.
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Overview of FPA Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition
May/June 2023
Since 1956, the Flexible Packaging Association has conducted the annual Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition to showcase the industry’s innovation and the advances that have changed packaging.
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ELC Seminar Shows Where Each Player Fits In
May/June 2023
Organizers created a program that demonstrated what goes into producing a flexible package from start to finish along the supply chain. Each step requires every player to do his or her own part to ensure overall success.
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SPMC® Holds Sterile Packaging Day for 2023
May/June 2023
The Sterilization Packaging Manufacturers Council celebrated Sterile Packaging Day on February 8 with the theme of “Designed to Protect” to honor medical packaging engineers.
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Virginia Tech Develops Master’s Program in Sustainable Packaging
May/June 2023
We talk to Laszlo Horvath, an associate professor at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, who also serves as director of the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design.
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A Closer Look at Kevin Keneally
President and CEO, PPC Flexible Packaging
May/June 2023
In this issue, we interview Kevin Keneally, president and CEO of PPC Flexible Packaging and a board member of the Flexible Packaging Association.
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Regulatory Activity Accelerates in Four EPR States
More States Expected to Adopt EPR Laws
May/June 2023
The year 2023 is an incredibly active one for extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, which are now being implemented in the four states that passed EPR laws for packaging—so far. Over the past two years, the initial EPR initiatives passed into law are as follows: Maine’s Legislative Document 1541 in 2021 Oregon’s Senate Bill (SB) […]
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