As the year ends and we all reflect on our accomplishments as well as our resolutions for the new year, the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) has a lot to celebrate in 2023 and look forward to in 2024. On the state level, the advocacy focus was again on extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, per- and […]
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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.
Sorting Technology Advances Recycling Efforts
Nov/Dec 2023
The goal in the plastics industry is clear: The consumption of fossil raw materials must be reduced to the bare minimum. But how can our linear material flows be transformed into an efficient circular economy?
Read MoreChallenging Legislative Year Coming to a Close
Nov/Dec 2023
As the first session of the 118th U.S. Congress comes to a close, the legislative year ended with few major accomplishments.
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EPR Programs Evolve During 2023
Nov/Dec 2023
Four states have passed extended producer responsibility bills for packaging. Each program is structured differently, which can create confusion.
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ELC Co-Chair Reflects on his Tenure
Nov/Dec 2023
As I near the end of my term as co-chair of the Emerging Leadership Council, I would like to say a heartfelt “thank you.”
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SPMC® Members Receive Industry Awards
Nov/Dec 2023
Over the past year, several members of the Sterilization Packaging Manufacturers Council (SPMC®) received industry recognition for their contributions to the healthcare packaging industry. These honors are a testament to the talent and dedication of those who voluntarily serve on SPMC®. Marie Tkacik Marie Tkacik, director of product development and optimization at Beacon Converters, Inc., […]
Read MorePolytechnique Montreal Rooted in Meeting Industry’s Needs
Nov/Dec 2023
We talk to Abdellah Ajji, Ph.D., who heads the chemical engineering department at Polytechnique Montreal.
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A Closer Look at Evan Arnold
President of Glenroy, Inc.
Nov/Dec 2023
In this issue, we interview Evan Arnold, president of Glenroy, Inc.
Read MoreFederal Recycling Strategies Must Be Monitored Closely
Sept/Oct 2023
We have been given several regulatory opportunities this year to drive home our message on the importance of films and flexibles, including the protection of products and the reduction of carbon, as well as shaping the future of recycling in the United States to include this type of packaging.
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Key United Nations Report Outlines Food Waste and Packaging Issues
Sept/Oct 2023
This report establishes recommendations per food archetype based on 33 studies.
Read More118th Congress Confronts Tech Issues
Sept/Oct 2023
As manufacturing floors become more integrated and companies increase investments in technology, technology oversight has become an increasing area of interest.
Read MoreNo New EPR Laws for 2023—So Far
Sept/Oct 2023
This year, we saw legislatures act more cautiously with extended producer responsibility (EPR), pushing through needs-assessment legislation rather than full-blown EPR.
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Flexible Packaging Industry Growth Accelerates
Sept/Oct 2023
The annual State of the Flexible Packaging Industry Report, recently released by the Flexible Packaging Association, provides industry converters, suppliers, investors, and analysts with insights into the U.S. flexible packaging industry’s performance over the past year.
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ELC Advocacy Committee Restructures and Adds Vice Chair
Sept/Oct 2023
The advocacy committee of the Emerging Leadership Council elected Monica Scott, strategic account manager at H.B. Fuller, as vice chair. With her support, the advocacy team was split into two subgroups, legislatorial advocacy and sustainability advocacy.
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SPMC® Gears Up for Sterile Packaging Day 2024
Sept/Oct 2023
Sterile Packaging Day raises awareness for the invaluable role sterile packaging plays in healthcare and includes a blood drive.
Read MoreUniversity of Florida Offers Packaging Engineering Program
Sept/Oct 2023
FlexPack VOICE® profiles colleges, universities, and schools that have developed programs to train people for work in the packaging industry.
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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.
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