Sustainable Packaging

Learn how flexible packaging offers sustainability through environmentally friendly initiatives and reduced waste—proven through life cycle assessments. Consumers’ perspectives on sustainability is also a topic of discussion in these stories.

Beyond the Food Safety Modernization Act

Nov/Dec 2024

With the latest updates to the Food Safety Modernization Act, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration aims to dramatically improve food safety in the U.S. by shifting the focus to prevent foodborne illnesses by enhancing data-driven transparency and accountability within the food system.

Sustainability—The ‘Megatrend’—Requires Commitment and Collaboration

Sept/Oct 2024

Over the years, BOBST has been committed to its industry vision of “Shaping the future of the packaging world,” with sustainability as one of the four pillars. This focus is now reaching a critical juncture for the entire industry.

What Makes Lubricants Sustainable?

July/August 2024

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines environmentally acceptable lubricants based on three criteria: biodegradability, toxicity to marine and aquatic life, and bioaccumulation. We’ll investigate each of these and look at some practical aspects that using bio-based lubricants can offer for packaging companies.

Eco-Innovation in Flexible Packaging

May/June 2024

But what exactly is eco-innovation and how are sustainable materials and practices being integrated into the manufacture of flexible packaging?

How to Make Sense of Sustainable Packaging

March/April 2024

From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to the U.K. Plastic Packaging Tax and individual state guidelines, regulations bring challenges when it comes to the ability to quickly adapt.

New Technology Recycles Flexographic Printing Plates

Jan/Feb 2024

MacDermid Graphic Solutions developed technology to expedite a renewable and sustainable way to eliminate this waste by focusing on total reuse.

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?

Key United Nations Report Outlines Food Waste and Packaging Issues

Sept/Oct 2023

This report establishes recommendations per food archetype based on 33 studies.

Living 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.

‘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.

R-Cycle is the Open Tracing Standard for Sustainable Plastic Packaging

March/April 2023

Sidel wants to build upon its key role in bringing the circular economy to life.

Leveraging Marking and Coding Technology for Sustainability

Jan/Feb 2023

One important way manufacturers and retailers can improve the sustainability of their products is through investment in greener packaging options. Most will be aware of the potential cost benefits and reduced environmental impact of switching to recyclable materials, but fewer have considered the role improved marking and coding solutions can play in enhancing efficiency and sustainability across supply chains.

Flexo Evolution Supports Sustainable Progress in Packaging

Nov/Dec 2022

The pivotal point of all packaging industry innovation is sustainability. All stakeholders across the entire packaging supply chain understand the only way to future-proof our industry is to embrace integrating responsibility at every stage.

Cooperation Needed Along Value Chain to Achieve Sustainable Flexible Packaging

A Circular Economy Requires a Holistic Approach

Sept/Oct 2022

The flexible packaging industry is seen as a source of single-use plastic and a landfill mainstay, causing flexible packaging’s sustainability benefits to be often overshadowed by public perception. This is why it should be the industry’s top priority to not only talk about sustainability—but also to live it.

Corporate Sustainability Report Focuses on ‘Five Rs’

July/Aug 2022

Sun Chemical Corporation report focuses on its commitment to a sustainability strategy comprising three key pillars: operations, products and services, and collaborations.

Downgauging Multi-layer Film Structures

May/June 2022

Predictive models can help designers downgauge their films while maintaining critical properties and helping to accelerate innovation.

Recycling Efforts Must Accelerate to Meet Goals

March/April 2022

End markets for packaging with recycled content are driven, among other things, by brand owners, regulation, industry associations, and consumers.

CEO: Plastic Is Not Going Away

It’s Time to Promote a Circular Economy

Jan/Feb 2022

The truth is, plastic is not the problem. The problem is that we are discarding it so early in its life cycle. Instead of thinking of one necessary use for the polymers, innovators need to think about the entire life cycle of these materials.

Simple Steps Present Flexible Packaging as a Clear Solution

Nov/Dec 2021

Implementing sustainable packaging is a journey, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. Flexible packaging has a great opportunity to expand its footprint by simplifying the packaging transformation into attainable steps and by offering leadership and direction throughout the process.

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.