Issues – FlexPack Voice

Digital Exclusive

Report: Stakeholders Must Coordinate Circularity Efforts as Material Needs Shift

January 26, 2023

In a report titled “Packaging Compass: Evaluating Trends in U.S. Packaging Design,” AMERIPEN and the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute evaluate trends in packaging design and the implications on a circular economy while outlining how coordinated efforts must start now to reach concrete goals over the next 10 years.

Digital Exclusive

FlexFocus™FlexMatters

A Conversation With Adrianne Tipton

Chief Technology Officer, Novolex

January 12, 2023

In this expanded interview with FlexPack VOICE®, Novolex Chief Technology Officer Adrianne Tipton offers insights into the future of the flexible packaging industry in 2023.

State

2023 Activity in States Picks up Where 2021, 2022 Left off

Jan/Feb 2023

The years 2021 and 2022 were unprecedented with groundbreaking new laws in the packaging sector. Four states adopted new extended producer responsibility laws, two states adopted new recycled content mandates for various types of packaging, and California adopted a first-in-the-nation recycling labeling law. The year 2023 will also likely prove to be significant and precedent setting for packaging policy.

Iowa State Graduate Program Focuses on Solutions

Jan/Feb 2023

We talk to Keith Vorst, director of the Polymer and Food Protection Consortium at Iowa State University. The consortium is funded by private companies. Vorst received grant funding from federal agencies, as well.

FlexFocus™FlexMatters

A Closer Look at Adrianne Tipton, Chief Technology Officer, Novolex

Jan/Feb 2023

In this issue, we interview Adrianne Tipton, chief technology officer (CTO) at Novolex. She also is co-chair of the Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) of the Flexible Packing Association (FPA).

What Now?

Advocacy Experts Discuss New Congress

Jan/Feb 2023

As 2023 begins, federal legislators will be putting the final touches on reorganizing the House and Senate committees and subcommittees of the 118th Congress based on the results of the November election. But even before the election, advocates for the packaging and flexible packaging industries were preparing for what they know will be a busy year on Capitol Hill.

Our Future Workforce

Schools and Companies Tout Training Programs at PACK EXPO International

Jan/Feb 2023

Even before the pandemic and its aftermath, finding workers has been a struggle. Unemployment rates continue to hover at or near historic lows, even as economists increasingly predict an economic downturn. Workforce training, recruitment, and retention issues remain top concerns for companies nationwide, including those in the flexible packaging industry.

Flexpack Crash Course

New Workers Network During Daylong Seminar

Jan/Feb 2023

This course aims to help the flexible packaging industry maintain, grow, and attract new talent through connections and collaboration.

Digital Exclusive

AMERIPEN Leader Reviews Packing Issues for 2023

Dan Felton Outlines Key Initiatives on State and Federal Levels

January 4, 2023

State policymakers will have a busy year in 2023 as they seek to regulate the packaging industry, with measures expected on extended producer responsibility, labeling requirements, and recycled-content mandates.

Digital Exclusive

Amcor Leader Discusses $10.8M Investment at Michigan State University

His Advice to Other Companies: ‘Jump in’

January 4, 2023

This past year, Amcor announced it would be investing $10.8 million into the Michigan State University School of Packaging in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Amcor’s commitment includes investment in infrastructure and building renovations, as well as an endowed chair position in the School of Packaging.

But Old Issues Like Aluminum, Circularity, and Trade Remain

Jan/Feb 2023

New year, new Congress, and it’s quite a different group after the elections. With our aluminum foil advocacy, the Flexible Packaging Association is a newly minted federal lobbyist organization with yours truly now duly registered. And we will make the most of it as the work continues on the trade front and circularity issues.

News Desk

Monitoring Federal Rule-makers

Committee Offers Updates on Biden Administration’s Policy Moves

Jan/Feb 2023

The Flexible Packaging Association’s environmental, health, and safety committee tracks regulatory developments on federal environmental and occupational safety regulations and develops action plans for those that could impact the industry. The environmental policy initiatives under the Biden administration are a major shift from the previous administration.

‘Let’s Talk Flexible Packaging’

ELC Initiative Seeks to Reach Educators, Others

Jan/Feb 2023

In the past few months, the education committee of the Emerging Leadership Council has made significant progress in its efforts to develop resources to empower Flexible Packaging Association member companies to effectively educate families and communities about the benefits of flexible packaging.

SPMC® Committee Tracks Industry and Regulatory Issues

Jan/Feb 2023

The Sterile Packaging Manufacturers Council has a newly formed sustainability/regulatory committee monitoring a self-initiated case by the U.S. Department of Commerce involving imports of aluminum foil from China that are finished in South Korea and Malaysia.

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.

National

New Congress, Biden Second Term Kick Off 2023

Jan/Feb 2023

With the midterm elections behind us, 2023 kicks off the 118th Congress and marks the second half of President Joe Biden’s first term. As the past several years have taught us, we know we need to expect the unexpected.

Digital Exclusive

Keane: Sustainability Remains Top Concern for FPA Members

December 22, 2022

When it comes to advocating for the flexible packaging industry, the highest priority remains issues surrounding sustainability, says Alison Keane, president and CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association.

Digital Exclusive

C-P Flexible Packaging Expands Solar Power Initiatives

December 8, 2022

C-P Flexible Packaging recently announced it plans to power half of the company’s U.S. facilities with solar energy by 2025.

Digital Exclusive

ProAmpac CEO Intends to Double Sales Within Five Years

Greg Tucker Says Sustainability Goals Accelerate, Too

November 22, 2022

ProAmpac intends to double its sales from about $2.5 billion to $5 billion within three to five years and offer a sustainable alternative for all of its products by 2025.

Digital Exclusive

FlexFocus™FlexMatters

A Conversation With Fredy Steng

Director of Sales, Strategic Accounts, Berry Global Group Inc.

November 10, 2022

In this expanded interview with FlexPack VOICE®, Berry Global Group Sales Director Fredy Steng offers insights into issues facing the industry in the coming year, including sustainability and government regulations.