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.
Read MoreIssues
Parent category for issues. Issues should be in format MM_MM_YY
Here Is a Look at Potential Impacts of the Elections
Nov/Dec 2022
Election Day on November 8 has been a date circled on the calendar for what feels like forever. From the first day of the 117th Congress on January 3, 2021, it seemed the race for the midterm elections had kicked off. Democrats focused their messaging on how to hold majority control of Congress and Republicans on how to regain leadership control. And now, here we are, with the elections upon us and at the time for assessing the impact of and planning for the next Congress.
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2022 Wraps Up With California Passing EPR for Packaging
Nov/Dec 2022
The year 2022 was significant and precedent-setting for the flexible packaging industry, with the addition of new state laws that will govern how packaging is made and managed at the end of life. Numerous states debated packaging issues, with two passing and signing extended producer responsibility bills for packaging. Many more states are addressing issues like recycled content mandates, labeling, and toxic chemicals in packaging.
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Clemson University Dedicates Program to Flexible Packaging
Nov/Dec 2022
We talk to Robert M. Kimmel, Sc.D, an associate professor at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. Kimmel also is director of the packaging science program and director of the Center for Flexible Packaging in the university’s department of food nutrition and packaging sciences.
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A Closer Look at Fredy Steng
Director of Sales, Strategic Accounts, Berry Global Group Inc.
Nov/Dec 2022
In this issue, we interview Fredy Steng, director of sales, strategic accounts, at Berry Global Group Inc. and a member of the Flexible Packaging Association Chairperson’s Advisory Council.
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What Most Concerns You for the Future?
Thought Leader Survey Highlights Legislation, Other Issues
Nov/Dec 2022
This year, the respondents to the “Packaging Thought Leader Survey 2032” included 165 experts, including leadership from the Flexible Packaging Association. The questions include deep looks into key technologies and trends that will impact packaging by 2032.
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Beyond the Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Some Companies Create Alternative Routes to Circularity Goals
Nov/Dec 2022
As they take steps toward creating a circular economy for their products, flexible packaging companies continue to face calls for reducing or eliminating the use of plastic entirely.
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FPA Recognizes Members Celebrating Milestones
Companies Offer Insights into Challenges, Opportunities
Nov/Dec 2022
In 2022, as companies in the flexible packaging realm reach milestone years in their FPA memberships, some shared how they continue to innovate, embrace sustainability, and maximize FPA resources to stay strong and meet the challenges ahead.
Read MoreDigital Exclusive
Training the Sustainability Trainers
Arizona State University Offers Programs for Midcareer Sustainability Officers and Others to Help Companies Advance Circularity Efforts
October 31, 2022
As companies add sustainability personnel to meet customer, brand owner, and regulatory expectations, they might not know exactly how to integrate new policies into their organizations. That situation could be a reason to reach out to Arizona State University’s Ryan M. Johnson.
Read MoreDigital Exclusive
CNG Works With Trex in Annual Student Recycling Contest
FPA Member Provides Schools With Cash Awards
October 31, 2022
Starting in November, schools nationwide can compete for prizes and cash awards by entering an annual recycling contest run by Trex Company, Inc. that has been sponsored by Charter Next Generation, a Wisconsin-based flexible packaging company that is an FPA member.
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FPA Seminar Offers Tips for Students
Sal Pellingra Advises Students During Summer Sustainability Presentation
October 25, 2022
FPA’s virtual summer internship program connects college students with mentors and leaders to help build the future of the industry.
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FPA Plans FlexPack Crash Course at PACK EXPO International
FPA Leader Alison Keane Also to Give Address at Conference
October 11, 2022
PACK EXPO International offers several opportunities for attendees to learn about new and evolving aspects of the flexible packaging industry.
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Behind the Student Winners of FPA’s Packaging Contest
Gary Borges Reflects on Working With Students at Stout
September 27, 2022
Gary Borges, who worked as a product development manager with Printpack, now teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where students swept the awards in the Flexible Packaging Association’s annual Student Design Challenge.
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Liquibox CEO Coaches Students on Finding Purpose
The ‘Big P’ Has Helped His Company Grow, Ken Swanson Says
September 13, 2022
In 2013, Ken Swanson had just taken the job of CEO at Liquibox when it hit him while working late one night that he might have made a big mistake. Eventually, he decided to develop a purpose-driven organization.
Read MoreAdvanced Recycling Works—We Just Need to Ramp it Up
Sept/Oct 2022
Recycling does work—but our U.S. recycling infrastructure is decades old; markets have been severely limited by relying on exports for too long; and it doesn’t provide circularity for much of today’s packaging types, including flexible packaging.
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Why ‘Elimination’ Won’t Solve the Packaging Pollution Problem
Sept/Oct 2022
Flexible packaging has a target on its back. Shortsighted elimination policies for flexible packaging—and all packaging in general—will not solve the problem and, in many cases, will result in more environ-mental harm.
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Advocating for Flexible Packaging: ELC Group Seeks Your Input
Sept/Oct 2022
This year, the advocacy group of the Emerging Leadership Council is setting its sights even higher, transitioning from informing our member companies to educating and influencing legislators. With this step change in the target audience, we now need your support more than ever to make an impact.
Read MoreSPMC® Forms Sustainability/Regulatory Committee
Technical Committee and Communications Efforts Accelerate
Sept/Oct 2022
The Sterilization Packaging
Manufacturers Council recently formed a Sustainability/Regulatory Committee, which will be working on ensuring that legislation around plastics, packaging, and packaging waste considers the unique requirements of medical device packaging.
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.
Read MoreManufacturing Month Creates Opportunities to Focus on Workforce Issues
Sept/Oct 2022
Even before the pandemic, a workforce shortage was brewing nationwide. The shortage is particularly impactful in the manufacturing sector, as appropriately skilled workers were becoming harder to find.
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