The flexible packaging industry drives $151.4 billion in total economic output and supports 398,780 jobs in the U.S., according to a new report from the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA). The 2025 Economic Impact of the U.S. Flexible Packaging Industry Report—prepared by John Dunham & Associates—also says the industry creates $33.46 billion in direct and indirect […]
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Industry and Association Updates
																					2025 Impact Report
An overview of the economic power of the U.S. flexible packaging industry
FPA’s 2025 Impact Report shows the flexible packaging industry generates $151 billion in U.S. economic output and supports nearly 400,000 jobs, highlighting its vital role in manufacturing, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Read MoreOregon Rolls Out System to Collect Hard-to-Recycle Materials
Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the producer responsibility organization (PRO) for several states that have adopted extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, recently opened a recycling center in Oregon for hard-to-recycle materials. The drop-off center in Ashland, Oregon, which is an EPR state, is funded by producers of waste and will accept materials such as plastic bags, […]
Read MoreProAmpac Buys Converting Operations of International Paper
ProAmpac recently bought the bag converting operations of International Paper (IP), which specializes in fiber-based bags. The acquisition expands ProAmpac’s converting capabilities, further advancing the company’s fiberization strategy and enhancing its ability to deliver customized bag solutions for the grocery, convenience store, and quick-service restaurant markets, the company said in a news release. Terms of the deal were […]
Read MoreGolf Outing Raises Money to Encourage Careers in Packaging and Processing Industries
More than $40,000 was raised to encourage careers in the packaging and processing industries during a charity golf tournament held on Sept. 28 before the start of PACK EXPO Las Vegas, according to the PMMI Foundation, the charitable arm of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. PMMI, which produces PACK EXPO, was held […]
Read MoreDebates to Continue on Extended Producer Responsibility Laws in 2026, Expert Says
More states might adopt extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws in 2025, especially in the Northeast if New York goes through with its EPR legislation, says Dan Felton, president and CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA). “New York is the biggest threat next year. If New York goes, I personally anticipate two or three other […]
Read MoreWebinar Explores Packaging for Beauty and Personal Care Products
A webinar scheduled for Oct. 22 will explore how spouted pouches embrace high-performance primary packaging across beauty and personal care categories. The webinar, which is co-hosted with the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), will look at market trends and upcoming legislation from the FPA, technical innovations in film science and pouch manufacturing from ZACROS Americas Inc., […]
Read MorePMMI Forecasts Modest Growth for U.S. Packaging Machinery Market
The U.S. packaging machinery market’s growth rate for 2025 is expected to be 2.2%, according to the 2025 Packaging State of the Industry infographic recently released by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. The U.S. packaging machinery market reached $11.3 billion in sales in 2024, PMMI says. The Canadian packaging machinery market reached $1.2 billion […]
Read MorePixelle Hires New CEO
Pixelle Specialty Solutions recently named a new CEO to replace Ross Bushnell, who has stepped down to pursue new opportunities, the company says in a news release. Julie Schertell had been president and CEO of Mativ Holdings and Neenah Inc., where she “repositioned each company for accelerated growth and improved profitability,” Pixelle says. Its board […]
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																					FPA Inspires With Student Design Contest
FPA marks 75 years with its 21st Student Design Challenge, showcasing the creativity and innovation of future leaders in flexible packaging.
Read MoreWindmoeller & Hoelscher Corporation Buys New York Company
Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corporation (W&H) recently bought Addex, Inc., a supplier of blown film extrusion equipment. Based in Newark, New York, Addex will continue to operate independently under its existing name, maintaining its product lines and customer relationships, with an ongoing focus on the U.S. and Canadian markets, according to a news release from W&H. […]
Read MoreTraining Program Set for November on Designing Packaging for Recyclability
From November 3–4, the Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR) will hold its next APR Design® Training and Tours program that includes lessons on how to design packaging for recyclability and why it is important, as well as tours of recycling facilities. “This interactive program starts with an engaging classroom session on both days, covering what […]
Read MoreRegistration Deadline Is September 5 for California’s EPR Law
Companies affected by California’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) law must register with the producer responsibility organization (PRO) by September 5. Companies can do so by going to the website of the PRO, Circular Action Alliance, and filling out the appropriate forms. California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act requires producers of residential and […]
Read MoreKoenig & Bauer Names New Management Team in US
Koenig & Bauer (US/CA) recently named Gerrit Zwergel as its new CEO after having been chief financial officer (CFO) for more than 25 years. “I am extremely proud to lead this forward-thinking management team and organization into the future as we evolve with the dynamic marketplace and introduce exciting new technology,” says Zwergel, who will […]
Read MoreGlobal Company Expands Health Care Packaging Operations in Costa Rica
A global provider of health care packaging for medical device, diagnostic, pharmaceutical drug delivery, and other applications has started building a new production facility in Costa Rica. Nelipak® Corporation says the 60,000-square-foot, Class-A industrial facility will significantly expand the company’s regional capacity and capabilities when it opens next year. “This investment underscores our long-term commitment […]
Read More2025 Recycling Open House Planned Over Two Days in August
The 2025 Recycling Open House sponsored by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) will be held virtually over two days in August. The free event will be held August 13 and then a week later on August 20 and will feature trade associations and other organizations that will present initiatives to promote recyclability of plastic products, […]
Read MoreFPA’s CEO Testifies on Recycling During Congressional Hearing
Dan Felton, president and CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), was one of several experts to testify Wednesday before a U.S. House subcommittee on recycling innovations and economic growth. “Flexible packaging is one of the most sustainable packaging types: It reduces water and energy consumption, improves product-to-package ratio, enhances transportation efficiency, minimizes food waste, […]
Read MoreFlint Group Expands in Italy to Meet Demand for NC-Free Inks
Flint Group expanded its resin production facility in Caronno, Italy, to meet the growing demand for nitrocellulose (NC)-free ink technologies in the flexible packaging sector. The plant produces more than 20,000 tons of resins annually, and the upgrade increases the company’s capacity to produce important resin intermediates for polyurethane (PU) and acrylic-based inks, the company […]
Read MoreMedical Device Packaging Course Set for Early 2026
“The Fundamentals of Medical Device Packaging Course” will be held February 3–5, 2026, during the MD&M West show in Anaheim, California. The course includes three half-day sessions during the overall MD&M show, according to information posted online. “The curriculum includes classroom instruction and in-depth discussions, along with demonstrations at participating exhibitor booths of various machinery […]
Read MoreNew COO Tapped for Charter Next Generation
Charter Next Generation (CNG) recently appointed one of its leaders to the newly created position of chief operating officer (COO). Lisa Alteri, who had been CNG’s chief growth and strategy officer, will be responsible for the company’s day-to-day operational strategy. Alteri will oversee all aspects of CNG’s business operations, including operations, procurement, marketing, strategy, sustainability, […]
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