Latest Stories – FlexPack Voice

Find in-depth stories about all the most relevant issues facing flexible packaging today. Digital-expanded and digital-exclusive features offer a deeper look at some of these topics to give you an even fuller view.

Training the Workforce of Tomorrow

Packaging Program Council Seeks Ways to Improve Packaging Degrees at Colleges and Universities

July/Aug 2025

Dwight Schmidt has spent decades in the paper packaging industry, accumulating knowledge and connections that have included being on the industry advisory board for the Michigan State University (MSU) School of Packaging. About six years ago, Michigan State asked him to help find a new packaging program director, which led him to Matthew Daum, Ph.D., […]

Revamping and Streamlining

The ELC’s New Leaders Plot Path for 2025 and Beyond

July/Aug 2025

The Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) wants to advance the priorities of the Flexible Packaging Association and also promote the opportunities that the ELC can provide dedicated participants

EU Grapples With Changing Rules

Flexible Packaging Europe Steers Industry Through New Regulations

July/Aug 2025

The flexible packaging sector welcomes the step toward harmonizing rules on the continent, according to Guido Aufdemkamp, executive director of Flexible Packaging Europe, an industry trade association based in Düsseldorf, Germany. The association, which is the European counterpart to the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) in the U.S., represents more than 85 flexible packaging manufacturers operating more than 350 plants and generating more than 19 billion euros in annual revenue, or about $20.5 billion.

75 Years of Member Service

Past and Current Leaders Discuss FPA’s History and the Future of Flexible Packaging

May/June 2025

As the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) entered 2025, the trade organization began celebrating 75 years since its formation in 1950. For Kathy Bolhous, chair and CEO of Charter Next Generation, FPA’s staying power proves that members have been getting value all along.

Creating Excellence

Gold Awards in Annual Contest Help Solve Problems

May/June 2025

The gold awards in the 2025 Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition were given for packages that excelled in sustainability, printing, packaging excellence, shelf impact, technical innovation, and expanding the use of flexible packaging.

Recognizing Innovations

Silver Award Winners in FPA Competition Demonstrate Packaging Progress

May/June 2025

The silver awards in the 2025 Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition were given for packages that demonstrated excellence in sustainability, printing, packaging excellence, shelf impact, technical innovation, and expanding the use of flexible packaging.

A Look Behind Producer Responsibility Organizations

Circular Action Alliance Prepares for a Busy Year With EPR

March/April 2025

Extended producer responsibility laws have been spreading in the United States, requiring the guidance of producer responsibility organizations (PROs). Along the way, a PRO called Circular Action Alliance was incorporated in December 2022.

‘An Inflection Point’

ProAmpac CEO Greg Tucker Offers His Thoughts on a Turning Point for the Flexible Packaging Industry

March/April 2025

ProAmpac has been focused on innovation and sustainability and wants to make sure it builds sustainable packaging options that are substrate agnostic as long as they can be recyclable or compostable and not go into landfills.

‘Outstanding’

Judges for 69th Annual Awards Competition Highlight Advances in Flexible Packaging

March/April 2025

Judges for this year’s Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards competition went through the entries one by one to pick the winners in six categories: expanding the use of flexible packaging, technical innovation, sustainability, printing, shelf impact, and packaging excellence.

A Conversation With Dan Felton, FPA’s New Leader

Felton Comes From AMERIPEN, Where Packaging EPR Is a Top Concern

Jan/Feb 2025

As Felton prepared to start his new position as president and CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), he reflected on how some of the issues facing FPA were the same as at AMERIPEN—the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment—where he had spent nearly five years leading that association.

FlexPAC™ Gears up for Elections

FPA’s Political Action Committee Plans for the Future

Jan/Feb 2025

The flexible packaging industry took a significant step into the political arena in 2024 with the creation of its first political action committee, FlexPAC™.

Packaging for Pet Foods

New Life Cycle Assessment Explores Role of Flexible Packaging in Growing Segment

Jan/Feb 2025

Sustainability seems to pervade all conversations about flexible packaging—including how people view their pets. That makes sustainability top of mind for brand owners because it is top of mind for pet owners.

Lessons From 2024 Inform 2025

Industry Leaders Discuss Trends Facing Flexible Packaging Industry

Nov/Dec 2024

FlexPack VOICE® asked three experts involved with the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) about key flexible packaging industry developments this year, while looking toward 2025 and beyond: Amanda Ciccone, senior director of sales at Dow; Dhuanne Dodrill, CEO of PAXXUS, Inc.; and Alison Keane, former president and CEO at FPA.

Milestones 2024

Companies Celebrating Anniversaries With FPA Weigh in

Nov/Dec 2024

With 2025 around the corner, companies will be looking to see if trends in 2024 continue while watching for new developments. To gauge what they are thinking, FlexPack VOICE® asked some of the companies celebrating milestones with the Flexible Packaging Association in 2024 what is on their minds.

Labeling Laws Examined

National Labeling Standards Remain Elusive, Experts Say

Nov/Dec 2024

In October 2021, California enacted a law that continues to send tremors through the worlds of packaging and recycling. The measure amends the state’s Truth in Advertising Law by setting strict standards for claims that a product or package is recyclable, focusing on how and when companies should be allowed to apply the decades-old chasing arrows symbol or other marks denoting recyclability. More than three years after the bill was passed, California regulators are still hashing out the details.

AI and You

Manufacturers Successfully Examine How AI Helps Their Operations

Sept/Oct 2024

AI offers the promise of greater efficiency and clearer, quicker insights into business operations. And while there are risks in using the technology, there also are risks in steering clear of it.

Learning About Labeling

Labelexpo Americas 2024 Showcases Industry Trends and Innovations

Sept/Oct 2024

Packaging industry professionals from around the world will gather in Rosemont, Illinois, for Labelexpo Americas 2024 to learn more about the challenges and innovations in the industry. The show will include live demonstrations of flexo presses and will display digital technology and finishing equipment, but it also will focus on trends facing the industry.

Innovations and Iterations

Student Designers Develop New Twists on Old Packaging

Sept/Oct 2024

Wouldn’t it be great to eat Pringles® chips without having to stick your hand down in the can? Essentially, that thinking was behind the flexible package that is the first-place winner of the 2024 Student Design Challenge held by the Flexible Packaging Association.

Rethinking Workforce Strategies

New Approaches Might Attract—and Keep—Talent, Experts Suggest

July/August 2024

he flexible packaging sector is in the same bind as other industries when it comes to recruiting and retaining talent. But if it wants to solve its workforce challenges, leaders will need to take a more proactive approach.

Using Sustainability Playbooks in R&D

Science Group Worked With CTOs to Develop Detailed Guides

July/August 2024

A forum for chief technology officers in 2022 launched its inaugural effort—a practical guide for research and development teams that are contributing to corporate net-zero goals. This year, the forum’s initiative accelerated with actionable insights on balancing sustainability with growth.

As the topic of recycling and sustainability continues to take over every conversation within the packaging industry, learn more about how advanced recycling is influencing the recycling conversation, how this will change the circular economy and how brands are starting get involved when striving for further sustainability goals. Advanced Recycling Summit will bring high level presentations, interactive panels, and numerous networking opportunities with attendees from across the plastics and sustainable packaging supply chains. FPA is a media partner for the event, and FPA members enjoy a 10% discount on the registration fee with this discount code: ARS25FPA.

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Join the premier event for the compostable products industry! Whether you're involved in product and material development, zero waste initiatives, collection and hauling, compost operations, or policy development, this is the event for you. Together, we'll work to build a successful system for food scraps diversion that incorporates compostable products and packaging.

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FPA is hosting a day-and-a-half FPA Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Committee meeting at the Morrow Hotel in Washington, D.C., before the FlexFly-In kicks off. Please contact Kyla Fisher at kfisher@flexpack.org if you have any questions about participating in the EHS Committee.

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We’re thrilled to partner with the Flexible Packaging Association’s (FPA) Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) to invite you to this year’s FlexFly-In—a powerful opportunity to make your voice heard on Capitol Hill. The FlexFly-in is a gathering of Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) members that visit our nation’s capital to meet with members of Congress, government officials, and other key decision-makers. The purpose being to advocate for issues, policy, and legislation that is important to the flexible packaging industry.

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PACK EXPO Las Vegas is not just an event—it’s your competitive advantage and your secret weapon. Feel the pulse of innovation as you interact with exciting technology, watch powerful equipment, discover game-changing materials and collaborate with experts who’ve never seen a challenge they couldn’t conquer. FPA is a partner for the show. Use this code to register for free: 60S70.

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