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.

Why We’re Ditching ‘Just in Time’ for Something Smarter (and Less Stressful)

Discover why the Last Responsible Moment (LRM) is a smarter alternative to Just in Time (JIT) for packaging manufacturers. Learn how LRM reduces stress, waste, and risk in production planning.

October 1, 2025

Let’s be honest – Just in Time sounds like the scheduling equivalent of someone yelling, “Surprise!” It’s a core lean manufacturing principle, but for many in packaging production, it carries the weight of last-minute scrambles, tight margins, and rising blood pressure. So, what if we reframed it? What if we focused on making decisions at […]

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.

2024, PRINTING United Expo is the most dynamic and comprehensive printing event in the world. Bringing together the entire printing industry in one place to experience over a million square feet of equipment, solutions, and the latest trends! Walk the show floor to see your favorite vendors and uncover new ones, have meaningful conversations with printers and manufacturers, and discover what’s next for your organization – infinite opportunities await you! FPA Members can receive a free EXPO attendee pass using our fpa25 promo code at checkout.

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Join FPA and ZACROS AMERICA, INC. for a deep dive into the future of beauty packaging. Trends, tech, and legislation all in one session. FPA President & CEO, Dan Felton, will be presenting for the webinar.

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The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) proudly celebrates the 70th anniversary of its prestigious Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards competition in 2026. Since 1956, this annual competition has recognized the packaging innovations and technological advancements that have transformed our industry. Over the decades, the competition has become one of the most respected honors in the field, thanks to the exceptional quality of entries, a rigorous and objective judging process, and broad FPA and media coverage of the winning submissions. The entry deadline is October 23, 2025.

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Join us in the vibrant heart of New Orleans for the FPA 2025 FlexForward® Conference, hosted at the elegant Loews New Orleans Hotel. Set against the backdrop of the city's rich culture, world-class cuisine, and lively music scene, this event offers the perfect blend of business and Southern charm. Discover the trends, policies, and innovations that are shaping the future of flexible packaging. From EPR and material recovery to market updates and brand strategy, this year’s sessions provide a comprehensive overview of the forces driving industry growth and sustainability. The registration deadline is Friday, October 3, 2025, at 12:00 Noon Eastern. Registrations received after this time will include a $250 late registration fee.

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The Digital Packaging Summit is a free, all-inclusive experience for qualified attendees – senior managers and business executives who want to understand how current and future digital production printing technology, software, and solutions will impact their business and investment decisions. This summit offers strategy-level insights into what printing and converting industry leaders should do to improve and optimize their business.

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