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.
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Features for the Flexible Packaging Industry
Milestones 2024
Companies Celebrating Anniversaries With FPA Weigh in
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.
Read MoreLabeling Laws Examined
National Labeling Standards Remain Elusive, Experts Say
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.
Read MoreAI and You
Manufacturers Successfully Examine How AI Helps Their Operations
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.
Read MoreLearning About Labeling
Labelexpo Americas 2024 Showcases Industry Trends and Innovations
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.
Read MoreInnovations and Iterations
Student Designers Develop New Twists on Old Packaging
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.
Read MoreEmbracing Technology Integrations and Real-Time Data: Boosting Profitability in the Packaging Industry
The packaging industry is experiencing a technological revolution driven by the need for increased efficiency, higher throughput, high traceability, and compliance.
Read MoreRethinking Workforce Strategies
New Approaches Might Attract—and Keep—Talent, Experts Suggest
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.
Read MoreUsing Sustainability Playbooks in R&D
Science Group Worked With CTOs to Develop Detailed Guides
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.
Read MoreBeing Social
New FPA Social Media Campaign Expands Reach
At the start of Earth Day/Month in April, the social media marketing partner for the Flexible Packaging Association began a concerted effort to reach broader audiences, expanding upon an online community that has been increasing steadily over the past few years. The new campaign—“Pro Planet: We Believe Every Day is Earth Day”—is a six-part series that will run into early 2025.
Read MoreFinding Gold
Companies Innovate With Flexible Packaging
The judges for the 68th Annual Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition focused on containment, protection, convenience, communication, and sustainability.
Read MoreFinding Silver
Innovations and Beauty Mark Flexible Packaging Competition
In addition to expanding the use of flexible packaging and packaging excellence, silver awards were given out in four other categories: sustainability, technical innovation, printing, and shelf impact.
Read MoreFood for Thought
Packaging Industry Monitors Federal Efforts to Reduce Food Waste
The flexible packaging industry backs the overall goal of reducing food waste. However, industry executives are concerned the federal strategy fails to reflect the value of plastic and flexible packaging in tackling the problem.
Read MoreBigger, Faster, More Versatile: The Next Generation Solution for Digitally Printed Flexible Packaging
The ION by PCMC introduces a groundbreaking solution in the flexible packaging industry. This innovation addresses the market’s evolving demands for efficiency, versatility, and sustainability, significantly enhancing productivity and flexibility.
Read MoreOn Watch in Washington
Federal Recycling Legislation Could Grab Attention in 2024
With 2024 being an election year, conventional wisdom would suggest that the elected leaders might concentrate more on the horse races than public policies this year; however, significant legislation has been working its way through Congress.
Read MoreEmployee Owned
CNG and Others Reflect on Business Models Where Employees Have an Ownership Stake
Advocates argue that an ownership stake spurs employees to take a more active role in creating value and driving profits. But it also reduces turnover and can be attractive to potential employees.
Read More‘Suitable for Framing’
Judges of the Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition Identify Winners for 2024
The judges focus on picking the winners in six categories: expanding the use of flexible packaging, technical innovation, sustainability, printing, shelf impact, and packaging excellence.
Read MoreHosokawa Alpine American is pleased to announce the installation of (3) Production Scale Blown Film lines at the Shell Polymers Test-Center.
Hosokawa Alpine American is pleased to announce the installation of (3) Production Scale Blown Film lines at the Shell Polymers Test-Center.
Read MoreHere to Help
Closed Loop Partners Seeks Circularity Projects It Can Fund
The transition from a linear to circular economy is so complex observers have found that projects require expertise and investments from multiple stakeholders.
Read MoreTesting Films and Film Alternatives
Packaging Machine Manufacturer Examines Which Options Perform Best
Lantech doesn’t make flexible film or film alternatives. However, the international manufacturer of packaging machines has an interest in closely monitoring the evolving marketplace and efforts that might limit the use of virgin plastics.
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