From the Magazine – FlexPack Voice

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Being Social

New FPA Social Media Campaign Expands Reach

July/August 2024

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.

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.

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.

Food for Thought

Packaging Industry Monitors Federal Efforts to Reduce Food Waste

May/June 2024

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.

Finding Gold

Companies Innovate With Flexible Packaging

May/June 2024

The judges for the 68th Annual Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition focused on containment, protection, convenience, communication, and sustainability.

Finding Silver

Innovations and Beauty Mark Flexible Packaging Competition

May/June 2024

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.

‘Suitable for Framing’

Judges of the Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition Identify Winners for 2024

March/April 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.

Employee Owned

CNG and Others Reflect on Business Models Where Employees Have an Ownership Stake

March/April 2024

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.

On Watch in Washington

Federal Recycling Legislation Could Grab Attention in 2024

March/April 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.

Cybersecurity: Learning From Others

Security Breach at MGM Resorts Offers Real-Time Lessons for Attendees at PACK EXPO Las Vegas

Jan/Feb 2024

A cybersecurity expert presents tips on ways companies can prepare for a cyberattack.

Testing Films and Film Alternatives

Packaging Machine Manufacturer Examines Which Options Perform Best

Jan/Feb 2024

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.

Here to Help

Closed Loop Partners Seeks Circularity Projects It Can Fund

Jan/Feb 2024

The transition from a linear to circular economy is so complex observers have found that projects require expertise and investments from multiple stakeholders.

2023 Milestones

FPA Members Mark Anniversaries With Trade Association

Nov/Dec 2023

Nearly 60 years ago, a husband and wife team named their new flexible packaging company after their two sons, Glen and Roy. Today, Glenroy, Inc.—the company started by Herb, Ruth, and Roy Jablonka—still operates as a privately held company from its headquarters in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. “Glenroy is a third-generation, family-owned flexible packaging converter and […]

Reimagining FPA

Working Groups Revamp Fall Conference and Expand Memberships

Nov/Dec 2023

The Flexible Packaging Association has long been the voice of flexible packaging industry, and that voice has been stretching to reach more places in recent years.