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.
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Features for the Flexible Packaging Industry
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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‘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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Billion(s) Dollar Question
The Recycling Partnership Outlines Initiatives
Nov/Dec 2023
The Recycling Partnership is researching people who participate in store drop-off programs to figure out why and how they participate.
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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 […]
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Striving for Safety
SPMC® Continues Oversight of Packaging Excellence
Sept/Oct 2023
Sterile packaging rarely penetrates the public’s consciousness, creating an awareness gap that the Sterilization Packaging Manufacturers Council has been striving to close since 1994 and continues with ongoing guidance on issues affecting the industry.
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