As companies struggle to find workers, many of them turned to alternative programs that can offer a pool of available workers. In the January/February edition of FlexPack VOICE®, we explore some of those ideas, which include hiring former prison inmates. (The digital version of the magazine also can be found online). Here is a closer […]
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Features for the Flexible Packaging Industry

‘Shopportunities’ Abound for E-Commerce
Flexible Packaging Provides Best Options, Expert Says
The pandemic brought disruptions, but with them came what John Wilson, director of marketing and sustainability for Amcor, calls “shopportunities.”
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Federal Infrastructure Law Includes Some Recycling Funding
More Support for National Plan Could Come Later
The federal infrastructure measures signed by President Joe Biden last month include some welcome funds for recycling and environmental programs.
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Plastics Recycling Plant Will Be Fully Operational in Pennsylvania Early in 2022
Facility Will Convert Hard-to-Recycle Plastics Into Building Materials
A Pennsylvania recycling plant that will convert plastic waste into construction materials should be fully operational early next year.
Read MoreMilestones: A Glimpse at Loyal FPA Members
28 Companies Celebrate Anniversaries with FPA in 2021
Each year, FPA recognizes members who are celebrating anniversaries with the organization in five-year increments. In 2021, 28 companies reached one of those milestones. Some of the companies recently responded to surveys that give a glimpse at what they do in the flexible packaging industry. 5 Years: 2016 CleanPlanet Chemical, Inc.: CleanPlanet was formed in […]
Read MoreSeminars Touch on Circularity Worldwide
Different Countries Face Similar Issues Reaching Goals
As companies and elected officials in the United States continue to debate plastic waste and a circular economy, they often look toward other nations that are farther ahead in their planning and designs. That focus was behind part of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s SPC Engage online forum held July 20–21, where experts from the European […]
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A Conversation With David M. Staker
CEO and President, Plastic Packaging Technologies (PPT)
Each issue, as well as occasionally in a digital exclusive, FlexPack VOICE® hosts a Q&A segment with an industry leader. Here, we hear from David M. Staker of PPT.
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Watching the States
Recycling Proposals Alarm Observers
The long value chain of plastics packaging, from manufacturers to converters to brand owners, is turning a wary eye to state-level recycling developments. Those developments include new laws labeled as extended producer responsibility (EPR), but they fall short of serving as models.
However, the industry hopes to bring about a workable national policy that brings consistency, a steady and inclusive supply of materials, and innovative infrastructure to recycling.

Milestones: FPA Members Weigh In
Companies Celebrating Anniversaries Discuss Trends, Concerns
In recent interviews, some company managers offered insights into the state of the industry and what needs to be done to ensure its vitality, with several of them offering tips on how FPA and the industry can do better.
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Sudden Storms: Turbulence Defined 2021
Industry Leaders Seek Stability in 2022
From inflation to labor shortages to pinched supply chains, flexible packaging has been going along with the general roller-coaster ride. But the industry has experienced its own unique dynamics based on the diversity of packaged products.
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Interns and Opportunities
FPA Program Connects Industry Interns With Each Other and Mentors
This summer and fall, FlexPack VOICE® has been taking a closer look at some of the 35 interns who were part of FPA’s summer internship program. Here is a look at two more profiles: Bradley Reinhart and Abid Shafiullah
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Meet the FPA Staff
A Conversation with Ram K. Singhal, FPA Vice President, Technology and Environmental Strategy
In this installment of “Meet the FPA Staff,” FPA Vice President of Technology and Environmental Strategy Ram Singhal talks about his path from India to the UK to FPA.
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Emerging Leaders Discuss Careers
Members of the FPA Emerging Leadership Council See Vast Opportunities
The industry doesn’t have to look far when it comes to showing career development and interest. Several members of the FPA Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) discuss what got them into the industry and how their careers have gone so far.
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Tapping Tech Schools
Worker Shortages Prompt Proactive Steps
After an FPA Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) committee on recruitment was formed last year, its members quickly determined that they would need to branch out beyond traditional internship programs.
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Finding Workers
Experts: Problems Will Linger Long After Pandemic
Openings at American Packaging Corp. run the gamut from entry-level production jobs to engineering positions, says Jeff Fuller, the Columbus, Ohio-based company’s manager of organizational development.
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Exploring Automation
Challenges Abound For Packagers
In the post-pandemic age, automation is more than a solution for labor shortages. It’s the future in a quest for efficiencies, agility, and competitiveness.
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Expanded Interview With Catherine Heckman
Business Unit Director, Ashland
In this segment, we interview Catherine Heckman, business unit director—North America, laminating, adhesives and coatings at Ashland, a global specialty materials company.
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Interns and Opportunities
FPA Program Connects Industry Interns With Each Other and Mentors
This summer, the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) coordinated a program that brought together approximately 35 interns from across various companies in the packaging and flexible packaging industries.
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Milestones: EarthFirst® Films by PSI
25 Years as an FPA Member
EarthFirst® Films by PSI (Plastic Suppliers, Inc.) has been a member of the Flexible Packaging Association for 25 years, making it one of the longest-serving members of the trade association based in Annapolis, Maryland.
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Milestones: Liquibox—60 Years in Business in 2021
Since its founding 60 years ago, Liquibox has gone through a number of transformations, including several ownership changes and rebrandings.
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