In each issue, FlexPack VOICE® interviews an industry leader. In this edition, we talk to Bob Gargione, president of the performance flexible business unit at Pregis and a board member of the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA).
Gargione is a mechanical engineer by training, receiving a mechanical engineering degree from Drexel University, and began his career in operations, focused on solving problems and improving efficiency.
“Over time, I transitioned into business leadership roles across several industries, including semiconductors, specialty chemicals, coatings, and e-commerce,” Gargione says. “What ultimately attracted me to packaging was the opportunity to work on real-world challenges with visible outcomes.”
Flexible packaging stood out as a fast- moving and pioneering space, especially with the increasing focus on sustainability, he adds.
“It has been an exciting and rewarding shift, and I feel fortunate to be part of an industry that touches so many products and people every day,” he says.
The performance flexible business segment at Pregis specializes in manufacturing polyethylene films, which serve as components for various flexible packaging applications, including stand-up pouches, overwraps, and specialty bags.
“This segment has experienced rapid expansion since its inception because of material and manufacturing innovations combined with environmental sustainability initiatives,” Gargione says.
As the unit leader, he directs the overall strategy, which is focused on developing sustainable packaging solutions that protect products while reducing environmental impact.
His core vision is driven by two essential components: understanding customer needs and industry evolution, which he says are the key to business success in any market.
The flexible packaging sector is experiencing rapid transformation, according to Gargione, because both invention and sustainability are driving the need for change.
FlexPack VOICE®: Is there a particular experience that stands out in your career, good or bad or both?
Bob Gargione: One experience that stands out is how consistently customer centricity has shaped every role I have held. Early in my career, I learned the importance of anticipating our customers’ needs, which means looking at the customer of today and into the future. That forward-thinking insight has been a cornerstone of my leadership approach ever since.
In almost every role I have taken on, I was essentially unfamiliar with the business I was joining. But I have always immersed myself quickly, built a high-performance team around me, and moved forward with a clear strategy to execute. That willingness to dive in, listen, and lead while learning has been key to driving progress in unfamiliar environments.
A more recent example is the work we are currently doing at Pregis to develop protective film structures with sustainability at the center. Innovation and high-quality delivery are always priorities, but doing that while also advancing environmental responsibility and customer experience is especially rewarding. It is a great reminder that strong business outcomes and doing the right thing for the planet can go hand in hand.
FPV: Who were your mentors?
BG: I have been fortunate to have several mentors throughout my career, each bringing different strengths that helped shape how I lead today. Some focused on soft skills like communication, influence, and leadership presence. Others challenged me to think more strategically or dig deeper into operational excellence. I think of them as my personal board of directors—trusted voices I can turn to for perspective, honest feedback, or a sounding board when the path forward is not obvious. That kind of support has been invaluable, especially when leading through complexity or change. Mentorship, in my view, is less about having all the answers and more about having the right people in your corner to help you find them.
FPV: What would you tell someone who is thinking about a career in the industry?
BG: Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know—packaging is an exciting, purpose-driven industry, especially right now. To me, it is not just about boxes and bags. It is about rethinking how we reduce waste, cut carbon emissions, and support a circular economy. Flexible packaging is experiencing rapid growth and continuous evolution due to its touchpoints with consumers, who drive the demand for safety, convenience, and value. What has kept me in the industry is the sense of purpose and the pace of change. You get to work on real-world challenges, collaborate with smart, driven people, and see your efforts show up in products people rely on every day. So far, it has been a rewarding career.
FPV: What do you see as the major challenges facing the industry in 2025 and 2026, globally and/or domestically?
BG: One of the major challenges facing the industry in 2025 and 2026 is the rise of extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation. It is an important step toward a more sustainable future, but there is still considerable uncertainty about how it will be implemented and enforced, especially across different regions. Companies will need to navigate a complex landscape of evolving regulations, uneven recycling infrastructure, and shifting consumer and market expectations. Staying ahead of these changes is not optional—it is essential. The companies that succeed will be the ones proactively aligning their strategies with sustainability and regulatory demands, rather than reacting after the fact.
FPV: Generally, how do you see government regulations as they pertain to the industry? What should change?
BG: Regulations are necessary, but they often lag behind innovation and the pace of change in the market. One of the biggest challenges we face is inconsistency, especially when it comes to recycling standards and labeling requirements. That fragmentation makes it harder for brands and manufacturers to scale sustainable solutions effectively. What the industry really needs is clearer, more harmonized regulations that align with modern packaging technologies and consumer behavior. FPA plays a vital role in advocating for that progress, and it is work we need to continue prioritizing. Smarter, more consistent regulation would benefit everyone—from manufacturers and retailers to consumers and the environment.
FPV: What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
BG: One thing people might be surprised to learn about me is that I have been playing drums for over 30 years and spent 15 years in a rock cover band. Music has always been a great outlet for me, although I will admit that my most loyal audience these days tends to be family and close friends. I am one of six children—five of us sons and then my sister. Growing up in the middle of that many siblings meant you had to be competitive, assertive, and ready to stand your ground. That competitive drive followed me into college, where I wrestled and learned a great deal about discipline and perseverance. I met my wife during the first week of college, and we have been together ever since. We have three sons, and now that they have all left the nest, we are embracing the quieter house—an adjustment, but an exciting new chapter.