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 (FPA) in 2024 what is on their minds. The milestones are marked by five-year increments going back to FPA’s founding, with 28 companies hitting one of those milestones this year.
Among the key points is the uncertainty that businesses are feeling with the economy.
“In 2025, the primary issues impacting the flexible packaging industry will be driven by the outcomes of the U.S. election and related regulatory changes,” says Amir Karim, president and CEO of Polykar based in Canada. “We anticipate a significant focus on increased regulatory bans aimed at reducing plastic waste, compelling companies to innovate with eco-friendly alternatives. Conversely, there may be a push for higher production to meet economic and consumer demands.”
Companies will need to balance compliance with the need for efficient production, Karim says.
“Staying adaptable to political and regulatory shifts will be crucial, emphasizing the importance of flexible strategies and sustainable practices to maintain market relevance and growth,” he adds.
TC Transcontinental Packaging, based in Chicago, is keeping an eye on regulatory developments, too.
“Legislation impacting flexible packaging continues to evolve, especially at the state level. With extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs coming online soon, our customers are looking to us to help navigate this new reality,” says Rebecca Casey, senior vice president of sales and strategic marketing at TC Transcontinental Packaging.
That focus will continue into 2025 and beyond.
“EPR is one issue that is at the top of our list and our customers’ lists,” Casey says. “What will the current programs look like? What other states will pass bills? Will they be similar to other states? Since EPR essentially shifts the financial responsibility of managing a material throughout its entire life cycle to the brands that produce the material, we are continually aware of updated legislation.”
So far, California, Colorado, Oregon, Maine, and Minnesota have started EPR programs—and more are expected to follow. Each state is also in the process of implementing programs and establishing producer responsibility organizations (PROs) to run them. EPR programs have been well established in Canada and Europe, especially when compared with the U.S.
“As we know, it is more difficult to pass EPR laws in the U.S. than in other countries because each state has individual structures,” Casey says. “We need federal guidance on key issues such as labeling and EPR. The current approach is going to create several issues for the packaging industry to figure out how to be compliant. Some federal guidance on definitions would be helpful. We support the work FPA is doing with AMERIPEN (American Institute for Packaging and the Environment) on these types of efforts.”
Plan to Adapt
Chelsey Quick, vice president business solutions and interim head of operations at Industry Intelligence Inc., says it’s a challenge to manage the impact of legislation on business planning and product development such as with EPR regulations and how the PROs operate.
“The introduction of EPR regulations requires manufacturers to take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products, from design to post-consumer waste management. This means that companies not only need to invest in sustainable materials and design but also establish efficient recycling and disposal systems,” she says. “Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and reputational damage.”
Companies must stay ahead by actively participating in the PROs that will manage EPR programs to ensure compliance and to influence regulatory developments, says Quick, whose company partners with clients to answer specific information needs and spotlight key drivers for their businesses.
“This necessitates significant investment in research and development as well as collaboration with stakeholders across the supply chain,” Quick says. “Looking ahead to 2025, businesses that do not prioritize sustainability and legislative compliance risk falling behind. The financial implications of noncompliance, coupled with the growing demand for environmentally friendly packaging solutions, make it imperative for companies to integrate these considerations into their strategic planning and product development processes.”
Working With Government
Quick says the federal government should play a critical role in developing a circular economy.
“The most basic need is a foundation that is accessible, simple to understand, and aligned across the country,” she says. “We need to see our leaders create that infrastructure and dictate what it should look like. It is too complex an issue to be left to states and municipalities. If we want to find a clear path to sustainability in the U.S., we need to have clear leadership and investment from informed officials.”
She suggested that FPA’s newly formed political action committee—FlexPAC™—will be a way to bring the right information to decision-makers.
Karim also says the government has a crucial role to play in developing a circular economy, particularly concerning flexible packaging.
“It must establish national standards to create a consistent framework for businesses to follow,” he says.
Standards will help ensure the practices for collection, sorting, and recycling are uniform across the country, promoting efficiency and effectiveness in waste management, Karim adds.
The government should help fund the infrastructure needed to support a circular economy as well, he and others say.
“This includes investments in advanced recycling technologies, which can handle the complexities of flexible packaging,” Karim says.
“Given the substantial financial requirements for developing this infrastructure, federal guidance and investment are essential to drive progress and innovation in sustainable practices.”
Thomas A. Barstow is senior editor of FlexPack VOICE®.
Sidebar: Milestones
55 Years
- Dow
40 Years
- Bryce Corporation
30 Years
- Beacon Converters, Inc.
- Berry Global
- Henkel Corporation
- PAXXUS, Inc.
25 Years
- NOVA Chemicals, Inc.
20 Years
- FILMtech Inc.
- Nordmeccanica, NA
- Polyplex USA, LLC
- ProMach—CL&D Graphics
- Terphane LLC
15 Years
- Ampacet Corporation
- Industry Intelligence Inc.
10 Years
- Koenig & Bauer Flexotecnica
- Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc., Polyester Film Division
- Poly Print, Inc.
- TC Transcontinental Packaging
5 Years
AeroFlexx
- B&B Packaging Technologies L.P.
- Emirates Printing Press, L.L.C.
- Louisiana Plastic Industries
- Mid South Extrusion
- Miraclon
- Morchem, Inc.
- Nosco
- Phenix
- Polykar
New In 2024 (Through July 31)
- Fastik
- Flexcon Company, Inc.
- In.Pack Machinery North America
- Jet Packaging Group, LLC
- Keypoint Intelligence
- Kiliper Corporation
- Martini Packaging
- Morris Packaging
- Oben US, LLC
- Polymount US LLC
- Profile Films
- SEI Laser
- Soarus, L.L.C. & MSI Technology, L.L.C.
Sidebar: Sustainability Efforts
Sustainability efforts continue to be important for companies throughout the value chain. When asked about sustainability, here are what some of the companies hitting milestones with the Flexible Packaging Association said.
Polykar
“This year, the major issue affecting not just our business, particularly in the realm of flexible packaging, is sustainability,” says Amir Karim, president and CEO of Polykar. “Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us. It is a driving force behind our strategic decisions and a core value that shapes our future direction. The increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions, along with stricter environmental regulations, compels us to innovate and adapt continuously.”
An emphasis on sustainability in flexible packaging will bring profound changes to the industry, he says.
“Over the next five years, we anticipate a significant transformation where some businesses may cease to exist if they fail to embrace sustainable practices, while new, forward-thinking companies will emerge to fill the void,” Karim says. “This dynamic shift underscores the urgency for all industry players to prioritize sustainability in their operations.”
Polykar implemented several key initiatives, including increasing recycled content in packaging, creating a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled continuously, and creating polyethylene pouches that meet high-performance standards but also include advanced barrier properties.
“By designing packaging that can be recycled and by utilizing recycled materials, we are contributing to a system that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency,” Karim says.
TC Transcontinental Packaging
“Sustainability has been at the core of our values for well over 20 years. We want to be part of the solution, which means we are already working on tomorrow’s solutions,” says Rebecca Casey, senior vice president of sales and strategic marketing at TC Transcontinental Packaging. “As consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact, they’re turning to brands who are prioritizing sustainability in every aspect, from ingredients to packaging.”
Those efforts include recycle-ready packaging, compostables, incorporating post-consumer resin, and optimizing existing structures, Casey adds.
Koenig & Bauer Flexotecnica
“Sustainability is paramount in all flexible market segments, from narrow to wide web,” says Eric Frank, senior vice president of marketing at Koenig & Bauer Flexotecnica. “Extreme measures are being introduced and developed to ensure a consistent and accurate message on the overall benefits to the brand owner and thus the consumer. So, we see a major effort in education and packaging redesign to ensure the appropriate sustainable message is attained.”
AeroFlexx
“AeroFlexx is revolutionizing the future of liquid packaging with an innovative technology that combines the positive attributes of flexible and rigid packaging to create an entirely new form for liquid packaging,” says Andy Meyer, AeroFlexx CEO. “The net result is a flexible package designed to act like a rigid bottle that delivers significant brand value and enhances the consumer use experience, all while introducing unprecedented sustainability benefits.”
Sidebar: Working With FPA
Companies reaching milestones in 2024 as members of the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) have various reasons for joining the trade association. Here is a look at what some of them had to say.
- “Dow has been a member of the Flexible Packaging Association for 55 years, over a third of Dow’s existence as a company. The flexible packaging segment is a crucial part of our business at Dow. During our 55-year membership tenure, we have welcomed the opportunity to collaborate and advance the efforts of the U.S. flexible packaging industry. Dow employees have held several leadership positions on both committees and the board of directors. I am honored to serve as an active member on the board representing Dow today.”—Amanda Ciccone, senior director of sales, Dow
- “PAXXUS, Inc. has benefitted tremendously from our involvement with FPA. Our participation creates wonderful networking opportunities with other industry leaders, keeps us updated on industry trends and innovations, and provides a means to effectively advocate on behalf of the flexible packaging industry.” —Dhuanne Dodrill, CEO, PAXXUS, Inc.
- “Our company’s involvement with the Flexible Packaging Association is pivotal for our continuous growth and staying ahead in the industry. The FPA Annual Meeting is a cornerstone for us, providing a unique opportunity to network with the most senior-level executives, including C-suite and CEO-level professionals. Being an FPA member also grants us access to an extensive compilation of industry data. Additionally, as a Canadian company, the FPA membership keeps us updated on regulatory changes and updates in the U.S., ensuring we remain compliant and competitive.” —Amir Karim, president and CEO, Polykar
- “Our involvement with FPA has been important to our growth and commitment within the flexible packaging industry. Being part of an organization that informs and educates its members on policies and regulations is empowering. With better information, we can better serve our customers.” —Rebecca Casey, senior vice president of sales and strategic marketing, TC Transcontinental Packaging
- “Over the years, NOVA representatives have served on the FPA Board of Directors and have been actively involved in the Emerging Leadership Council. FPA provides great opportunities to learn new information and network with others in the flexible packaging industry. Being a member of FPA enables us to work with others in the industry to promote flexible packaging solutions and work toward a more circular economy.” —Sarah Marshall, vice president of polyethylene marketing, NOVA Chemicals, Inc.
• “Throughout our time as FPA members, we’ve had the opportunity to increase involvement in the industry and the association by being represented in the Emerging Leadership Council, participating in committee work, and even judging the annual awards in 2024.”—Chelsey Quick, vice president of business solutions and interim head of operations, Industry Intelligence Inc.
• “Flexible packaging is a large portion of our customer base and the core segment that Ampacet was built upon, so it makes sense that we collaborate with a forward-thinking organization like FPA. While we do not produce flexible packaging, we supply additives, colors, white and black masterbatches that make them unique, and FPA continues to be a valuable resource for us, providing important market insights, trends, and challenges. The advocacy work on behalf of the plastics industry with governmental bodies and nongovernmental organizations promotes reasonable legislation.” —Brian Kannel, U.S. sales manager, Ampacet Corporation
• “FPA provides us with access to a vast network of industry leaders and resources to help drive future business partnerships and collaborations.”—Andy Meyer, CEO, AeroFlexx