November/December 2024

Two of FPA’s longest-serving members are among the industry experts FlexPack VOICE® interviewed about the macroeconomic trends for the upcoming year. They discuss how businesses are improving their operations to offset rising labor and raw material costs in order to maintain a stable price for consumers. Learn more about regulatory changes involving chemicals, recycling, and sustainability.

FlexPack VOICE® also conferred with members celebrating milestones who are anxious about the uncertain U.S. economy, especially coming out of this contentious presidential election and the steady increase in extended producer responsibility programs popping up in various states.

And the chasing arrows label long respected for indicating which items can be recycled is now under scrutiny as a new California law suggests that it has been part of a larger campaign of greenwashing.

• Lessons From 2024 Inform 2025: Industry Leaders Discuss Trends Facing the Flexible Packaging Industry
• Milestones 2024: Companies Celebrating Anniversaries With FPA Weigh In
• Labeling Laws Examined: National Labeling Standards Remain Elusive, Experts Say

September/October 2024

Flexible packaging companies are no strangers to incorporating the latest advances in technology to improve efficiencies and reduce costs. The newest large-scale game changer is artificial intelligence (AI), which includes machine learning, machine vision, and robotics. Discover AI’s pros and cons from a manufacturing perspective in this issue.

This issue also explores how the upcoming Labelexpo Americas 2024 is focusing on various trends in the flexible packaging industry, including sustainability and automation.
 
And, did you know that flexible packaging can protect Pringles potato crisps from breaking? This elegant construction is one of the winners of our 2024 Student Design Challenge.

• AI and You: Manufacturers Successfully Examine How AI Helps Their Operations
• Learning About Labeling: Labelexpo Americas 2024 Showcases Industry Trends and Innovations
• Innovations and Iterations: Student Designers Develop New Twists on Old Packaging

July/August 2024

To recruit and retain a strong workforce, the flexible packaging industry must be proactive, not reactive. Businesses should highlight the opportunities and varied career paths awaiting the employees of today and tomorrow. Learn more about how to attract talent in the July/August 2024 issue.
 
This issue also introduces two playbooks for R&D teams to help them guide their businesses in meeting their net-zero and sustainability goals. 
 
In addition, we explain FPA’s and its ELC’s innovative social media campaign titled “Pro-Planet: We Believe Every Day is Earth Day,” which frames the conversation of flexible packaging being a part of the solution, not the problem, in responding to environmental challenges. 

• Rethinking Workforce Strategies: New Approaches Might Help Attract—and Keep—Talent, Experts Suggest
• Using Sustainability Playbooks In R&D: Science Group Worked With CTOs to Develop Detailed Guides
• Being Social: New FPA Social Media Campaign Expands Reach

May/June 2024

The delivery system of an iconic lubricant underwent a dramatic transformation—from a spray can to a pod—earning the company this meritorious recognition in our 68th Annual Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition. 
 
Another top-ranking flexible package was commended for its enhanced functionality from bucket to bag and its ultraviolet-resistant substrate to preserve print vibrancy in sunlight. Learn more about other gold award winners in this May/June 2024 issue of FlexPack VOICE®. 
 
This issue also delves into the technical innovations and shelf appeal of other top award winners in our competition, including sustainability approaches. 
 
In addition, we discuss how the flexible packaging industry is a partner in creating solutions to meet the U.S. strategy to reduce food loss and waste. 

• Finding Gold: Companies Innovate With Flexible Packaging
• Finding Silver: Innovations and Beauty Mark Flexible Packaging Competition
• Food for Thought: Packaging Industry Monitors Federal Efforts to Reduce Food Waste

March/April 2024

Proponents of the flexible packaging industry are pushing past the political gridlock on Capitol Hill this year to monitor and promote the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2023 and the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act. They are also keeping tabs on several other initiatives focused on upcycled contaminants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, labeling requirements, and molecular recycling technology, among other issues. 
 
This issue also explores how employee ownership not only encourages personnel to take a more active role in driving profits but also promotes employee retention by reducing turnover. In addition, the judges of the 68th Annual Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition share their insights into the various creative and innovative packaging solutions with an eye toward beauty and practicality. 

• On Watch in Washington: Federal Recycling Legislation Could Grab Attention in 2024
• Employee Owned: CNG and Others Reflect on Business Models Where Employees Have an Ownership Stake
• Suitable for Framing: Judges of the Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition Identify Winners for 2024

January/February 2024

Observers have found that in the transition from a linear to a circular economy, projects require expertise and investments from multiple stakeholders. On the supply chain side, Closed Loop Partners, an investment firm, is available to help fund such projects. 
 
This issue also discusses the work of Lantech, an international manufacturer of packaging machines, in monitoring the evolving marketplace and efforts that might limit the use of virgin plastics. In addition, a cybersecurity expert answers questions rooted in how well a company can prepare in advance for a severe breach after a cyberattack at the MGM Resorts in Las Vegas during PACK EXPO Las Vegas in September. 

• Here to Help: Closed Loop Partners Seeks Circularity Projects It Can Fund
• Testing Films and Film Alternatives: Packaging Machine Manufacturer Examines Which Options Perform Best
• Cybersecurity: Learning From Others; the Security Breach at MGM Resorts Offers Real-Time Lessons for Attendees at PACK EXPO Las Vegas

November/December 2023

FPA, an established and proven advocate for the flexible packaging industry, is strengthening its influence by expanding its membership to include businesses that support the industry. FPA’s board members and Emerging Leadership Council members are steering this membership effort as well as reimagining meetings so they are more impactful. More about their plans to innovate FPA can be found in this edition.
 
This issue also shares insights into the challenges companies face as they shift to different types of flexible materials in the report titled, “Best Practices: Transitioning Flexible Materials,” sponsored by PMMI and FPA. In addition, the judges for FPA’s Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge discuss the innovative work behind the prototypes of the winners of this annual contest.

• Reimagining  FPA: Working Groups Revamp Fall Conference and Expand Memberships
• The Billion(s) Dollar Question: The Recycling Partnership Outlines Initiatives
• 2023 Milestones: FPA Members Mark Anniversaries With Trade Association

September/October 2023

The sterile packaging industry ensures that uncontaminated medical products and devices are delivered to patients, but its critical work rarely penetrates the public’s consciousness. That responsibility has been the mission of the Sterilization Packaging Manufacturers Council (SPMC®) since its inception in 1994. More about its three committees and SPMC®’s ongoing guidance on issues affecting manufacturers in this vital industry can be found in the September/October 2023 issue of FlexPack VOICE®.
 
This issue also shares insights into the challenges companies face as they shift to different types of flexible materials in the report titled, “Best Practices: Transitioning Flexible Materials,” sponsored by PMMI and FPA. In addition, the judges for FPA’s Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge discuss the innovative work behind the prototypes of the winners of this annual contest. 

• Striving for Safety: SPMC® Continues Oversight
• Transitioning to Flexibles: New Guide Outlines Best Practices
• Students Capture Awards for 2023: Annual Contest Recognizes Work at Packaging Programs

July/August 2023

In the flexible packaging industry, female leaders tout the numerous opportunities for career advancement that enabled their rise to the top. They also discuss their experiences with networking and mentoring as well as the challenges they had to overcome. 
 
This issue also addresses the growing prevalence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as businesses realize the long-term benefits of shoring up a strong workforce. In addition, Kuma Roberts, chief diversity and inclusion officer at Arrowhead Consulting, explains why DEI should be integrated into the company culture and how businesses, large and small, can do so. 

• Providing Opportunity for Women: Flexible Packaging Leaders Discuss Their Careers and Opportunities for Women and Others
• Making the Business Case for DEI: Companies Say DEI Programs Promote Growth and Enhance Values
• Encouraging Diversity: An Interview With Kuma Roberts, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Arrowhead Consulting