The Flexible Packaging Industry - Dynamic, Creative and Innovative

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Home > FPA Update

The Flexible Packaging Industry - Dynamic, Creative and Innovative
by Marla Donahue, FPA President

Recently, I was invited to speak about flexible packaging at a CMM luncheon sponsored by Rohm and Haas Corporation and Bobst Group. Preparing my remarks was akin to opening the flood gates…I couldn't stop writing. Each portion of my presentation was a presentation in itself. The creativity and innovation within the flexible packaging industry…its scope and diversity…its projected growth…the untapped markets…the support of the consumer packaged goods companies…and the receptivity from consumers all spell positive news for the industry. When it comes to packaging, the flexible packaging industry is the place to be.

For those outside the flexible packaging business, this message is starting to spread. During the height of the Iraqi conflict, National Public Radio (NPR) aired an excellent report from the field regarding MREs (Meals Ready to Eat). Mike Burnett, the NPR correspondent, described MREs as a "huge leap forward" and stated that the heating element, which is also a flexible package, was "truly a marvel." Flexible packaging had caught his attention, and the enthusiasm he expressed for its technology was being experienced by millions of listeners.

Flexible packaging has also caught the attention of the consumer packaged goods companies, many of which realize the direct correlation between the value of the package and the value of the product. Some of these companies, such as Sargento, are even using the benefits of their flexible packages as part of their products' national advertising campaigns. The reason is simple. The consumer is king, and research overwhelmingly indicates that shoppers value flexible packaging because of the convenience it provides.

From retortable flexible packaging materials that render fully cooked meal solutions for time-crunched consumers, to portable pudding stick packs that require no utensils, to portion control packages that eliminate the messy transfer of food items while simultaneously addressing important nutritional concerns, the innovation within the flexible packaging industry is nothing short of spectacular. The fact that our industry is helping consumer packaged goods companies open new and lucrative markets for everything from food staples to mouthwash underscores the value of the flexible packaging industry and points to the promise of its future.

And indeed, the future appears bright. When responding to the 2003 State of the Industry Survey, FPA converter members indicated that they will be investing in their companies this year, be it through acquisitions, replacing or upgrading equipment and facilities, or adding capacity. Additionally, when asked about the outlook for the industry, converter members expressed continued growth in stand-up and retort pouches, zipper closures, case ready meats, prepared meals, cold seal adhesives, and barrier materials for medical use.

By all accounts, the opportunities for the flexible packaging industry are endless thanks to the dynamic nature of the industry and the creativity and innovation that's driving it.