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

May/June 2023

Sustainability and innovation guided the decision-making of the judges for the 67th Annual Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition as they selected the top winners. The winning entries used materials that are recyclable and lighter in weight and use less water during production. More about these submissions can be found in the May/June 2023 issue.

This issue also dives into the merits of the other winners from the FPA contest, which included 87 package entries, some of which were entered into multiple categories for a total of 230 entries. In addition, the "Compass Report" examines trends that could be useful to recyclers as they plan ahead for their place in the flexible packaging industry.

• High Achievers: Innovation and Sustainability Efforts Garner Gold in Annual Contest
• Packages Grab Award Spotlight: A Closer Look at More Gold Award Winners
• "Compass Report" Provides Direction: AMERIPEN and PMMI Outline Growth Opportunities

March/April 2023

From post-consumer resin to mono-materials to downgauging, converters and brands are responding in various ways to consumer demand for sustainability. This trend is expected to advance with changes in science and technology, presenting fresh challenges in marketing and sales for companies, as further explained in the March/April 2023 issue of FlexPack VOICE ®.

This issue also dives into cannabis packaging, a fast-growing market now that nearly 40 U.S. states have legalized its use for medical and/or recreational use. In addition, judges examine nearly 90 entries in the annual Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition and explain how and why the entries are moving the industry forward in design and sustainability. 

• Obstacles Surround Sales and Marketing Trends: Companies Push Forward as Sustainability Rules Shift
• Marijuana Laws Open Packaging Opportunities: Packaging Companies Tap New Market as States Legalize Marijuana
• Standing Out: Contest Judges Mull 2023 Award Entries

January/February 2023

Pressure has been intensifying for federal officials to coordinate and lead on various issues where states are passing legislation resulting in confusion in the flexible packaging industry. in the January/February 2023 issue of FlexPack VOICE®, FPA leaders and industry lobbyists discuss aluminum tariffs, extended producer responsibility, and post-consumer recycled content, among other issues, and their impact on the industry.
 
This issue also explores how PACK EXPO’s focus on workforce development with its PACK Challenge and training programs appealed to and inspired older teens through mid-career workers to consider employment in the flexible packaging industry. In addition, the FlexPack Crash Course—for individuals who just got a job in the industry or have less than five years of industry experience—encouraged networking while presenting information on the production process. 

• What Now? Advocacy Experts Discuss New Congress
• Our Future Workforce: Schools and Companies Tout Training Programs at PACK EXPO International
• FlexPack Crash Course: New Workers Network During Daylong Seminar