Flexible packaging is an innovation leader across the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. Flexible packaging formats have the ability to provide significant cost savings related to warehousing and distribution. Advancements in flexible packaging design also permit strong branding opportunities. Convenience is also a key supporting benefit of flexible packaging, with a wide variety of packaging customizations allowing for seamless end-user interactions. Each of these areas of the industry are hot spots for innovation across flexible packaging today.

However, these days, sustainability is one of the top reasons why CPG brand owners adopt flexible packaging for their product lines. Sustainability — including the ability to commercially compost and/or recycle the package — is a primary focus for flexible packaging innovation across the supply chain today. Recent developments have aligned flexible packaging as a go-to option for CPG companies seeking to align their packaging choices with the sustainability requirements established by extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs in various U.S. states and overseas. EPR legislation, which imposes fees based on the end-of-life plan for all CPG packaging, continues to expand across the global industry as the next step in building a truly circular economy (for more on EPR legislation, see the Extended Producer Responsibility page on the Packaging Strategies website).

All innovations related to flexible packaging, for food and/or non-food products, are eligible for the award. Submissions by flexible packaging converters, suppliers, and CPG brand owners are welcome. To qualify for consideration, nominations must meet the following criteria:

• Must include new packaging materials and/or features that advance the industry (released for commercial application between 1/1/2025 and 12/31/2025).
• Must include a meaningful level of innovation, such as expanding the use of flexible packaging, improving sustainability, extending shelf life, improving end-user functionality or convenience, and/or improving operational efficiency.
• Only flexible packaging formats — including pouches, bags, film, pillow packs, sachets, etc. — will be considered.
• Recipient must be able to attend the 2026 Global Pouch Forum to present on the innovation.
• Recipient must be willing to participate in an interview for a feature article on the innovation in the August 2026 issue of Packaging Strategies, as well as possibly an associated sister BNP Media publication, including Beverage Industry, Dairy Foods, The National Provisioner, or Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, where applicable.

Nominations for the 2026 Steve Fairfield Memorial Award for Flexible Packaging Innovation will remain open through 1/31/26.

To nominate an innovation for the 2026 Steve Fairfield Memorial Award for Flexible Packaging Innovation, visit the submission page on the Packaging Strategies website.

For more information about Global Pouch Forum and to register for the event, visit www.packagingstrategies.com/global-pouch-forum.

About the Steve Fairfield Memorial Innovation Award

Steve Fairfield was a flexible packaging innovator who left an indelible mark on the baby food and fruit purée industries. His entrepreneurial and visionary contributions helped reshape the flexible pouch landscape. Steve’s passion and innovation were instrumental in the early adoption of spouted, stand-up pouches by leading global brands in the industry. This packaging format is now ubiquitous within the baby food and fruit snack categories. Steve passed away in May 2024, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire industry innovators for generations. To learn more about the 2025 award winner, see “Meet the Inaugural Steve Fairfield Memorial Award Winner: Steve Gosling.”

About Global Pouch Forum

Global Pouch Forum, organized by The Packaging Group at BNP Media, launched in 1997, with the foresight that the flexible pouch would become a dominant force in packaging. Now, after 29 years of expertise and innovation, Global Pouch Forum remains the go-to event to get the most up-to-date information from experts and to network with leaders and innovators who develop, supply, buy, or recommend flexible materials, including pouches, films, and machinery. This annual event is the gateway to current and emerging innovation in the flexible packaging market, including the ever-growing opportunities for using pouch packaging for food, beverage, personal care, beauty, household, healthcare, medical, and other consumer packaged goods (CPGs).

About Skjodt-Barrett Foods

Since 1985, Skjodt-Barrett Foods has had the honor and privilege of partnering with North America’s most-beloved food brands as a leading provider of custom ingredients and contract manufacturing. With industry-leading facilities in Lebanon, Indiana, and Brampton, Ontario, its custom ingredient and contract-manufacturing teams help create enriching food experiences that can inspire generations to come.