The outlook for flexible packaging in the U.S. remains positive, despite the continued pressure that persists around packaging waste in general, and single-use plastic packaging specifically. The industry was estimated at approximately $31.8 billion in annual sales in the U.S. for 2018 with a steady growth rate of 2.7%.  

Flair Flexible Packaging is introducing its latest Real Touch innovation, a tactile packaging solution for high-impact shelf differentiation. Real Touch supplements visual impact by adding a tactile dimension to brand packaging designs. 

U.S. plastic bag manufacturers and recyclers just signed a wide-ranging sustainability commitment for the industry and renamed their coalition the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance (ARPBA). The agreement by ARPBA members includes a target that 95% of plastic retail bags be reused or recycled by 2025.

The industry has experienced a lot of buzz, and even confusion, when it comes to packaging and sustainability in recent years. Schools of thought differ on the best materials to use, what happens at package end-of-life and even rigid packaging versus flexible packaging.

The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) commissioned PTIS, LLC to provide a holistic view on the sustainability benefits that flexible packaging offers. The resulting report, “A Holistic View of the Role of Flexible Packaging in a Sustainable World,” achieved this goal.

With increasing concerns about food safety and the environment, there are pros and cons to using plastic packaging for fresh foods. Add to that, consumer demand for convenience, and the question becomes even more complicated. A recent study revealed that about one-third of shoppers prefer to buy their fresh foods in plastics containers.

The plastic protective packaging market is projected to pass 9 million tons in 2019, according to a new study. This is due to the focus of manufacturers on streamlining and optimizing plastic protective packaging, to advancements in plastic properties in line with reduced waste.

Nearly all of the world's countries have agreed on a deal to better manage polluting plastic waste, except the U.S., United Nations environmental officials recently stated.

PTI, a global leader in plastic packaging development, has named Sumit Mukherjee as chief technology officer.

Liqui-Box has agreed to acquire DS Smith plc’s Plastics Division to create a comprehensive, innovative leader in flexible and rigid packaging.