Columns

Pouch Program Materials 101: PP vs PE vs Laminations

Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:08 -0400

Iliana Csanyi of Fox Packaging provides some important tips for grower-shippers considering a switch to non-laminated PE packaging as EPR requirements nudge companies toward that option.

The Compliance Transition: Navigating the New Era of UK Packaging Regulation

Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Mike Bristow of Go-Pak Group says the packaging industry is moving away from the binary debate of "good" versus "bad" plastics. Instead, 2026 is the year of systemic compatibility. A material’s value is defined by its ability to be identified, sorted, and reprocessed without loss of utility.

Beyond the Carton: How Filling Technology is Advancing Sustainability in Dairy

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:36 -0400

The drive to be more sustainable in dairy is not just about materials; it’s also about what happens on the filling line.

Solving the Multi-Material Problem in Ecommerce and Parcel Shipping

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Engineered for circularity, Specialized Packaging Group’s CorruSeal is an integrated, fiber-based packaging design that eliminates mixed materials, simplifies recycling, and protects products without the need for foam or plastic inserts.

Why Styrofoam Coolers Are Killing Your Cold Chain Economics

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Because foam coolers can’t be collapsed or folded prior to use, they become a permanent real estate problem inside your operation. That means more warehouse square footage for packaging storage, more racking, more labor and material handling costs, and more congestion on the warehouse floor.

Temperature Control Used to Be Packaging, Now It’s a Supply Chain Strategy

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:22 -0400

After 25 years in temperature-controlled logistics, Hydropac’s Colin Rowland shares some industry truths that businesses often overlook—from the hidden fragility of the cold chain to the sustainability trade-offs shaping its future.

Why the Beverage Can Is Becoming a Strategic Brand Asset Within Global Beverage Trends

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:53 -0400

Aluminum cans are among the fastest-growing beverage packaging formats across most regions, driven by demand for circular materials and convenience. The aluminum can also provides an excellent branding surface.

Latin America in the Spotlight

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The latest Latin American packaging roundup.

Top 25 Converters: Looking Ahead to 2026

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

While we have already named our Top 25 Converters for 2025, here are some flexible packaging converters who are strong contenders for next year’s list.

A Look at How They Do Packaging in Europe

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

My wife and I vacationed in Europe this summer, and I couldn’t help but notice that package design, package labeling, and product marketing are handled differently on the other side of the pond.

Collective Action on Sustainable Packaging

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We look at three groups approaching packaging sustainability from three different angles: adopting modern packaging equipment, recycling flexible plastic, and harmonizing data collection to meet EPR requirements.

Building the Perfect Quesadilla

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I occasionally help in the kitchen at home, and quesadillas are among my signature dishes. They’re quick, hot, cheesy, and tasty (in my humble opinion). Some recent packaging announcements about the main quesadilla ingredients — tortillas and cheese — got me thinking about this culinary favorite.

Sonoco’s Stance on Supporting the Shifting Packaging Compliance Landscape

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:49 -0400

In many countries, EPR is coordinated at a national level. The U.S. approach, by contrast, is state-driven. While this approach enables locally effective solutions, it also introduces major headaches for CPGs who are trying to keep up and comply.

Sustainable Packaging South of the Border

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Grupo Bimbo recently announced some ambitious sustainability goals for packaging—exemplary of the advancements in packaging sustainability that IBIE’s BEST in Baking Industry Awards will recognize.

Simplifying EPR Compliance: Key Deadlines and Responsibilities of Producers

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:13 -0400

Several deadlines for registering with a state’s Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) have already passed, including in Colorado and Oregon. Others are quickly approaching.

How Governors Are Driving Economic Growth by Championing New Packaging Facilities

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

It's great to see breaking news in the packaging industry emerging from the state level, particularly with the introduction of new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws and economic development surrounding new or expanded packaging facilities.

Feedback on FOP Labeling Continues to Pour In

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The FDA proposed a front-of-package nutrition label for most packaged foods, indicating levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars as "Low," "Med," or "High." Comments are accepted until May 16, 2025. Packaging Strategies will monitor and share various perspectives on the proposal.

Connected Packaging Still Popular Despite Some Wobbling

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In their recent Global Connected Packaging Survey 2025, Appetite Creative, in collaboration with Polytag and Digimarc, found that 88.8% of respondents believe connected packaging will become increasingly important in the packaging industry over the next year.

FOP Labeling: Front and Center

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In January, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a front-of-package nutrition label for most packaged foods, showing levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars as "Low," "Medium," or "High." Comments on the proposal are invited until May 16, 2025.

Sustainable Packaging in 2025: Lots of Moving Parts

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

I enjoy discovering new voices in packaging, and Saloni Doshi, CEO of EcoEnclose, stands out. She recently shared insights on 2025 Sustainable Packaging Trends, which could guide our reporting and align with recent Packaging Strategies coverage.

Bioplastics: Preparing for the Long Road Ahead

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Aquapak’s John Williams shares what he views as some of the key challenges to bioplastics penetrating the packaging industry, and he offers some suggestions for facilitating the transition.

Sustainability in Transition: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

With the U.S. entering a new presidential administration, Packsize’s Brian Reinhart discusses potential federal regulation of packaging over the next four years, noting that state-level initiatives surrounding sustainable packaging are already having an impact.

2025: The Year Compostable Packaging Steps Into the Spotlight

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:00:55 -0500

TIPA’s Daphna Nissenbaum says compostable packaging has emerged as a vital tool in the industry’s sustainability arsenal, adding that rapid advancements in innovation and growing consumer demand will make this year a turning point.

Latin America in the Spotlight

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Latin America's packaging industry is evolving, with Nefab expanding in Mexico, Chile banning single-use plastics, and SIG partnering with Celema to bring innovative carton-filling technology to Colombia. These developments pave the way for a dynamic 2025 in packaging innovation.

How market research can guide brands toward solutions and meet new regulations

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 00:00:46 -0500

By conducting studies that explore consumer attitudes and preferences around sustainable packaging and pack changes, brands can make informed decisions that balance environmental impact with customer satisfaction.

The Future of Packaging: Bold Predictions for 2025

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Restaurantware's Jamil Bouchareb says the packaging industry in 2025 is poised for bold reinvention, driven by a mix of technological breakthroughs, evolving consumer values, and new opportunities to redefine its role in a rapidly changing world.

2025 Packaging Industry Outlook: A Pivotal Year for Alternative Fiber

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Palouse Fiber Packaging’s Kyler Lovgren sees a promising future for advancements in sustainable packaging along with some unavoidable hurdles.

Packaging M&A Signals Industry Growth and Strategic Consolidation Through 2025

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Amcor’s acquisition of Berry Global sends a strong signal to the M&A market: consolidation remains a key strategy for companies seeking to enhance scale, operational efficiency, and market reach.

What Now? The Failed Kroger/Albertsons Merger and the Ramifications for CPG

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

One analyst argues that – for brands large and small – there’s a benefit to being able to do business with a separate Kroger and a separate Albertsons for reasons involving distribution, sales promotion and marketing.

Insights and Observations from PACK EXPO International

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This was the first time in my career that I was able to attend PACK EXPO, and it was truly an experience unlike any other. Being able to see firsthand the various packaging solutions and innovations on display provided insights that cannot be captured on computer screen.