Materials

Smart Duplex Slitters and the Productivity Race

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Alan Jones of Universal Converting Equipment offers a look at why duplex slitters are not only safer than turret slitting machines but also easier to operate and require less space. Learn how the latest advances in slitting/rewinding address long-standing challenges plaguing both narrow web and wide web converters.

Digital Label Sales Revisited: Did Expansion Meet Expectations?

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

After predicting last year that digital printing would dominate 15% of label sales by 2025, Paul Edwards of INX International provides an update. We sat down with Paul again to ask 1) if digital label sales grew as much as anticipated and 2) what lies in store for digital label sales going forward. Get Paul’s projections and the underlying factors behind them.

How GLP-1 Is Reshaping Food Packaging, and Why It Matters More Than You Think

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Consumer behavior is shifting dramatically due to GLP-1 medications, leading to smaller portion sizes and intentional eating. Food businesses must realign packaging strategies to meet these new demands, emphasizing flexibility, freshness, and food safety to succeed.

The Latest in Labeling: Driving Innovation Across Industries

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Few elements of a package are more important than the label. Labels convey critical information about a package’s contents, in addition to helping market the product in a consumer context. Improvements in this area have come in the form of materials, technology, and machinery. Learn more about the latest in labeling.

Taking Packaging AI for a Test Spin

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

We recently decided to “kick the tires” of a new AI platform dedicated exclusively to the packaging sector. Enjoy this sneak peek of the platform prior to the rollout of the Business Pro version at interpack in May.

Converters Expo Preview: Come Join Us at Lambeau Field!

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Converters Expo features over 150 vendors and service providers, starting with a Welcome Reception on April 15 at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. The Expo Hall opens on April 16, highlighting hundreds of exhibitors.

A Missed Opportunity for Canned Wine Packaging in Brazil

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

With Brazil importing great wines from Chile and Argentina and also producing some great wines of its own, Packaging Strategies sees a solution for selling wine alongside beer during Carnaval.

Top 100 Food and Beverage Packaging Companies of 2026

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Celebrating 30 years as a B2B journalist, I’ve revisited earnings reports to find insights on packaging. Focused on sustainability and brand strategies, I’ve uncovered compelling highlights that showcase industry innovation.

Game-Changing Innovations from San Francisco to France

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In 2025, key advancements in foodservice packaging included Eco-Products' compostable packaging for the San Francisco Giants, HERMA's high-speed labeling for salad clamshells, BiOrigin's oil and grease resistant paper, and Amcor's mono-material polypropylene meal tray for France's recycling system. Discover these innovations below.

Converting Trends Series: Sustainable Closures

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Todd Meussling and Natalie Kaczorowski of Fresh-Lock offer a peek at which closure options are currently most popular among converters who are looking to improve flexible packaging sustainability.

PODCAST | World Packaging Organization’s Outlook for 2026

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this interview, WPO President Luciana Pellegrino shares some of the initiatives that the organization will be undertaking in 2026.

The Latest Innovations in Blister Packaging

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Aluminum-free and mono-material blister packaging designs are being pursued by companies like TOPPAN and IWK Packaging Systems. Meanwhile, ACG is offering an alternative to co-extruded structures with its proprietary lamination-based approach.

Latin America in the Spotlight

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

The latest Latin American packaging roundup.

PODCAST | How Food Delivery Put Xampla’s Morro Through Its Paces

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Sam Walker, Head of Sales & Business Development for Xampla, explains how food delivery tested the mettle of its PFAS- and plastic-free Morro Coatings.

Packaging Trends Shaping 2026: Where Trust Is Won

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

By 2026, trust will determine which food brands win. Packaging has become a critical control point shaping food safety, shelf life, sustainability, and consumer confidence at the shelf.

How Australia Is Leading Innovation in Beer, Wine and Spirits Packaging

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

From recycle-ready bag-in-box wine and circular polymer bottles to wash-off labels and end-to-end packaging strategies, a wave of sustainable packaging innovation is reshaping beer, wine, and spirits—led in part by bold developments emerging from Australia and beyond.

The Top 10 Packaging Stories of 2025

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Mergers & Acquisitions, construction on new facilities, and packaging for dates ranked among the most popular stories in 2025. Find out which other stories made the Top 10.

PODCAST | How Coatings Are Contributing to Sustainable Packaging

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

We recently spoke to Jim Garvey, Vice President of Coatings at INX International, and David Zamarin, CEO of DetraPel, to discuss how the latest coating technologies improve packaging functionality while simultaneously addressing sustainability.

Targeted Resource Reduction in Beverage Packaging

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Stefan Welker of Industrial Physics discusses how targeted reduction strategies can help beverage manufacturers optimize resources without compromising quality. Welker posits that few categories illustrate the balancing act of resource reduction more clearly than metal cans.

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.

PODCAST | Tapping AI for Reusable Container Management

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Justin Newell of INFORM North America explains how major international firms are using AI to get reusable containers to where they are most needed in a cost-efficient manner.

VIDEO | Student Design Challenge Winners Explain the Advantages of Paperboard

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This year’s design challenge from the Paperboard Packaging Alliance was a tall order, calling on students to eliminate plastic, minimize material usage, and ensure ease-of-use for the consumer.

2025 Top 25 Converters: Green Growth, Mergers Continue as Key Pillars

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Eco-efficiency meets market muscle as flexible packaging converters double down on sustainability and consolidation.

PODCAST | Flexible Packaging for Produce: Challenges and Opportunities

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Fresh off a successful collaboration with Walmart to get potato packaging with PCR content onto store shelves, Kevin Kelly of Emerald Packaging talks about the challenges of getting sustainable flexible packaging into the market.

Bringing Sustainability and Versatility to Beverage Multipacks

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

While multipacks make the lives of consumers easier, manufacturers behind the scenes are constantly trying to make these products better.

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.

Sustainable Closure Designs for Flexible Packaging

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

For brands aiming to boost both sustainability and consumer appeal, today’s flexible packaging closure designs can assist in circularity objectives while continuing to deliver the convenience and functionality that help build brand loyalty.

Women in Packaging: Ayla Wolk, Senior Business and Design Manager, Veritiv

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Meet Ayla Wolk, Senior Business and Design Manager at Veritiv.

Women in Packaging: Elizabeth Rhue, Vice President and General Manager—Rigid Paper Containers, Sonoco North America

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Meet Elizabeth Rhue, Vice President and General Manager—Rigid Paper Containers at Sonoco North America.

Women in Packaging: Sarah Marshall, Interim Senior Vice President of Polyethylene Sales and Marketing , NOVA Chemicals

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Meet Sarah Marshall, Interim Senior Vice President of Polyethylene Sales and Marketing at NOVA Chemicals.