Packaging Top Stories

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.

Secondary Packaging for Dairy: Trends and Innovations

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

We recently sat down with SOMIC Packaging’s Peter Fox to discuss secondary packaging for dairy. Our wide-ranging discussion touched on the unique challenges of dairy packaging, how the push for sustainable packaging has imacted the industry, and machinery advancements that are improving secondary packaging. Get Peter’s insights.

Combating Rising Plastic Costs with Pallet Solutions

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

North American resin costs have soared to historic highs, with no clear end in sight. Ric Lee of Atlantic Packaging suggests that the fix to the plastic price crisis starts on the pallet.

PODCAST | Packaging EPR’s 2026 Reality Check

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Arithmetic is simple. Compliance is not. We recently sat down with Anna Kendall of Ernst & Young LLP to discuss the challenges of meeting both imminent and long-term EPR mandates, including a coordinated May 31 reporting deadline across six states.

The Latest Innovations in Coding, Marking and Printing

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

Coding, marking and printing are essential practices for packaging companies and brands looking to convey meaningful product information to consumers. Because of the widespread necessity of these practices, there has been a variety of innovations—from sustainable inks to laser solutions for beverage can marking. Learn more about these exciting new developments.

Looking Forward to Global Pouch Forum

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Join me at this year’s Global Pouch Forum in Clearwater, Florida! Excited to learn from industry leaders like Kevin Kelly, Rodrigo Castaneda, and Dan Felton while reconnecting with old friends. Let’s dive into the latest in sustainable and flexible packaging together!

Personal Care Packaging Focuses on Sustainability

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The personal care sector is going green with innovations like styrene-free packaging from Schwan Cosmetics, plastic reductions by Amcor for Bulldog, and Nu Skin's eco-friendly relaunch of ageLOC® Tru Face®. Discover these sustainable advancements!

Successfully Integrating Automation into the Supply Chain

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In today's fast-paced market, strategic automation in packaging and merchandising boosts efficiency, reduces costs, and enhances quality. By integrating data-driven insights and advanced technologies, companies can streamline operations and meet customer demands faster and more effectively.

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.

The Innovation Behind Familiar Household Product Packaging

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Household packaging has undergone significant changes in all facets of development. With innovations in design, mechanics and sustainability, the household packaging sector serves as a sound indicator of the broader trends seen across the industry as a whole. Learn about some of the key developments in household packaging.

New Flow-Wrapping Equipment for Chocolate, Confectionery

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Theegarten-Pactec has launched an innovative flow-wrapping machine specifically designed to meet the requirements of manufacturers of chocolate, confectionery, cereal and protein bars, functional foods and snacks, as well as co-packers and contract packers. Learn more.

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.

Optimizing Bag-in-Box Production

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this case study, we look at how a new bag-in-box project for a global brand required contract packager GreenSeed to move beyond its existing machines and invest in a dedicated, high-capacity line. The project moved from initial consultation in late spring to a fully operational installation by year-end. Learn more.

Selecting the Ideal Conveying System for Your Packaging Line

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The right conveying system can support consistent throughput and protect product integrity, while the wrong choice can introduce bottlenecks and undermine overall packaging-line performance. Learn about the respective advantages of belt conveyors, vibratory conveyors, and horizontal-motion conveyors.

Precision, Safety, and Speed: The Strategic Role of Conveyor Belts in Packaging

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Bobby Bauman of AMMEGA discusses how each stage of packaging demands specific belt materials and performance properties, noting that packaging belt applications span converting, form-fill-seal, filling and capping, case packing, palletizing, and warehousing.

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.

Compostable Packaging Growth and Market Opportunities

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this article, Gary Tee of TIPA explains how offering compostable packaging materials alongside recyclable offerings can provide a premium differentiator for converters and improve the lifecycle for flexible packaging.

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.

The New Scale in Flexible Packaging: Winning by Mastering Complexity

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Wes Bradford of Propelis says the future of converting belongs to the complexity-ready.

Use of Automation Continues to Expand in Packaging Industry

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Automation is becoming vital in the packaging industry, streamlining production and enhancing quality assurance. This month, we explore major advancements in automation within the sector.

Expanding Brands from Direct-to-Consumer into Retail

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this interview, Dan Gladden of Interact Brands shares a textbook case of successfully shepherding a direct-to-consumer brand onto retail shelves.

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.

Candy and Confectionery Industry Embraces Paper-Based Packaging

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Partnerships between one.five and Jung, pladis Global and Coveris, and Volka Food International and Metatex are just a few examples of how paper-based packaging has become an increasingly prevalent option for candy and confectionery providers.

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.

Cannabis Packaging Goes High-Tech

addingtonb@bnpmedia.com (Brad Addington) — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Packaging Strategies doesn't often cover cannabis packaging or focus on a single company, but LeafyPack's impressive use of robotics, AI, and vision systems in this field caught our attention.

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.