TRADE SHOW NEWS Registration Open For FPA’s 2026 FlexForward Conference The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), an advocate and voice of the U.S. flexible packaging industry, has invited leaders from across the flexible packaging value chain to attend its 2026 FlexForward Conference, tak-
Future Leaders (CONT’D FROM PAGE 33)
“The Future Trailblazer Awards shine a light on the in- dividuals already making a difference across the sector. This year’s winners and finalists represent the creativity, expertise and ambition that will shape the next gener- ation of packaging, and we are proud to recognize their achievements.” The Class of 2026 brings together professionals from or- ganizations including Nestlé, James Cropper, McCain Foods GB, Greyparrot, Carlton Packaging and Sleeve Office. Together, their work demonstrates how innovation is being driven by smarter materials, more efficient produc- tion, stronger branding, AI-powered decision-making, and increasingly circular packaging systems. The global packaging market is now valued at more than $1.2 trillion, while the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is accelerating the transition to- ward a circular economy by requiring all packaging placed on the EU market to be recyclable by 2030. At the same time, the World Economic Forum identifies skills shortages as one of the greatest barriers to business transformation, placing renewed emphasis on attracting, developing and recognizing the talent that will lead the industry’s future. To access the report visit: www.packagingbirming- ham.com/the-future-trailblazer-awards-report/ . LabelTec Invests In first U.S. Rotocon Press LabelTec has become the first U.S. converter to invest in a Rotocon RFP flexographic press, working with the newly established Rotocon USA on a trade-in deal that allowed the Colorado-based label converter to transition from leg- acy flexo equipment to a fully servo-driven platform with automatic pre-register and registration controls. The transaction was structured as a turnkey project, with Rotocon USA managing trade-in removal, freight, in- stallation, commissioning and operator training. A trade- in acceptance program and introductory North American pricing reportedly allowed LabelTec to invest in a new, customized press configuration at a lower total cost than traditional OEM alternatives, while U.S.-based technicians and stocked spare parts provided the service infrastruc- ture the company required. The RFP platform is German-engineered with final pro- duction oversight and quality control carried out in Germa- ny, combining global component sourcing with localized North American support. Rotocon USA’s North American demo center in New Jersey is scheduled for completion in August, with a fully operational servo-driven flexograph- ic press and digital finishing equipment available for live demonstrations and material trials. The company will also exhibit the RFP press live at Loupe Americas 2026 in Chicago, September 15 to 17, at booth 719.
ing place September 15-17, 2026, at The Pfister Hotel in Mil- waukee, Wisconsin. Designed for converters, suppli- ers, brand owners, recyclers, and indus- try partners, Flex- Forward will deliver
three days of education, networking, and collaboration focused on the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of flexible packaging. This year’s agenda is organized around four key themes: Industry & Markets Gain insights into the economic and market forces influencing the flexible packaging industry, including: • State of FPA and the U.S. Flexible Packaging Industry • Polyethylene & Polypropylene Market Update Policy & Regulation Stay informed on the legislative and regulatory de- velopments shaping business decisions and industry strategy, including: • Federal and State Policy Updates • Lobbying and Saving Democracy • MAHA’s Influence on Flexible Packaging • Post-Consumer Recycled Content: Challenges and Opportunities Sustainability & Materials Explore innovations, market trends, and practical solutions driving packaging sustainability, including: • Eco-Modulation and Flexible Packaging Design: Industry Perspectives, Fees, and Case Studies • Navigating Sustainability: Overcoming Packaging Industry Challenges on the Road to 2030 • Advanced Recycling and Mass Balance: A Neces- sary Frontier for Flexible Packaging Collaboration & Leadership Hear directly from brand owners on the critical sup- ply chain support they need to turn sustainability goals into scalable, real-world packaging solutions. • Brand Owner Spotlights Registration is open. Additional program details, the full agenda, and registration information are avail- able at https://www.flexpack.org/events/2026-flex- forward-conference .
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