Packaging Strategies features eco-friendly packaging efforts and launched the Sustainability Insider enewsletter. Two reports in May highlighted challenges in adopting sustainable packaging.

Packaging Strategies recently sat down with Natalie Kaczorowski and Todd Meussling of Fresh-Lock® to discuss the company’s development of the award-winning Costco Kirkland Signature® Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent Pacs.

Packaging Strategies has reported on sustainable packaging tie-ins with sporting events, such as the Portland Trail Blazers' use of eco-friendly packaging and the Philadelphia Eagles' switch to bio-based bags at Lincoln Financial Field.

Chris Marshall of BOBST – a leading supplier of substrate processing, printing and converting equipment and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton and corrugated board industries – talks about how the regulatory environment is coaxing some firms away from plastic and toward paper.

Allpax, a ProMach brand, recently delivered a new high-speed automated pouch loading and unloading system to a customer to feed an existing bank of Allpax retorts.

Lightweight, compact, and heat-resistant retort pouches are ideal for preserving food products like baby food, ready-to-eat meals, and pet food through retort sterilization, ensuring longer shelf lives. However, there are limited recyclable options for retort pouches in the market.

Check out how new advancements are making retort equipment more efficient and packaging more eco-friendly. But let's first take a step back and take a wider look at the retort packaging scene.

The heat resistance, aesthetics and barrier properties of recycled resins can differ from traditional films and laminates. NOVA Chemicals works with converters and brands on how to employ these new recyclable materials.

Businesses are seeking innovative ways to reduce their environmental impact and invest in sustainability. A Gartner survey found that 87% of business leaders plan to increase their sustainability investment in the next two years. There is pressure from investors, supply chains, and consumers to make more sustainable decisions.

Flexible packaging's recyclability was discussed at the FPA Annual Meeting. Alison Keane highlighted labeling challenges due to varying state guidelines. National legislation may be required. Dan Felton echoed this in a column for Packaging Strategies.