As part of our 2024 “State of Converting” outreach to the industry, The Packaging Group from BNP Media sought input from leading converters to gain perspective on the current EPR legislative climate.

Against the backdrop of a lack of skilled labor, the food and beverage sector continues to invest in automated, efficient and stable processes. 

The contradictory labeling laws in California versus other states underscore the need for a more consistent and unified approach to packaging labeling regulations across the United States.

Consumer demands prompt a projected rise in overall unit sales and use of metal, glass, and liquid cartons.

In the survey, 88% of respondents claim to be planning a connected packaging campaign this year, and 78% of respondents believe connected packaging will improve business sustainability credentials.

Despite the steady drumbeat of “less is more” when it comes to packaging, Eldon Schaffer of TekniPlex Consumer Products makes a case for the continued use of container liners, citing several of their invaluable contributions.

AMERIPEN’s Dan Felton lauds both Maryland and Illinois for fostering productive discussions and collaboration among industry, environmental groups, and the government with respect to EPR and any future laws.

Innovations in how compostable packaging is made, along with new technology for composting, are among the forces working to increase the use of this type of packaging.

It’s in the best interest of all packaging companies to begin assessing and verifying their own data systems now to ensure they are prepared when EPR reporting requirements take effect.

In this second in a series of stories looking at the outlook for packaging in 2024, FPA’s Alison Keane talks about how converters will continue to innovate in the face of regulatory and supply-chain challenges.