Business View Magazine - Sept 2023

150 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 9 United, the Society of Plastics Engineers, and the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI). “We’re all in it together,” she emphasizes, highlighting the importance of collaboration in amplifying their message. “Numbers help push the data out more. Partnerships and collaborations are very important to the industry.” Charting the Future: Sustainability and Technological Evolution in Flexible Packaging In the ever-evolving landscape of the packaging industry, the FPA remains resolute in its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Keane emphasizes the need to view recycling as just one facet of a product’s sustainability journey. “We need to ensure that we don’t get our products banned or restricted based on current recyclability,” she adds, advocating for a sustainable funding mechanism for a dynamic recycling system. Harmonization of recycling mandates across states is another pressing concern. Keane highlights the challenges of differing recycling mandates and labeling requirements across states, emphasizing the need for federal intervention. “Labeling for one state over another state isn’t viable for the consumer brands,” she notes. When asked about the impact of technology, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Keane offers a comprehensive perspective. She touches upon the myriad ways technology intersects with the industry, from packaging innovation and AI to robotics. “It impacts almost every single facet, from manufacturing operations to consumer interaction and recycling,” she observes. The FPA’s commitment to staying abreast of technological trends is evident. Keane mentions collaborations with organizations like the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the U.S. Chamber, PMMI, and others. These partnerships enable the FPA to disseminate crucial information to its members and remain at the nexus of what’s coming next on the horizon. As the FPA charts its course for the future, it’s evident that sustainability, technological innovation, and collaboration will remain at its core, ensuring that the association and its members continue to lead the way in the packaging industry.