2Sustain

On Monday, Converting Magazine ran a great article that outlines insights gathered at the recent Flexible Packaging Association’s 2009 Fall Executive Conference.

For instance, I learned that the FPA has launched a three-phase campaign of market research, in-depth scientific research, and an industry and consumer educational “toolkit” –all designed to support flexible packaging’s sustainability benefits.

Data from a study already completed found that compared to alternatives, flex packs

• use less energy in their manufacture, distribution, and end use

• create fewer CO2 emissions, and

• contribute less to the solid waste stream and landfills.

However, as Keith Vorst Ph.D., assistant professor at California Polytechnic State University warns in the article, ubiquitous greenwashing threatens to undermine everyone’s credibility. Support your claims with true, scientific data, Vorst advises.

In addition to sustainability, package printers and converters are also concerned with the increased scrutiny they are likely to face in the wake of recent product and fresh-produce recalls and a reinvigorated FDA. Hot topics in this area include:

• food safety
• toxins in packaging
• nanotechnology material, and
• use of epidemiology statistics to initiate recalls.

See the full article for more details, including the industry’s optimistic outlook on the economy over the next 15 months.