GEA has launched two innovations in vertical packaging to help meat and poultry manufacturers increase uptime. The SmartPacker CX400 packaging machine, available in both sanitary and standard configurations, is equipped with induction sealing capabilities that reduce changeover times to less than two minutes.

FPA commissioned PTIS, LLC to provide a holistic view on the sustainability benefits that flexible packaging offers; provide foresight into future sustainability implications for flexible packaging; and develop six Life Cycle Assessment case studies comparing flexible packaging to other packaging formats across a range of products.

After two years and over 250 prototypes, Chamber Pouch brings a new, patented, dual-chamber capability. Chamber Pouch enables food and CPG companies to create new products, combinations and extensions, generating new brand value.

Compared to the lists of the past few years, the 2017 Flexible Packaging Top 25 Converters list may seem, well, ordinary. While this year was not without its share of M&A's, they were all fairly minor to some of the big shake-ups the industry has seen in the past.

Plastic Packaging Technologies has appointed Melissa Rishkofski as its new director of business development.