FTA member American Packaging Corporation will spotlight its flexible packaging innovations in talks and exhibitions targeted to consumer packaged goods companies.
“This is an exciting moment for flexible packaging as brand owners look for solutions that can do moremore for performance, more for sustainability, and more for the consumer experience,” said Jeff Travis, Senior Manager of Innovation & Sustainability at American Packaging Corporation. “APC is proud to showcase technologies that help customers address today’s packaging challenges while preparing for what’s next.”
The FTA member company is highlighting three flexible packaging technologies at Lounge & Learn hospitality and education showcase during PACK EXPO International 2026 in Chicago. The educational presentations and innovation spotlights feature APC solutions that deliver dispensing convenience, shelf appeal, and controlled opening, alongside its specialists’ perspectives on supply-chain pressures and packaging cost exposure.

LOUNGE & LEARN EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS

2027 Outlook: Geopolitics Impacting Flexible Packaging
Global trade shifts, U.S. import tariffs, and continued disruption in key shipping channels are creating new pressures across the flexible packaging supply chain. This session will explore the latest market dynamics and offer a forward-looking perspective on what brand owners and packaging teams should watch in 2027.
Presented by:Jeff Huber, Director of Purchasing (retiring)Kevin Bergeson, Director of Purchasing (incoming)

EPR Compliance – Optimize Packaging to Minimize Financial Impact
As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation expands across the U.S., packaging choices are carrying greater financial and operational implications. APC will highlight tools, technologies, and expert guidance that can help brand owners evaluate structures, reduce avoidable cost exposure, and align packaging decisions with evolving circularity expectations.
Presented by:Jeff Travis, Senior Manager, Innovation & Sustainability

FLEXIBLE PACKAGING INNOVATION SPOTLIGHTS

ValvPak
ValvPak brings a smarter approach to liquid pouch packaging by combining effortless, one-handed dispensing with an automatic reseal that helps prevent drips, leaks, and exposure to air or contaminants.
The patented valve technology supports a clean dispensing experience for products ranging from sauces and condiments to personal care and household liquids. Compared with pouches that use rigid fitments, ValvPak uses less plastic and reduces package weight, helping improve transportation efficiency while supporting more sustainable package design.

Matte Luxe
Matte Luxe pairs a refined matte appearance with an all-polyethylene package structure designed to be recycled where facilities exist. Available with machine direction or biaxial orientation film options, the technology helps brands achieve premium shelf appeal while supporting recycle-ready packaging strategies.

LinearEdge
LinearEdge is engineered to deliver a clean, controlled opening experience without relying on costly, labor-intensive laser scoring or post-production perforation. The all-polyethylene structure is designed to be recycled where facilities exist, while machine direction orientation supports package strength and expands U.S. supply chain flexibility.

ValvPak uses a patented valve for one-handed liquid dispensing and automatic resealing. According to APC, the format uses less plastic and weighs less than pouches with rigid fitments. Applications include sauces, condiments, personal care products, and household liquids.

Matte Luxe combines a matte appearance with an all-polyethylene structure and machine direction or biaxial orientation film options. LinearEdge uses machine direction orientation to support package strength and controlled opening without laser scoring or postproduction perforation. Both structures are designed for recycling where facilities exist.

APC is also sharing expertise on the business forces influencing packaging decisions. Purchasing specialists Jeff Huber and Kevin Bergeson will discuss the 2027 outlook for global trade, tariffs, and shipping disruptions. Jeff Travis, senior manager of innovation and sustainability, will examine tools and packaging technologies that help brands evaluate structures and potential financial exposure under extended producer responsibility programs.