Flexible materials buyers, suppliers, and developers will head to the beach town of Clearwater, FL this June for SF&WB sister magazine Packaging Strategies’ annual Global Pouch Forum, held June 18-20 at Sheraton Sand Key Resort. The conference will include up-to-date information from experts, and allow opportunities to network with leaders and innovators who are involved in the flexible packaging industry, including pouches, films, and machinery.

The Global Pouch Forum launched in 1997, intuiting that the flexible pouch would eventually become a major form of packaging. Now, the industry is bursting with opportunities for using pouch packaging in food, beverages, and other consumer packaged goods.

Education
Case studies plus best practices on pouches that offer shelf appeal, innovation, functionality, and convenience will be presented at GPF. Educational session highlights include::

• Sow Strong and the Digital Pouch:with Justin Kershaw, former NCAA Division One athlete, and Sow Strong COO Paul Unrue, who is also VP of sales at packaging supplier StockPKG. Sow Strong uses multiple flexible packaging formats for its Oat Bites and Oat Bars. Kershaw and Unrue will discuss Sow Strong’s pathway from basement-based innovation to market introduction; why flexible packaging is a good fit for the company; and an overview of the benefits of digitally converted packaging.
• Adding Value and Differentiating Pouch Packaging panel: Moderated by Alon Schnitzer, flexible packaging specialist at HP Indigo, the discussion will be centered on exploring innovative technologies that can enhance pouch packaging, drive differentiation, and add value. Attendees will gain insights on navigating a rapidly evolving market and exploring innovative substrates and materials that strengthen the brand-converter relationship. Additionally, they will discover how converters can maximize digital embellishments to enhance brand differentiation and learn strategies for gaining a competitive edge by integrating new technologies, digital printing, and automation for a profitable and sustainable business growth. Speakers include Chuck Christopher, VP of sales, All State Printing; Ryan Chai, strategic solutions manager, Nobelus; and Ed Wiegand, president and CEO, JetFx.
• Future-Proof Solutions for Sustainable Pouch Packaging: As environmental regulations tighten around the globe and consumer demand for sustainable packaging grows, manufacturers face more pressure than ever to find sustainable solutions. Flexible pouching products in particular present a unique challenge, as traditional pouch materials are unable to be recycled, and many sustainable materials are too heat-sensitive to withstand high-speed production. In response to these challenges, R.A Jones (in partnership with Watttron, a German engineering company specializing in digital heating systems) has developed heat sealing and tension control technologies for use on existing pouch machinery to handle eco-friendly materials without sacrificing speed. In this sustainability-focused session, R.A Jones Director of Product and Marketing Ricky Low and representatives from Watttron and Nestlé Germany will discuss the technology’s pathway to commercialization; product testing in the new R.A Jones pouch Lab; key market indicators for the global flexible packaging market; and navigating environmental regulations while meeting consumer expectations. Representing Nestlé will be Jens Bodo Wagner, technical workgroup leader at Maggi factory Luedinghausen (part of the Nestlé Group) and representing Watttron will be Scott Matre, U.S. sales manager.
• Advanced Pouch Inspection Strategies: The session will be led by Dan Gardner, director, market development group, Valco Melton. He will outline a versatile approach towards inspection of flexible packaging like bags and pouches, whether made of plastic or paper. Attendees will learn how a unique combination of infra-red and visual imaging can significantly improve a converter or brand owner’s cost, quality, and confidence, aiming to significantly reduce the risk of pouch contamination and weld failures, which can provide a distinct market advantage.
• Key Trends Driving M&A Activity in Film and Flexible Packaging: led by Rick Well, managing director, co-head of packaging, Mesirow Investment Banking. The flexible packaging sector has undergone considerable consolidation via M&A activity over the past 20 years, largely fueled by the influx of private equity capital, as well as selective activity from large, publicly traded companies in the sector. Weil will discuss and explore the objectives of the acquirers, including solving challenging regulatory demands, achieving cost savings, and providing solutions for emerging consumer sustainability trends.

View the full GPF agenda here.

Exhibitors
GPF will also feature an exhibition hall, where attendees can browse booths from suppliers of pouch and flexible packaging materials, machinery, and components, along with converters, technology developers, and contract service providers.

The Exhibit Hall will be open June 19 from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, including during breakfast, the networking break, luncheon, and reception.

Exhibitors range from companies such as Alliedflex Technologies to R.A Jones, TechniPac, Toppan Packaging Americas, and others.

Steve Fairfield Memorial Award
In April, Packaging Strategies magazine and GPF announced Steve Gosling, president of Cheer Pack North America (N.A.), as the inaugural recipient of the Steve Fairfield Memorial Award for Flexible Packaging Innovation. The new Steve Fairfield Memorial Award for Flexible Packaging Innovation, sponsored by Skjodt-Barrett Foods, will annually honors a top innovator in flexible packaging.

The award will be presented during the conference, during a special keynote session featuring leadership from Cheer Pack N.A. and Skjodt-Barrett Foods. The session will highlight Gosling’s innovations in pouch packaging through the years, including his collaborations with Steve Fairfield, namesake of the award. Gosling and his work will also serve as the basis for a special feature in the August issue of Packaging Strategies’ eMagazine.

“We are deeply honored that BNP Media and Skjodt-Barrett Foods have selected Steve Gosling, Cheer Pack North America visionary, as the inaugural recipient of the Steve Fairfield Memorial Award for Flexible Packaging Innovation,” says Jeff Ward, CEO, Cheer Pack N.A.

Fairfield was a flexible packaging innovator who worked in the baby food and fruit purée industries. His entrepreneurial and visionary contributions reportedly helped reshape the flexible pouch landscape. Fairfield’s passion and innovation were instrumental in the early adoption of spouted, stand-up pouches by leading global brands in the industry, says Packaging Strategies. This packaging format is now ubiquitous within the baby food and fruit snack categories. Fairfield passed away in May 2024.

Sunday, February 16

• Society of Bakery Women Professionals’ Networking Annual Brunch
• Spouse/Guest Welcome Reception
• Young Professionals’ Event
• Group Dinners

Monday, February 17

• Kansas State University/Florida State University Alumni Breakfast
• Future Forward Luncheon
• Interactive Group Activity: People Bingo

Tuesday, February 18

• Hall of Fame Luncheon
• Carnival Extravaganza
• VIP Reception

“Steve Fairfield brought a unique mix of creativity and determination to the monumental task of convincing longstanding, glass-packing brand owners to make a change with the flexible pouch,” says Dan Skjodt, founder, Skjodt-Barrett Foods. “His sincere and good-humored approach to everything he did was an irresistible combination for success, and our ability to push the boundaries of what was possible in food packaging. Steve’s leadership at Skjodt-Barrett left a lasting impact—not just on the new products we are able to bring to market, but on the people he associated with every day.” SF&WB