This month, you can call me @FlexiblePackagingSteve. We’ve been writing about the packaging format for several years now – and for several reasons. For starters, it’s because many a narrow web label converter are capable of manufacturing flexible packaging with their existing equipment and are doing so quite successfully.

The global flexible packaging market was valued at $258.74 billion in 2024, according to market research firm Fortune Business Insights, and there is further growth on the horizon. The flexible packaging market is projected to grow from $270.83 billion in 2025 to $406.14 billion by 2032, the firm reports, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.96% during the forecast period.

Many factors are fueling flexible packaging’s growth. These bags, pouches, films, envelopes, and wraps are known for their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency in protecting products while reducing material usage and waste. Flexible packaging is extensively used across various industries, such as food and beverage, cosmetics, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals. Food and beverage is currently the largest end-use segment for flexible packaging, as it is widely used for packaging snacks, confectionery, dairy products, and a host of other goods. Non-food markets are also prevalent such as the booming cannabis sector. During the pandemic, the demand for medical and pharma supplies, such as masks, gowns, and protective equipment, surged, leading to increased demand for films, pouches, and bags that offer safe delivery and product protection that flexible packaging provides.

The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) is the leading advocate and voice for the US flexible packaging industry, and it has announced the winners of its annual Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition. The awards showcase the very best in flexible packaging, and the latest in the innovations and technology used to manufacture these products. This year’s competition saw 67 package submissions, resulting in 226 entries, as some packages competed across multiple categories. Ultimately, 20 exceptional packages were honored with 34 Achievement Awards.

The competition placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and advancements in printing technology. “The entries provided an excellent representation of current trends and key drivers in flexible packaging, particularly in sustainability,” notes Scott Wilkins, one of the judges and the founder/lead consultant at Scorcia Packaging Resources, LLC. He continues, “Around 70% of the submissions were either entered into the sustainability category or demonstrated clear advantages of flexible packaging over alternative structures. The range of innovations was impressive, including store drop-off solutions, all-PE structures, compostable films, and packaging incorporating post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.”

Judge Bilge Altay, assistant professor, Packaging and Graphic Media Science, College of Engineering Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), comments, “In reviewing the entries across both conventional and digital printing technologies, we saw companies effectively utilizing flexography, gravure, and digital printing. Each process showcased its unique strengths. Flexo and gravure printing demonstrated exceptional color consistency and high-resolution graphics, particularly in high-volume applications. Meanwhile, digital printing stood out for its versatility in short-run production while maintaining impressive color quality comparable to long-run printing.”

Let’s examine some of the winners.

HIGHEST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Highest Achievement Award is evaluated by the judges as possessing overall packaging excellence, significant attributes in all award categories, and contributing most to the advancement of the industry.

PRO-EVO Recyclable FL
Manufacturer: ProAmpac
End User/Customer: Nestlé Purina PetCare Company

PRO-EVO Recyclable FL is a high-performance flexible packaging solution that meets sustainability goals while maintaining reliable functionality. This curbside-recyclable package is compatible with widely accessible recycling streams, providing consumers with an option that ensures product protection. It features solid print quality and grease resistance. Designed using ProAmpac’s advanced material technologies, it offers barrier properties for enhanced shelf life, convenience for consumers, and reduced environmental impact. Supporting Nestlé Purina’s commitment as an Ellen MacArthur Foundation signatory, PRO-EVO Recyclable FL aligns with circular economy initiatives and sustainability targets.

GOLD ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Aara Basmati Rice 5-panel Pouch with Pocket Zipper and C-cut Handle, 10 lbs.
Manufacturer: Paharpur 3P
End User/Customer: Shakti Group USA, Hamilton, NJ

This 5-panel pocket zipper pouch with a unique printing design and premium matte finish look is a perfect packaging solution for packaging 10 lbs. of rice. The package is designed to protect against moisture and oxygen ingress with the help of a barrier packaging material and a reclosable pocket zipper.

Frito-Lay Super Bowl LVIII Commercially Compostable Package
Manufacturer: Printpack
End User/Customer: Frito-Lay North America Inc.

Super Bowl LVIII offered PepsiCo brand the opportunity to highlight its pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) sustainable goals with a direct-to-consumers package at its “Chip Strip” in Las Vegas. Consumers enjoyed their favorite game-day snacks, including Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, and Tostitos, all in eye-catching, commercially compostable packaging. The packaging incorporates unique graphic elements and hidden “Easter Eggs” synonymous with Las Vegas, the Super Bowl, and Frito-Lay, and showcases Frito-Lay’s sustainable commitment to “building a world where packaging never becomes waste.”

Goldfish Crisps, 6.25 oz.
Manufacturer: Printpack
End User/Customer: Campbell’s Snacks/Pepperidge Farm Inc.

Pepperidge Farm’s newest addition to its lineup is Goldfish Crisps. The new packages have a different form factor than other Goldfish products. The three new flavors – Sour Cream & Onion, Cheddar, and Salt & Vinegar – are showcased in vibrant, color-coded, 6.25 oz. packages with a flat bottom that stands upright on the shelf and offers an outstanding billboard effect.

HiPPiE ORGANiCS Organic Asparagus
Manufacturer: PPC Flex
End User/Customer: HiPPiE ORGANiCS/Alpine Fresh, Inc.

HiPPiE ORGANICS Organic Asparagus has a winning combination of a bright and happy design with beautiful print. This asparagus bag is printed and laminated using totally compostable material.

PepsiCo Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn Packaging
Manufacturer: Bryce Corporation
End User/Customer: Frito-Lay North America, Inc., a division of PepsiCo

Bryce Corporation and Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo, collaborated to develop a limited-edition Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn package. This project showcases mastery in flexographic printing and graphic design, featuring vivid colors and sharp details that captivate consumers.

Preserve Toothbrush Pouches
Manufacturer: Nosco
End User/Customer: Preserve

Preserve’s toothbrush pouch, designed for Trader Joe’s, embodies sustainability and functionality. This recyclable flexible packaging option is printed digitally to meet brand specifications, enhancing shelf appeal with vibrant graphics. Each pouch effectively houses a toothbrush that features a handle crafted from recycled yogurt cups, appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers seeking sustainable products.

ProAmpac Spouted Pouch for Ortho Home Defense
Manufacturer: ProAmpac
End User/Customer: The Scotts Company LLC

ProAmpac’s Spouted Pouch for Ortho Home Defense combines the advantages of rigid and flexible packaging to offer product protection and convenience. Utilizing chemical and ultraviolet-resistant printing and laminating, the pouch is durable and designed for consumer ease. The pouch serves as a refill to the rigid container and applicator, reducing plastic waste by 90% and making it an environmentally-friendly option.