The Flexible Packaging Association’s (FPA) 2020 State of the Flexible Packaging Industry Report provides industry converters, suppliers, investors, and analysts with insight into the performance (i.e. growth, revenue/volume expectations, profitability, and capital spending) of the U.S. flexible packaging industry over the past year.

Consumer demand for convenience packaging and product freshness are driving the design and manufacture of bagging and closing equipment in the snack food and wholesale bakery market. The latest machines feature higher production speeds, smaller footprints, sanitary designs and smart technology.

The latest form/fill/seal (FFS) packaging systems are designed to accommodate a wide range of packaging options at high speeds while ensuring food safety via sanitary design. The systems combine flexibility and automation, as they often need to pack different products on the same line. In addition, new designs enable quick changeover.

The Bonomi confectionery manufacturer is well known for its typical Italian products such as Sfogliatine and ladyfingers.

Constantia Flexibles has invested roughly €6 million in new technology to manufacture film-based flexible packaging at its site in Weiden, Germany.

When it comes to packaging materials, one of the biggest consumer demands cited by bakers and snack producers is the need for extended shelf life—packaging that makes food last longer on the store shelf and in the refrigerator.

EFI has released the EFI Packaging Suite 4.0, the company's latest ERP-based suite of software solutions providing packaging enterprises with end-to-end workflows that contribute to profitability by increasing efficiencies.

When it comes to baked goods and snacks, consumers increasingly look for products in resealable, standup pouches and flexible packaging. It boosts ease-of-use for consumers, and helps improve the ability to keep foods fresh. As a result, bakers and snack producers are helping retailers meet this demand by investing in equipment capable of making packaging with popular closures, such as press-to-close zippers and sliders.

JLS Automation’s Osprey robotic case packer now handles flexible packages.