2026 February

Packaging Strategies

The February 2026 issue of Packaging Strategies features our cover story about a company using high-tech in cannabis packaging. Also inside: The candy and confectionery industry’s shift towards paper-based packaging, the latest innovations in blister packaging, award-winning brand redesigns, and more!

Image of the Spyder Pick and Place Joint Robot sorting pre-rolls.

Automation & AI

Cannabis Packaging Goes High-Tech

LeafyPack accelerates cannabis industry maturity with expansion into robotics, AI, and vision systems.

Brad Addington

February 5, 2026

Packaging Strategies doesn't often cover cannabis packaging or focus on a single company, but LeafyPack's impressive use of robotics, AI, and vision systems in this field caught our attention.

A variety of fruit candies in different colors on yellow background

Candy and Confectionery Industry Embraces Paper-Based Packaging

Paper-based packaging has become an increasingly prevalent option for candy and confectionery providers.

Bobby Douglas

February 19, 2026

Partnerships between one.five and Jung, pladis Global and Coveris, and Volka Food International and Metatex are just a few examples of how paper-based packaging has become an increasingly prevalent option for candy and confectionery providers.

Pharmaceutical machinery placing red and white capsules inside blister packaging on a conveyor blet.

The Latest Innovations in Blister Packaging

Aluminum-free packaging and mono-material packaging are among the most recent developments.

Brad Addington

February 12, 2026

Aluminum-free and mono-material blister packaging designs are being pursued by companies like TOPPAN and IWK Packaging Systems. Meanwhile, ACG is offering an alternative to co-extruded structures with its proprietary lamination-based approach.