2026 April

In the April 2026 edition of Packaging Strategies, we explore how innovation is advancing packaging in terms of design, materials, and machinery. This issue highlights developments in household packaging and labeling, along with an examination of how conveyor belts are meeting complex production demands while enhancing precision, safety, and speed. We also discuss innovations in conveying systems, flow wrapping, cartoning, and sealing technologies that are improving efficiency, product protection, and overall operational effectiveness.

Conveyors

Precision, Safety, and Speed: The Strategic Role of Conveyor Belts in Packaging

Bobby Bauman of AMMEGA discusses the strategic role of conveyor belts in packaging, explaining how they meet complex demands while boosting productivity and safety.

Bobby Bauman

April 2, 2026

Bobby Bauman of AMMEGA discusses how each stage of packaging demands specific belt materials and performance properties, noting that packaging belt applications span converting, form-fill-seal, filling and capping, case packing, palletizing, and warehousing.

Household Packaging

The Innovation Behind Familiar Household Product Packaging

Bobby Douglas

April 17, 2026

Household packaging has undergone significant changes in all facets of development. With innovations in design, mechanics and sustainability, the household packaging sector serves as a sound indicator of the broader trends seen across the industry as a whole. Learn about some of the key developments in household packaging.

Flow Wrapping

New Flow-Wrapping Equipment for Chocolate, Confectionery

New flow-wrapping machine is designed to meet the requirements of manufacturers of chocolate, confectionery, cereal and protein bars, functional foods, and snacks.

Packaging Strategies Editorial Team

April 16, 2026

Theegarten-Pactec has launched an innovative flow-wrapping machine specifically designed to meet the requirements of manufacturers of chocolate, confectionery, cereal and protein bars, functional foods and snacks, as well as co-packers and contract packers. Learn more.

A bag-in-box product moves down the conveyor of the Alterion CL-170 cartoner at the GreenSeed plant.

Case Study

Optimizing Bag-in-Box Production

In this case study, we look at how a new bag-in-box project for a global brand required GreenSeed to move beyond its existing machines and invest in a dedicated, high-capacity line.

April 9, 2026

In this case study, we look at how a new bag-in-box project for a global brand required contract packager GreenSeed to move beyond its existing machines and invest in a dedicated, high-capacity line. The project moved from initial consultation in late spring to a fully operational installation by year-end. Learn more.

Image of a vibratory scale-feed conveyor delivering controlled portions of product to each of several multi-head scales for consistent fills.

Conveyors

Selecting the Ideal Conveying System for Your Packaging Line

Rudy Sanchez of Key Technology explains the respective advantages of belt conveyors, vibratory conveyors, and horizontal-motion conveyors.

Rudy Sanchez

April 2, 2026

The right conveying system can support consistent throughput and protect product integrity, while the wrong choice can introduce bottlenecks and undermine overall packaging-line performance. Learn about the respective advantages of belt conveyors, vibratory conveyors, and horizontal-motion conveyors.

Ferrara Debuts Themed Flavors to Celebrate U.S. Soccer Partnership

March 4, 2026

Ferrara is kicking off the season with limited-edition product offerings across three of its beloved brands, including a new SweeTARTS® Ropes flavor, the return of Berry Punch NERDS® Gummy Clusters® and a soccer-themed Trolli® Sour Brite Squad pack.

GoNanas Launches New Look from STONE Strategy & Design

February 27, 2026

STONE’s strategy focused on maximizing the opportunity to make GoNanas truly memorable, signaling something new and modern in the baking category, and creating greater impact in stores.

Packaging Perspectives Podcast

Expanding Brands from Direct-to-Consumer into Retail

Brad Addington

February 25, 2026

In this interview, Dan Gladden of Interact Brands shares a textbook case of successfully shepherding a direct-to-consumer brand onto retail shelves.

Fábio Mestriner, co-creator of the Inteligência de Embalagem (Packaging Intelligence) 5.0 platform, shakes hands with Packaging Strategies Chief Editor Brad Addington.

Editor's Note | Brad Addington

Taking Packaging AI for a Test Spin

I recently decided to “kick the tires” of a new AI platform dedicated exclusively to the packaging sector.

Brad Addington

April 10, 2026

We recently decided to “kick the tires” of a new AI platform dedicated exclusively to the packaging sector. Enjoy this sneak peek of the platform prior to the rollout of the Business Pro version at interpack in May.