Inno-Talk - FlexPack Knowledge

The flexpack industry is facing major transformation:New regulations, increasing demands for recyclability, and economic pressure are colliding with new opportunities in innovation and marketing.In this episode of FlexPack.news, Max Haschke breaks down the latest developments and explains what they really mean for companies across the packaging value chain.🔍 Topics coveredFood-grade rPP:Recycled polypropylene reaches food-contact compliance – what this means for mono-material solutions and material availabilityPPWR & regulation:Why new requirements are now becoming real in day-to-day business and forcing companies to actDesign for Recycling (CEN standard):How standardization is reshaping packaging designMarket pressure & consolidation:Plant closures and rising costs as indicators of structural changePackaging as a marketing tool:Why packaging is becoming part of social media strategies🎯 Key takeawaysPackaging is shifting from a cost factor to a strategic leverRegulation is becoming more concrete and action-drivenNot every sustainability trend is industrially scalableSupply chain thinking is becoming critical for flexpack companies🎧 Who should listen?Decision-makers, developers, and sales professionals in the packaging industry—especially those working with flexible packaging.

In this episode I talk to Heiko Schenck who is an expert for LPDE in film applications. He has decades of experience with Dow and DuPont and so has a more calm view on current crises and can relate to other crises from the past.This episode is dubbed with AI. Far away from perfect but it is understandable and we can articulate everything in our mother tongue. Nevertheless I am looking forward to have a podcast in English with you. So if you are interested feel free to contact me: [email protected]

Current topics for flexpackers, put into perspective — today with Marcus Holland from PreZero.Topics:Iran crisis leads to jumping raw material pricesBel launches global switch to paper packagingSappi adjusts prices on specialty papers againApollo invests in SyntegonSiegwerk acquires Indian ink manufacturer Hi-Tech InksEvents: INNO-Fiber, PRSE and InterpackThis Podcast is dubbed with AI from the original German episode. If you want to be guest in our podcast feel free to contact [email protected].

This Episode is dubbed with the help of AI.Kick-off of a new podcast format.FlexPack.news delivers a monthly roundup of the latest news for flexpackers—clearly categorized and easy to follow, featuring rotating guests from the industry.Episode 1 recorded “live” from the INNO-Meeting 2026 in Osnabrück.Featuring:Jan Grevè from PPG and Daniel Zimmermann from Felix Schoeller.The news:https://packaging-journal.de/en/packaging-this-will-change-with-the-new-packaging-law/The new Packaging Act (VerpackDG) implements the PPWR at the national level.https://www.euwid-recycling.de/news/politik/neue-eu-vorgaben-sollen-recyclingquoten-unter-mitgliedstaaten-vergleichbarer-machen-180226/New EU requirements aim to make recycling rates more comparable across member states.https://www.packaginginsights.com/news/henkel-acquires-stahl-specialty-coatings.htmlHenkel acquires Stahl for €2 billion.

Flexographic Printing, Solvent Zero & Automation in Plate ProcessingIn this episode of the Innoform Podcast, Julian Thielen speaks with Dieter Niederstadt from Asahi Photoproducts about current innovations in flexographic printing, water-wash plates, and automation in flexo plate production.The conversation focuses on the shift toward Solvent Zero: replacing solvent-based plate processing with water-wash technology and closed-loop recycling systems. With up to 90% water reuse and no VOC emissions, flexo plate processing is becoming significantly more sustainable while maintaining industrial performance.Another key topic is full automation in flexographic workflows. Together with partners such as Esko and Allstein, integrated systems now connect imaging (CDI), LED exposure (XPS), washout, drying and cutting in one automated process. The result: standardized quality, reduced operator dependency, and shorter processing times.The episode also discusses:Water-based inks in flexible packagingFlexo vs. rotogravure printingPrinting on PCR and MDO substratesThe impact of European PPWR regulationsThis episode is relevant for converters, packaging manufacturers, print professionals and brand owners looking to improve sustainability, productivity and print quality in flexible packaging.Further InformationRegistration – Flexo Symposium (Esko – Asahi – Allstein – Follmann)https://go.esko.com/FlexoSymposium2026Video – Flexo Automation in Actionhttps://youtu.be/FYoUZKDGqvQ