Helen Roush, Executive Vice President of Paperitalo Publications

In a recent press release, ProAmpac, a leading global flexible packaging company, announced that it has partnered with Western Michigan University to Advance Fiber Packaging Innovation.

The press release states that "The partnership will bolster ProAmpac's "Fiberization of Packaging®" strategy, which aims to deliver curbside recyclable and compostable alternatives to traditional packaging.

The partnership with Western Michigan University supports ProAmpac's material science team on developing innovative fiber-based technologies, said Hesam Tabatabaei, senior vice president of global product development and innovation at ProAmpac. WMU's expertise in fiber manufacturing and broad range of capabilities will help accelerate our ability to deliver fiber-based packaging that meets growing market demand for curbside recyclable and compostable solutions. It also enables us to proactively address Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations with scalable, science-based innovation.

As a leader in packaging sustainability, ProAmpac is integrating this new university collaboration into its growing global network of academic partners focused on material and food science. These alliances enhance the company's research capabilities and directly support ProAmpac's ProActive Sustainability® and ProActive Intelligence® platforms, which foster innovation across all product categories and reinforce its commitment to a circular economy."

We'll keep you apprised of further developments.