Highlights of the Program

2 days business program:

Learn from real-world case studies by industry leaders.

SHOWCASING INNOVATION:

Discover the latest technology and techniques from across the industry.

leaders talk:

Hear from top-level experts about how to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.

MULTIPLE STREAMS:

A business program that is multi-disciplinary, giving you a broad view of the industry.

SMART TECHNOLOGIES:

Explore the latest smart and AI-driven solutions, and see how they can be used in your business.

roundtable discussion:

Join talks with industry peers. Share ideas, make connections, and find new partners.

Program

Day 1 :
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026
08:00 - 09:00
REGISTRATION AND MORNING REFRESHMENTS
09:00 - 09:10
OPENING ADDRESS
09:10 - 09:35
THE FUTURE IS FIBER: DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY AND BRAND VALUE IN FOODSERVICE PACKAGING
Nate Pajka
Metsä Board

Nate Pajka

Metsä Board

  • Exploring why fiber-based packaging with non-plastic barriers is a timely and strategic shift
  • Analyzing regulatory trends, environmental impact data, and evolving consumer sentiment
  • Demonstrating how fiber packaging drives brand value, compliance, and sustainability outcomes
09:35 - 09:40
Q&A SESSION ON THE FUTURE OF FIBER-BASED FOODSERVICE PACKAGING
09:40 - 10:05
UNLOCKING THE TRIPLE ADVANTAGE: HOW REUSABLE PACKAGING ENABLES FSMA COMPLIANCE WHILE ADVANCING SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Alex Hempel
ORBIS Corporation

Alex Hempel

ORBIS Corporation

  • Learning how reusable packaging improves hygiene, traceability, and FSMA-aligned food safety
  • Exploring how operational efficiency and cost savings go hand in hand with sustainability goals
  • Discovering implementation strategies, change management tips, and success metrics that drive ROI
10:05 - 10:10
Q&A SESSION ON REUSABLE PACKAGING AND FSMA COMPLIANCE STRATEGY
10:10 - 10:40
SPEED NETWORKING SESSION
  • Exchange business cards and get connected in short one-to-one meetings
  • Start the conversation to arrange a more formal meeting later on in the conference
  • Share your professional background and discuss your biggest business issues – don't forget your business cards!
10:40 - 11:00
MORNING COFFEE BREAK IN THE EXHIBIT AREA
11:00 - 11:30
PANEL DISCUSSION ON FOOD PACKAGING
11:30 - 11:55
PREDICTING THE PERFECT PACKAGE: AI FOR SUSTAINABLE COMPLIANCE
Ignacio Parada
Bioelements Group

Ignacio Parada

Bioelements Group

  • Simulating aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation to predict performance before production
  • Estimating environmental impacts and aligning early designs with ISO and ASTM compliance
  • Accelerating development by reducing costs and time through informed AI-driven decisions
11:55 - 12:00
Q&A SESSION ON AI-DRIVEN PACKAGING DESIGN AND COMPLIANCE
12:00 - 12:25
PURECYCLE’S VERTICALLY INTEGRATED APPROACH TO DELIVERING HIGH-QUALITY RECYCLED POLYPROPYLENE
Christian Bruey
PureCycle Technologies

Christian Bruey

PureCycle Technologies

  • Presenting the performance and purity of PureFiveᵀᴹ PCR polypropylene compared to virgin resins
  • Exploring new compounded PureFiveᵀᴹ Choice grades for thermoform, BOPP, and thin-wall applications
  • Analyzing PureCycle’s dissolution process and how it fits amongst the evolving regulatory landscape
12:25 - 12:30
Q&A SESSION ON HIGH-PERFORMANCE RECYCLED POLYPROPYLENE SOLUTIONS
12:30 - 13:30
NETWORKING LUNCH & VISITING THE FOOD PACKAGING SUMMIT EXHIBITION
13:30 - 13:55
SUSTAINABILITY IN PACKAGING: INSIDE THE MINDS OF GLOBAL CONSUMERS
Matthew Seidner
McKinsey & Company

Matthew Seidner

McKinsey & Company

  • Comparing consumer willingness to pay for sustainable packaging versus other purchase drivers
  • Analyzing how recyclability, substrate familiarity, and circularity shape sustainability perceptions
  • Identifying brand responsibility and the role of education in driving consumer action and loyalty
13:55 - 14:00
Q&A SESSION ON CONSUMER PERCEPTIONS OF PACKAGING SUSTAINABILITY
14:00 - 14:25
DESIGNING FOR EASE OF USE: A COMPETITIVE EDGE TO ELEVATE YOUR BRAND
Deb Gokie
Arthritis Foundation

Deb Gokie

Arthritis Foundation

  • Exploring the impact of arthritis and chronic pain on global packaging usability and brand reach
  • Presenting data-driven insights and best practices from the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use Certification Program
  • Highlighting accessible design guides and partnerships that improve packaging inclusivity across sectors
14:25 - 14:30
Q&A SESSION ON ACCESSIBLE DESIGN AND CONSUMER INCLUSIVITY IN PACKAGING
14:30 - 14:55
FAST TRACK TO EPR COMPLIANCE
Tina Nguyen
Reverse Logistics Group (RLG)

Tina Nguyen

Reverse Logistics Group (RLG)

  • Understanding the key risks of non-compliance with evolving EPR laws across the U.S. and Canada
  • Exploring a practical step-by-step guide to streamline Extended Producer Responsibility reporting
  • Sharing proven compliance tips including data best practices and strategies to avoid common missteps
14:55 - 15:00
Q&A SESSION ON EPR COMPLIANCE STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESSES
15:00 - 15:30
AFTERNOON COFFEE BREAK IN THE EXHIBIT AREA
15:30 - 15:55
A REVOLUTIONARY LEAP TO MICROPLASTIC REMOVAL IN FOOD & BEVERAGE CONTAINERS!
Christophe Delpech
Zalkin

Christophe Delpech

Zalkin

  • Exploring how air, vacuum, ionization, and H14 filters can eliminate microplastics before capping
  • Understanding the engineering behind microplastic control systems on modern packaging lines
  • Highlighting benefits for product purity, brand trust, and compliance in food and beverage sectors
15:55 - 16:00
Q&A SESSION ON MICROPLASTIC CONTROL IN FOOD PACKAGING LINES
16:00 - 16:25
REGENERATIVE PACKAGING: THE NEXT FRONTIER IN FOOD SUSTAINABILITY
Brodie Dussen
Veritiv

Brodie Dussen

Veritiv

  • Examining how regenerative materials can deliver net positive environmental impact
  • Exploring which seaweed films, foams, and coatings are ready for scale and commercial use
  • Piloting next-gen materials responsibly with food brands to meet food safety, shelf life, and sustainability goals
16:25 - 16:30
Q&A SESSION ON REGENERATIVE PACKAGING AND FOOD SYSTEM INNOVATION
16:30 - 16:55
SOLVING FOR HARD-TO-RECYCLE PLASTICS
Justin Riney
INEOS Styrolution America LLC

Justin Riney

INEOS Styrolution America LLC

  • Exploring U.S. recycling data and systems enabling flexible films, PS, and PP recovery
  • Spotlighting CPG, NGO, and industry-led efforts driving scalable recycling innovation
  • Calling for public-private partnerships, using the paper industry’s 30-year shift as a model
16:55 - 17:00
Q&A SESSION ON SOLUTIONS FOR HARD-TO-RECYCLE PLASTICS
17:00 - 17:25
DOES YOUR PACKAGING MEET YOUR SHELF LIFE GOALS?
Jeff Jackson
AMETEK, Inc.

Jeff Jackson

AMETEK, Inc.

  • Understanding how shelf-life success depends on full-package performance evaluation
  • Exploring how sustainable barrier materials impact traditional shelf-life expectations
  • Leveraging new permeation testing techniques to identify and improve weak links in packaging systems
17:25 - 17:30
Q&A SESSION ON SHELF LIFE AND PACKAGE PERFORMANCE STRATEGIES
17:30 - 18:30
NETWORKING DRINKS RECEPTION
Day 2 :
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026
08:30 - 09:00
MORNING REFRESHMENTS
09:00 - 09:10
OPENING ADDRESS
09:10 - 09:35
PROTECTING YOUR BRAND AND BOTTOM LINE: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF PRODUCE RECALL INSURANCE
Gwenyth Luu
The Baldwin Group

Gwenyth Luu

The Baldwin Group

  • Understanding the increasing recall risk and the financial and reputational impacts on food producers
  • Explaining what produce recall insurance covers and how it addresses critical policy gaps
  • Highlighting case studies, risk-mitigation tips, and actionable steps for securing proper protection
09:35 - 09:40
Q&A SESSION ON PRODUCE RECALL INSURANCE AND BRAND PROTECTION
09:40 - 10:05
THE ROLE OF BIOBASED POLYETHYLENE IN A CIRCULAR LOW-CARBON ECONOMY
Gustavo Lombardi
Braskem America, Inc.

Gustavo Lombardi

Braskem America, Inc.

  • Exploring how biobased polyethylene supports sustainable carbon cycles and drives defossilization
  • Demonstrating how it lowers greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining high performance
  • Highlighting its recyclability and traceable renewable content that contributes to a negative carbon footprint
10:05 - 10:10
Q&A SESSION ON BIOBASED POLYETHYLENE AND CLIMATE-FRIENDLY PACKAGING
10:10 - 10:35
AI-POWERED PACKAGING DESIGN: HOW BRANDS CUT REVIEW TIMES AND ELIMINATE LABELING ERRORS
Anastasia Sartan
GetGenAI

Anastasia Sartan

GetGenAI

  • Discovering how GetGenAI’s platform automatically reviews packaging for accuracy, compliance, and brand consistency
  • Learning how Catchmaster reduced labeling errors and accelerated time-to-market through automation
  • Exploring best practices for collaboration between technology providers and brand teams in packaging
10:35 - 10:40
Q&A SESSION ON AI AND GETGENAI’S ROLE IN PACKAGING DESIGN INNOVATION
10:40 - 11:00
MORNING COFFEE BREAK IN THE EXHIBIT AREA
11:00 - 11:25
REIMAGINING FRESH PRODUCE PACKAGING: INNOVATION, MATERIALS, AND MARKET CHANGE
Vonnie Estes
International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)

Vonnie Estes

International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)

  • Understanding how policy, retail standards, and consumer shifts are shaping packaging demands
  • Exploring new materials, automation, and labeling to improve performance and reduce waste
  • Highlighting how IFPA’s USDA-funded program supports pilot testing and scalable solutions
11:25 - 11:30
Q&A SESSION ON INNOVATION IN FRESH PRODUCE PACKAGING
11:30 - 11:55
PRIVATE BRANDS VS. NATIONAL BRANDS: WHAT 30,000 CONSUMERS TAUGHT US ABOUT PACKAGING, PRICE, AND PURCHASE DECISIONS
Steen Tjarks
Tjarks & Tjarks Design Group

Steen Tjarks

Tjarks & Tjarks Design Group

  • Drawing insights from 15,000 US and 15,000 EU consumers on private versus national brand choices
  • Exploring how packaging design, materials, and innovation shape brand value and willingness to pay
  • Sharing real-world examples of brand success driven by packaging shifts and pricing strategy alignment
11:55 - 12:00
Q&A SESSION ON PACKAGING CHOICES AND CONSUMER PURCHASE BEHAVIOR
12:00 - 12:25
THE $10 MILLION LABEL: HOW PACKAGING ERRORS COST MORE THAN YOU THINK
Dagmar Moreside
Schlafender Hase GmbH

Dagmar Moreside

Schlafender Hase GmbH

  • Examining how labeling and packaging content errors have triggered product recalls exceeding $10 million
  • Understanding that 60% of food recalls stem from preventable mislabeling and artwork issues
  • Reviewing the 154 allergen mislabeling recalls in 2023 and their implications for risk management
12:25 - 12:30
Q&A SESSION ON PREVENTING RECALLS FROM LABEL AND ARTWORK MISTAKES
12:30 - 13:30
NETWORKING LUNCH & VISITING THE FOOD PACKAGING SUMMIT EXHIBITION
13:30 - 13:55
CRITICAL EPR DEVELOPMENTS SHAPING THE U.S. LANDSCAPE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Jason Bergquist
RecycleMe

Jason Bergquist

RecycleMe

  • Understanding how EPR emerged in the U.S. and where adoption currently stands across states
  • Managing challenges in harmonization due to political fragmentation and reporting inconsistencies
  • Highlighting key 2025 reporting insights and best practices to support effective EPR implementation
13:55 - 14:00
Q&A SESSION ON EVOLVING EPR POLICY IN THE UNITED STATES
14:00 - 14:25
WHAT FOOD SHORTAGE ISSUE? THE OPPORTUNITY GAP FOR ACTIVE PACKAGING WITH EVEN GREATER PURPOSE
Tristan Kaye
It's Fresh

Tristan Kaye

It's Fresh

  • Addressing food shortage through packaging innovation that reduces loss across the supply chain
  • Highlighting innovations in coatings, materials, and behavior-driven solutions to cut food waste at all stages
  • Replacing chemical alternatives with active packaging for better quality, safety, and sustainability
14:25 - 14:30
Q&A SESSION ON ACTIVE PACKAGING FOR FOOD WASTE REDUCTION
14:30 - 14:55
SUSTAINABILITY THAT SELLS: HOW FOOD BRANDS CAN WIN THE NEXT PACKAGING RACE
Shervin Dehmoubed
EcoPackables

Shervin Dehmoubed

EcoPackables

  • Exploring how food brands can transform EPR compliance into a competitive advantage
  • Balancing design, cost, safety, and consumer trust with recyclable and compostable packaging
  • Highlighting proven strategies to achieve regulatory compliance and build future-ready product portfolios
14:55 - 15:00
Q&A SESSION ON BUILDING SUSTAINABLE AND PROFITABLE PACKAGING STRATEGIES
15:00 - 15:15
FEEDBACK AND RAFFLE DRAW
15:15 - 15:30
CLOSING REMARKS

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