INNOVATION DRIVES THE FUTURE OF FLEXIBLE PACKAGING

H.B. Fuller Company brought 50 flexible packaging converters together on September 22 to see live demonstrations of its new Nordmeccanica Super Combi 3000 Laminator and participate in an end-user panel discussion with representatives from prominent global packaged goods manufacturers. The symposium, Focus Forward hosted by H.B. Fuller and held at its headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., provided a unique opportunity for converters to learn how the laminator can help them develop new flexible packaging innovations for end-users like panelists General Mills, Frito-Lay, Pepperidge Farm, and Wm. Wrigley, who discussed the need for new innovations at the forum.


“The theme we have heard throughout this symposium has been innovation,” said Brendon Kryzer, H.B. Fuller Global Business Director, Flexible Packaging, as he addressed symposium attendees. “You have seen how H.B.Fuller adhesives and the Nordmeccanica Super Combi 3000 can help you be more innovative. And you have heard from end users today that innovation is what they are asking for.”


The symposium included two live demonstrations of H.B. Fuller’s 52″-wide, full production-scale Nordmeccanica laminator that was installed at its Research, Development and Technical Service Center in March 2010. The high speed laminator runs at production speeds, operating at up to 1,350 feet of film per minute. It can run a wide variety of typical laminating adhesives (solvent, water-based and solventless) to help converters develop new flexible packaging products, optimize processes and solve challenging problems. Representatives from Nordmeccanica S.P.A. collaborated with H.B. Fuller technicians at the symposium to demonstrate the laminator’s versatility and high performance for laminating a wide variety of substrate combinations with H.B. Fuller’s specially formulated solvent-based, water-based, and solventless adhesive technologies.

H.B. Fuller invested in its new Nordmeccanica laminator “during difficult economic times, when many others are taking a step backward, or trying to simply maintain the status quo,” said H.B. Fuller CEO Michele Volpi, in his welcome address to converters and members of the media in attendance. “We are focused on being a valued partner in the adhesives industry. We are truly passionate about taking the industry—including the flexible packaging market—to the next level.”


The symposium also offered converters valuable insight and advice from some of the largest packaged goods manufacturers in the world. End-user panelists presented overviews of their company’s challenges and future vision in flexible packaging, followed by a question and answer session with converters in the audience.

“We have changed the way we look at innovation,” said end-user panelist Matt Lorence, innovation technology manager at General Mills. “We are moving from a [company-driven] innovation model to a connection model. We used to live within our own labs and did not leverage others. Now, we believe the world is our lab.”


Lorence also revealed that General Mills is focused on developing partnerships with world-class innovators, relying on both trusted partners and new partners that can bring innovation to the table. Panelist Eva Peters, director of packaging development at Pepperidge Farm, echoed a willingness to partner with new converters, with innovation being the key to opening doors. “We need new technologies and new ideas from suppliers,” Peters said. “If you have a new technology, we can work outside contractual agreements,” he continued.

Panelist Brad Rodgers, Frito-Lay research and development manager, sustainable packaging, challenged converters to focus on developing cost effective renewable and recoverable materials. “Where do we go from here and how can you, the converters, help?” Rodgers asked.


“Think differently,” recommended Jim Bougoulas, North American packaging manager for Wm. Wrigley. “We have come together in this forum and we can drive innovation through collaboration. I challenge everyone to think differently about their approach to growth.”


Guest speaker Manfred Römer, Technology Consultant to H.B. Fuller, provided his perspective on the European flexible packaging trends gleaned from 40 years of experience in the global packaging industry. He focused on two key emerging markets in Europe, stand up pouches and recloseable packaging. H.B. Fuller has successfully provided technology and has the capabilities to serve both of these emerging markets.