In this episode of the Innoform Podcast, recorded live at Interpack in Düsseldorf, I sat down with Ton Knipscheer from the European Co-Packers Association (ECPA) and Jurgen Pleitier from Vetipack to talk about the often overlooked world of co-packers. 

We discuss:

• What co-packers actually do — and why they have become essential for many brands
• Why brand owners are increasingly focusing on marketing and sales while outsourcing production and packaging
• How co-packers support packaging development, sourcing, and even product manufacturing
• Why flexibility and fast machine changeovers are critical in today’s market
• The growing role of mono-material and paper-based packaging solutions
• How co-packers help brands navigate PPWR, EPR, and future packaging requirements
• Key trends and insights from this year’s Interpack exhibition

One of the most interesting takeaways: many co-packers today are far more than service providers — they are innovation partners helping brands bring products to market faster and more efficiently. 

A great episode for everyone interested in packaging, sustainability, supply chains, and the future of manufacturing partnerships.

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 covered

• Food-grade rPP:
  Recycled polypropylene reaches food-contact compliance – what this means for mono-material solutions and material availability
• PPWR & regulation:
  Why new requirements are now becoming real in day-to-day business and forcing companies to act
• Design for Recycling (CEN standard):
  How standardization is reshaping packaging design
• Market pressure & consolidation:
  Plant closures and rising costs as indicators of structural change
• Packaging as a marketing tool:
  Why packaging is becoming part of social media strategies

🎯 Key takeaways

• Packaging is shifting from a cost factor to a strategic lever
• Regulation is becoming more concrete and action-driven
• Not every sustainability trend is industrially scalable
• Supply 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 prices
• Bel launches global switch to paper packaging
• Sappi adjusts prices on specialty papers again
• Apollo invests in Syntegon
• Siegwerk acquires Indian ink manufacturer Hi-Tech Inks
• Events: INNO-Fiber, PRSE and Interpack

This 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.html
Henkel acquires Stahl for €2 billion.

Flexographic Printing, Solvent Zero & Automation in Plate Processing

In 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 packaging

• Flexo vs. rotogravure printing

• Printing on PCR and MDO substrates

• The impact of European PPWR regulations

This episode is relevant for converters, packaging manufacturers, print professionals and brand owners looking to improve sustainability, productivity and print quality in flexible packaging.

Further Information

Registration – Flexo Symposium (Esko – Asahi – Allstein – Follmann)
https://go.esko.com/FlexoSymposium2026

Video – Flexo Automation in Action
https://youtu.be/FYoUZKDGqvQ