In addition to presenting an overview of the winning innovation at the 2027 Global Pouch Forum, the 2027 award recipient will be the focus of a feature article in the August 2027 issue of Packaging Strategies, and possibly in an associated sister BNP Media publication, including Beverage Industry, Dairy Foods, The National Provisioner, or Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, where applicable.

Flexible packaging is an innovation leader across the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. Flexible packaging formats have the ability to provide significant cost savings related to warehousing and distribution. Advancements in flexible packaging design also permit strong branding opportunities. Convenience is also a key supporting benefit of flexible packaging, with a wide variety of packaging customizations allowing for seamless end-user interactions. Each of these areas of the industry are hot spots for innovation across flexible packaging today.

However, these days, sustainability is one of the top reasons why CPG brand owners adopt flexible packaging for their product lines. Sustainability — including the ability to commercially compost and/or recycle the package — is a primary focus for flexible packaging innovation across the supply chain today. Recent developments have aligned flexible packaging as a go-to option for CPG companies seeking to align their packaging choices with the sustainability requirements established by extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs in various U.S. states and overseas.

EPR legislation, which imposes fees based on the end-of-life plan for all CPG packaging, continues to expand across the global industry as the next step in building a truly circular economy (for more on EPR legislation, see the Extended Producer Responsibility page on the Packaging Strategies website).

All innovations related to flexible packaging, for food and/or non-food products, are eligible for the award. Submissions by flexible packaging converters, suppliers, and CPG brand owners are welcome. To qualify for consideration, nominations must meet the following criteria:

• Must include new packaging materials and/or features that advance the industry (released for commercial application between 1/1/2026 and 12/31/2026).
• Must include a meaningful level of innovation, such as expanding the use of flexible packaging, improving sustainability, extending shelf life, improving end-user functionality or convenience, and/or improving operational efficiency.
• Only flexible packaging formats — including pouches, bags, film, pillow packs, sachets, etc. — will be considered.
• Recipient must be able to attend the 2027 Global Pouch Forum to present on the innovation.
• Recipient must be willing to participate in an interview for a feature article on the innovation in the August 2027 issue of Packaging Strategies, as well as possibly an associated sister BNP Media publication, including Beverage Industry, Dairy Foods, The National Provisioner, or Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, where applicable.

Nominations for the 2027 Steve Fairfield Memorial Award for Flexible Packaging Innovation will remain open through 1/31/27.

To nominate an innovation for the 2027 Steve Fairfield Memorial Award for Flexible Packaging Innovation, visit the submission page on the Packaging Strategies website.

For more information about Global Pouch Forum, visit www.packagingstrategies.com/global-pouch-forum.