Bobst to host exclusive open house on flexible packaging’s workforce, automation shifts

USA – Bobst has scheduled a dedicated open house event for professionals in the flexible packaging supply chain at its Competence Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

Titled “The Future of Flexible Packaging: Workforce, Automation, and Innovation,” the gathering is set for February 24, 2026. 

This one-day session aims to tackle pressing issues in the industry, such as shifting workforce patterns, emerging skill needs, and the growing integration of automation to sustain output levels.

Participants will witness hands-on demonstrations of Bobst’s equipment, including the Vision CI Flexo press for high-precision printing, the NOVALAM S 550 laminator for efficient material bonding, and the Master M6 for versatile converting tasks. 

These displays will highlight practical applications in real production settings. Beyond the machinery showcases, Bobst specialists plan to discuss strategies for enhancing staff training programs and boosting day-to-day operational flexibility. 

The focus will center on equipping teams to handle advanced production demands in flexible packaging.

John Ferreira, vice president of sales for flexible packaging at Bobst, emphasized the event’s value in a recent statement. 

He noted that converters seek straightforward methods to back their employees while lifting overall efficiency. 

Ferreira added that the open house offers a concise chance to delve into these areas alongside viewing cutting-edge automation tools firsthand.

The venue sits at 2715 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Suite 300, Cumming, GA, with entry available to production managers, technical staff, and other sector experts. 

Registration details will appear on Bobst’s website soon, encouraging early sign-ups given the limited spots.

This initiative comes amid broader efforts to address talent gaps in packaging operations. In a related development, GirlsWhoPrint announced its expansion of a women’s leadership program across Africa’s print and packaging industries. 

The move targets skill-building for underrepresented groups, with program director Elena Vasquez stating that targeted training could raise sector productivity by up to 20 percent through diverse teams.

Sustainability remains a core thread in these advancements. According to a report by RecyClass dated November 29, the certification of nitrocellulose-free inks now enables better recycling rates for flexible packaging films, cutting waste in post-consumer streams.

Meanwhile, innovation in material recovery gained traction with a partnership between Carbios and Wankai. 

The collaboration deploys enzymatic PET recycling technology at a new facility in Asia, aiming to process 50,000 metric tons of plastic yearly. 

A Carbios executive described the project as a step toward closing the loop on packaging lifecycles, with initial investments totaling US$45 million.

Such updates signal a sector-wide push toward resilient, eco-friendly systems, where events like Bobst’s provide actionable starting points for converters navigating change.

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