Flexapalooza: Introduction to Flexible Packaging
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Details:
- March 4th, 2024
- 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Description:
Whether you’re new to packaging, new to flexibles, or just looking to expand your packaging knowledge, Sonoco offers Flexapalooza: a comprehensive review of all things flexible packaging. Learn from technical experts across Sonoco Flexible Packaging about product development, package performance features and design, converting, sustainability and more.
Registration covers the entire webinar – but feel free to join at any point during the course based on the topics in the agenda below:
Schedule | Topic | Speaker |
9:00-9:05 | Welcome & Introduction | Rapp |
9:05-9:15 | Sonoco Overview | Hair |
9:15-9:30 | Flexible Packaging Fundamentals | Savino |
9:30-10:15 | Packaging Substrates & Wet Goods | Kelfkens |
10:15-10:30 | BREAK | |
10:30-11:45 | Conversion Process | Huffer |
11:45-12:30 | LUNCH | |
12:30-1:00 | Downstream Converting | Szczesny |
1:00-1:30 | Sustainability | Branyon |
1:30 | END |
Speakers:
Haley Rapp, Research & Development Engineer
Introduction & Agenda
Haley joined Sonoco in 2023 bringing with her more than eleven years of experience in the packaging industry focused on a variety of sectors including CPG, automotive, and flexible converting. Haley holds a B.S. in Packaging Science from Clemson University and is responsible for development of new Sonoco flexible packaging products and technologies with a focus on cold seal and sustainability initiatives.
Eric Hair, Marketing Manager
Sonoco Overview, General Capabilities, Key Technologies 
With B.S. in Chemical Engineering and M.B.A. from Clemson University, as well as a background in packaging raw materials, Eric brings experience in application development and insights that support the innovation and commercialization of resin technologies. Today, as the marketing manager for our Flexible Packaging business, Eric oversees marketing, communication, new business development, and strategies for the introduction of new products.
Dominic Savino, Product Development Engineer
Flexible Packaging Fundamentals
Dominic handles account technical support and product development from our flexible packaging manufacturing plant in Elk Grove Village, IL. Dominic received his B.A. in Chemistry from Monmouth College and has spent much of the last eleven years developing expertise in liquid packaging from sprouted pouches to lidding, from vertical packing to aseptic.
Nicola Kelfkens, Application Development Engineer Packaging Substrates & Wet Goods
Packaging Substrates & Wet Goods 
With a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from N.C. State University and over four years of experience with flexible packaging adhesives, Nicola serves as a technical contact for Sonoco Flexible Packaging customers for all things related to new product development and innovation with a focus on sustainability.
Scott Huffer, Principal Engineer
Conversion Process
During his time at Sonoco, Scott has focused on the creation of resealable solutions for numerous packaging formats and functional, recyclable paper structures. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and has a career history that includes extensive experience in printing and converting. While at Sonoco, Scott has helped secure over 80 patents.
Walter Szczesny, Account Development Technical Manager
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With more than 25 years in Sonoco Flexible Packaging operations and a focus on quality and technical management, Walter brings significant production application experience to our product development efforts. Walter holds a degree in Packaging Development and Technology from Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.
Jake Branyon Associate Director, R&D
Sustainability
Based at the company’s corporate headquarters in Hartsville, SC., Jake works to define the development and business strategies for next generation and new-to-the-world flexible packaging solutions including sustainability related initiatives. Jake holds a B.S. in Packaging Science from Clemson University and has been with Sonoco for 15 years.