Tharp calls for everyone to focus on recycling plastics, preserving oceans. She says ocean is a shared resource. #GlobalPouch West

Tharp: The CPG needs to think about how to package products for direct to consumers, make packaging more convenient. She cites baby food, pet food, salad packaging as good examples. #GlobalPouch West

Duane Neidert, head of consultancy for Smithers Pira, now on the #GlobalPouch West stage. He says that sustainability issues is a growth challenge for plastics.

Neidert: Flexible packaging in Asia-Pacific is growing the fastest, followed by N.A., Western Europe and S.A. He says food is still largest segment of volume, specifically snacks, confectionary, meat, baked goods. #GlobalPouch West

Time for a networking break here at #GlobalPouch West. Big thanks to Hoffer Plastics for sponsoring it.

We're back from break with John Sweeny of Spencer Metrics. He kicks things off by stating that all methodologies require data to support decision making. #GlobalPouch West

John Sweeney addresses OEE and Big Data at #GlobalPouch West.

Holly Dunnill, Dow's North American Marketing Director is now speaking. She says we need to look at package at a total package - it's about the primary package, secondary package and tertiary package. #GlobalPouch West

Dunnill now rattling off some e-Commerce shipping challenges: 10% of ecommerce shipments arrive with some damage, 20% of returns are due to shipping damage, replacing ecommerce items can cost up to 17x the original cost to ship. #GlobalPouch West

Carl Melville of the Contract Packagers Association addresses contract packaging and it's importance to flexible packaging. #GlobalPouch West

Consultant Bob Lilienfeld on the state here at #GlobalPouch West, telling attendees how to tell their sustainability story.

Very thoughful slide from Bob Lilienfeld here at #GlobalPouch West

Converters Expo South is coming up February 5th in Charlotte, N.C. The event connects paper, film, plastics and nonwoven converters with industry buyers, specialists & suppliers. Don't miss this info-packed one-day event! Register now and save $$$. bit.ly/2H2RWx7

There will be a pretty big announcement involving the packaging industry tomorrow! Stay tuned and check the homepage tomorrow a.m. bit.ly/2lq88uI

Listen! ... to our Packaging Perspectives podcasts. You'll find interviews with packaging experts on various topics covering industry news, packaging innovations and more! bit.ly/2DclgOu

A coalition comprised of numerous CPGs along with TerraCycle have just launched a shopping system called Loop, offering a convenient, enhanced circular solution to consumers. #plasticwaste #zerowaste #packagingtrends bit.ly/2S7CVi6

Additional exhibit space for Converters Expo due to industry demand! Tabletops will be on the 4th floor before the lunch area. Lunch is included with registration so attendees will surely visit the this area. Going fast so save your spot: bit.ly/2GApAIR

A one-stop shop for converting, Converters Expo is coming in just a few weeks. Have you registered yet? #converting #packaging bit.ly/2Hcokxp

We've got 800 people here at Converters Expo 2019 and they're excited to walk the show floor and make their connections! Join us at #ConvExpo

#GlobalPouch Forum is headed to Chicago! Get ready for the No. 1 event focused on the #pouch. Trends, a plant tour, an agenda filled with top CPG and industry execs and networking opps will lead you into the future. Register now and save $300! bit.ly/2GEWlEv