“Out of control” packaging is a broad brushstroke encompassing many different problems. Product manufacturers deal with an array of packaging issues that can stem from complications with machinery, marketing, shipping, and more. To avoid as many of these pitfalls as possible, brand managers need to have input from their marketing, manufacturing, and engineering teams.

Packaging is often the first impression customers have with a product. It is important to consider exactly what your packaging is saying about your product. Since the new year is traditionally a time for reinvention, here are some interesting packaging trends to consider for 2017.

This past October, Walmart held the Walmart Sustainability Summit and launched the new Walmart Sustainability Playbook. As a manufacturer of consumer goods, see how you can fall in line with the Walmart plan and how flexible packaging can provide you with increased sustainability in the year ahead and beyond, whether you are directly affected by Walmart or not.

With 2017 merely days away, it's a great time for reflection on the past year and all that has been achieved, and all that we have learned. Exactly 366 days ago, I released the top 7 blogs of 2015, based on popularity. For the end of 2016, I've decided to share the top blog posts that had the most impact all-around. In honor of brevity, I've honed the list down to the top 5 most share-able, most engaging blogs of the year, so please like, comment, and share:

Here are the top 7 products and package designs that won (and failed) like champions Getting a product to be noticed in the vast sea of retail goods at the market can be challenging and companies have tried some pretty outlandish products and package designs to gain consumer attention over the years. I've created a list of the top seven products and package designs I have come across this year because they are too great, or too terrible not to share. Here is first annual List of Unordinary Packaging.

Turn the high cost of damaged goods around with the right stretch How much has product damaged during shipment cost your business in the past year? Busy Supply Chain, Plant, & Operations Managers must take into account the many factors that make up the true cost of these damaged goods while finding the root cause to stop the bleeding. Understand the actual costs of damaged goods and where stretch wrap fits in to the remedy.