Workforce News Roundup: 2021

While science, technology, and regulations are often the focus, people are critical to a successful packaging operation. Check out articles, podcasts, and videos from Healthcare Packaging and sister publications Packaging World and OEM.

Dec 9th, 2021

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Read stories on skills gaps, salaries, retaining talent, and more:

How to Protect Your Most Valuable Asset: People

Personnel Training: A Critical Third Step in Cybersecurity

2021 IoPP Salary Survey: Salary Freezes Begin to Thaw. How Does Your Compensation Compare?

Top Three Operational Priorities of Execs in Packaging and Processing

Women, E-comm, and Collaborative Tech Shape a New Way of Working

Ushering in the Next Generation of Engineers

Manufacturing Skills Gap Widens in the Wake of COVID-19

Attract and Retain a Quality Workforce, Insights with Gardner Carrick at PMMI’s ELC

Prefer to listen? These podcasts discuss workforce issues in manufacturing:

unPACKed Podcast: Emphasis on Ease of Operation at PACK EXPO

unPACKed with OEM Podcast: Packaging and Processing's Gender & Race Wealth Gap

unPACKed with OEM Podcast: Help Wanted, and Fast!

Watch the following 5-minute videos:

How to Approach Workforce Development, Worker Safety Today

How Robotic Palletizers Cater to Labor Shortage at PACK EXPO Las Vegas

5 Tips To Improve Your Remote/Hybrid Audits

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Solving Packaging Format Challenges: Communication is Key

When CPGs and OEMs discussed challenges surrounding packaging formats, designs, and materials, most said improving industry partnerships is the solution.

Top 10 Healthcare Packaging Stories of 2021

Traceability content led the countdown taking four spots on our list, while sustainability and automation stories also garnered attention. Check out our top 10 and honorable mentions.

CPhI Worldwide releases its beginning of year pharma market predictions for 2022

CPhI 2022 Predictions: CDMO Capacity Constrained and COVID Vaccines on the Rise

There is a high manufacturing demand to constrain global ingredients, partnering options, and available CDMO capacity, though continued growth in pharma sales and innovation bode well for supply side companies and CDMOs.

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Automation and Education Two Keys to Solving Workforce Issues

Automation can eliminate monotonous tasks for employees, while better education and training is needed to engage current workers.

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Key Challenges to Using Automation in Packaging and Processing Operations

There are four main automation-related issues mentioned in a discussion between CPGs and OEMs, in relation to manufacturing operations.

The[PACK]out Event Tackles Medical Device Packaging Innovation

The inaugural conference will gather healthcare packaging professions from May 10 to 12, 2022, in Austin, TX.

Applying Modern Technology to Pharmaceutical Production Facilities

Robotics, biometrics, and isolator technology are proving cleaner, faster, and safer than traditional manual methods.

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Top Three Operational Priorities of Execs in Packaging and Processing

Issues that were prominent prior to 2020 became even more elevated during the pandemic.

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Workforce News Roundup: 2021

While science, technology, and regulations are often the focus, people are critical to a successful packaging operation. Check out articles, podcasts, and videos from Healthcare Packaging and sister publications Packaging World and OEM.

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Quotables and By the Numbers: November 2021

From choosing a mentor to DSCSA readiness to the printed sensor market, quotes and stats in healthcare packaging and logistics.

3 Healthcare Packaging Updates from PACK EXPO Las Vegas

On this Take Five video, Pat Reynolds showcases three package design innovations from PACK EXPO Las Vegas in pharmaceuticals, personal care, and child-resistance for cannabis.

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Workforce Issues Around Women and Remote Work

PPWLN discusses how to incentivize women back into the workplace, increase overall diversity in the workforce, and manage our new world of work. Watch highlights from the panel on this Take Five with Healthcare Packaging video.

Women, E-comm, and Collaborative Tech Shape a New Way of Working

An expert panel at the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network discussed women and remote work, as well as solutions for adapting to pandemic-era consumer buying trends. Read, watch, or listen to the conversation.

1912: James T. Greely invented the first real disposable syringes and patented their design in 1912. Merck legacy company H.K. Mulford used his patented technology for their Mulford Hypo-Units ready-to-use, sterile disposable syringes. They became ideal for use on the battlefield during World War I. (Credit: Merck Historical Archives)

A Walk Down 'Life Science Packaging' Memory Lane at PACK EXPO Las Vegas

In pictures: If you missed the PACK to the Future exhibit at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, scroll through for a look at some of the life sciences moments on display.

Kilmer Innovations in Packaging

KiiP is an industry initiative ‘solving wicked problems in healthcare packaging.’ They’re gathering passionate team members to tackle nebulous topics, ultimately improving patient safety.

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Global Economy Passes Pre-COVID GDP as Business Investments Pick Up; Risks Remain

After a 3.5% contraction in 2020, global real GDP is projected to increase 6% in 2021, its strongest advance since 1973, but there are still potential risks.

There are seven areas currently trending in the U.S. packaging machinery market.

Top Seven U.S. Packaging Machinery Trends in 2021

According to a new report by PMMI Business Intelligence, there are seven areas currently trending in the U.S. packaging machinery market.

PMMI Business Intelligence: Mexico Packaging Market

Investment in Packaging Machinery Maintains Positive Growth Trend in Mexico

The most recent business intelligence report drafted by PMMI about investment in packaging operations in Mexico confirms growth during the second quarter and projects significant increments for the following months.

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Supply Chain Digitalization is a Source of Differentiation for High Performing Organizations

A University of Tennessee study shows that high performing organizations are two and a half times more likely to say their supply chain digitalization efforts are the source of differentiation for them in the marketplace.

Technical Workforce Development Trends Within Manufacturing | Unilever Deodorant Package Prototype Embodies Inclusiveness

On today's Take Five, NAM initiatives reach out to minority communities to fill the demand for a quality workforce; apprenticeships to train current workforce are on the rise. Discover how Unilever's new package is in itself a gesture of inclusivity.

More in Business Intelligence

Last year's salary freezes are thawing, and compensation optimism is slowly but surely heating up.

2021 IoPP Salary Survey: Salary Freezes Begin to Thaw. How Does Your Compensation Compare?

After a flat salary year in 2020 with heightened uncertainty and worry about both traditional salary increases and bonuses, 2021 results indicate that confidence is returning. Meanwhile, job security is high and fewer people are seeking greener pastures.

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Manufacturing Skills Gap Widens in the Wake of COVID-19

A new study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute says the pandemic erased 1.4 million U.S. manufacturing jobs. And, even as the industry rebounds, the remaining unfilled jobs could cost the U.S. economy $1 trillion.

Growing a Successful CBD Brand

Medterra has only been in business for four years, but this brand has been leading CBD sales in U.S. grocery for over 16 months and is expanding rapidly.

Clockwise from Top Right: Devray Kirkland, Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, Cardinal Health; Jesse Cortez, Vice President, Executive Talent and Interim Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, McKesson; and Dr. Lonie Haynes, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, AmerisourceBergen.

HDA Dialogue Explores DE&I Efforts in the Distribution Sector

HDA hosted a virtual discussion with four industry leaders who are fostering belonging within their organizations.

Sharing life science traceability data is critical to meeting regulations and avoiding bottlenecks.

Quotables and Stats: Health System Cyber Attacks, Vaccine Lottery, and More

A shocking percentage of companies interviewed stated they had no idea where in their organization sensitive data was located and had no knowledge as to whether or not it was secure...

OEMs should keep cybersecurity top of mind in their business, carefully monitor their own products in the market to ensure their ongoing security, and strictly regulate the devices they use for external work.

OEMs Play Larger Role in Manufacturing Industry Cybersecurity

Since OEMs also serve manufacturing clients who are themselves vulnerable to cyberattack, there are a few extra considerations to be aware of with regard to cybersecurity.

Attracting and retaining a quality workforce in manufacturing is a systemic key business challenge.

Attract and Retain a Quality Workforce, Insights with Gardner Carrick at PMMI’s ELC

NAM and MI programs and research bring information into labor outreach efforts and retention of a diverse, quality workforce.

To get better cybersecurity results, companies have started creating dedicated departments or teams within the IT department that are responsible for cybersecurity.

Personnel Training: A Critical Third Step in Cybersecurity

The best cybersecurity plan is only as good as the individuals tasked with carrying it out.

Network Management: The Second Step to Increasing Cybersecurity

Network Management: The Second Step to Increasing Cybersecurity

After a thorough operations analysis, securing networks is the next step to addressing security gaps and lapses.

How B2B can pivot to B2C operations.

The Logistics of Pivoting from B2B to B2C

The pandemic has brought swift surges to e-commerce and D2C sales. How can a traditionally B2B company quickly pivot to the B2C market during these times?

The First Step to Increasing Cybersecurity is to Analyze Operational Vulnerabilities.

The First Step to Increasing Cybersecurity

There are a number of straightforward and understandable steps companies can take to protect their operations from cyberattacks. The first is to analyze operational vulnerabilities.

Enter AmeriStar Competition For Package Design: Deadline May 21

AmeriStar entries are accepted across 17 categories, and include three special top awards: Best of Show Award, Sustainable Packaging Award, and Design Excellence Award. Here's your chance to gain recognition for your innovative package design.