Green Bay Innovation Group
GBIG News

GBIG NEWS | 90 Stories and Links on the Internet 4/22/2026

GBIG News

Get links to the latest news, events, stories, and interviews from our 5P news members. Our goal is to remind the decision-makers in Wisconsin of the importance of our industry both historically, and more importantly, into the future.

Read the latest 90 Stories and Links on the Internet below.

GBIG News Banner

Milwaukee Tour: An Up-Close Look at the 5P Industry

Illing Packaging building

Thanks to everyone who attended the GBIG Milwaukee tour on April 16, and a special thanks to the companies that so generously opened their doors for the tours. Our tour group learned about plastic packaging at Illing Packaging, wet wipes at Rebel Converting, Envelopes at Western States, and wide format printing at Big Systems.

We saw first-hand the variety and volume of products and services offered by these four companies. It was a small sample of Wisconsin’s 5P Industries. The plants were large, safe, clean, and impressive in their organization and output.

JP Morgan: The Global Investment Strategy

The View

Chase logo

The April View by the Global Investment Strategy Team

This month’s View focuses on our energy shock playbook. Escalating conflict in the Middle East and the spike in energy prices are weighing on sentiment and increasing the range of potential market outcomes. Here is how we’re positioning portfolios for the month ahead.

This month’s high-conviction opportunities

Take advantage of tactical opportunities in strategic industries.

We highlight where fragmentation and energy-market dynamics are sharpening the focus on domestic supply chains—and the specific industries and regions we think are best positioned.

The upside to downside – Monetize volatility.

We discuss how some investors may use option-based approaches to help manage near-term market swings, including strategies that can be structured to add downside buffers.

Take small steps out of cash.

We examine why the recent repricing in short-term rates may be creating a window to modestly extend duration—and where we see the most compelling trade-offs to consider.

Read Full analysis here

EOS: Free Monthly Event

Make Better Decisions Faster

EOS Entrepreneurial Operating System

EOS invites GBIG member business owners to “Make Better Decisions Faster,” a free monthly event from 3-4:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Abby Bank Building, 1500 Casaloma Drive, Appleton. Collaborate, learn and grow with other business owners. This free event provides support and resources to transition from “Old thinking” to “EOS thinking” to maximize success.

Click Here for more INformation

Mockups 4 You Opens New Facility in Franklin, Wisconsin to Support Growth &Innovation

Franklin, WI — April 10th, 2026 — Mockups 4 You is excited to announce the opening of its new facility in Franklin, Wisconsin. It marks an important step in the companies 3 year history & the growth that has been achieved.

The 5500 square foot facility will allow Mockups 4 You to increase production capacity and better serve its ever growing customer base. The facility is designed to improve efficiency while creating room for future expansion.

Mockups 4 You group photo

Day-to-day operations at the Franklin location will be managed by the company’s current Wisconsin-based team, ensuring continuity and consistent service. Arne Sandberg, President & owner along side his wife, Jill Sandberg, VP of Marketing & Owner, will continue to oversee the business and guide its overall direction.

“This new facility will help us keep up with demand while staying focused on quality and service,” said Heather Tetzlaff of Mockups 4 You.

The expansion will also support local job growth to ensure they stay within their mission of helping individuals with good jobs and strengthening families. It will help strengthen the company’s presence in the region and help keep the Sandbergs tied to their Wisconsin Roots.

About Mockups 4 You

Mockups 4 You creates Packaging mockups and prototypes, helping businesses bring ideas to life with speed and precision.

Media Contact:
Heather Tetzlaff
Marketing/Social media engagement
Mockups 4 You
heather@mockups4you.com

Sebright Products: Pulp and Paper Industries

Who is Sebright Products?

sebright products

Since 1984, Sebright Products, Inc. has been a leading manufacturer specializing in the design and production of high-quality waste handling and recycling equipment.

Established with a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Sebright Products offers a wide range of solutions, including compactors, balers, and dewatering equipment, tailored to meet the unique needs of various industries.

Known for their durability, efficiency, and advanced engineering, Sebright Products aims to enhance operational productivity while minimizing environmental impact, making us a trusted partner for businesses seeking reliable and sustainable waste management solutions.

Established in 1999, Bright Technologies, a specialty stainless steel division of Sebright Products, focuses on developing innovative equipment for liquid separation, solid waste reduction, and recycling, including a stainless steel dewatering baler (XCycler) and Belt Filter Presses.

Sebright Products and Bright Technologies offer equipment designed with quality components fabricated, installed, and serviced by us. This ensures you receive the best quality equipment and service after the sale.

View Product Catalog

Flexible Packaging Up Date in Wisconsin

Marty Ochs

The Bemis Company (now Merged with Amcor) in New London, Wisconsin, was a forerunner developing multi-level films for flexible packaging for the high-barrier food, healthcare, and specialty packaging for pharmaceuticals. Amor has multiple plants across Wisconsin. Wisconsin is home to over 58 Flexible Packaging Companies with multiple plants across Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Flexible Packaging Industry and the Converting Industries are the leaders in the USA. The Converting Industry has over three hundred companies supporting the Packaging, Paper, Printing, and Corrugated Industries.

We have seen the growth of flexible packaging ranging from 6.25% – 8.25% CAGR with projected growth through 2035. The driving force is:

  • Sustainability
  • Low cost
  • Growth of e-commerce
  • Increasing demand for convenient ready-to-eat meals.
  • Recycling
  • Shelf-Life Extension
  • New Material Developments
  • Digital Technologies
  • Mono-material to simplify recycling with the mechanical recycling processes.
  • The demand for paper-based packaging where fiber recovery infrastructure and consumer perception strongly favor paper.

Market Snapshot & Key Metrics

  • The U.S. Flexible Packaging Industry reached $42.6 Billion in Annual Sales in 2024
  • CAGR Average (2026 – 2036) 7%
  • Leading End Use: Food and Beverage 48.5% share, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Personal Care, and Industrial Packaging.
  • Top Market: PET (35.5% share)
  • High-Growth Regions: Asia Pacific, North American, and Europe.

Stricter regulations now require greater transparency, use of recycled materials, and precise labeling. We are witnessing Europe leading the way with more pressure on the USA to put in place new regulation on industry. The industry is evolving because of changing consumer demand and pricing, driven by rising inflation pressures on consumers!

By using Sustainable materials and incorporating smart design, companies can significantly reduce the packaging on the environment, and human health. According to the EPA, packaging accounts for one- third of municipal waste generated in the USA. In the United States, plastic packaging accounts for 18% of waste, yet less than 14% is recycled. A UNEP report from 2023 states that more than 13,000 chemicals are associated with the production of plastics. These statistics illustrate the importance of designing sustainable packaging to minimize environmental and human health impacts. We will witness strong regulatory frameworks including packaging waste directives, circular economy policies, and recycled content targets. Customers awareness and established recycling infrastructure are reinforcing demand for innovative solutions to the packaging industry.

We have witnessed the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) with 7 U.S. States – California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Maryland, Oregon, and Washington enacting mandatory EPR for packaging, moving from planning to active compliance.

Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit June 1-2

Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing

The Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit brings together manufacturers, innovators, researchers, and technology leaders to tackle the challenges shaping the future of American manufacturing. This isn’t a conference you attend; it’s a platform you work within. The summit takes place June 1-2 at Lambeau Field, Green Bay. GBIG is co-sponsoring this event.

Full Summit Information

IDDBA Show June 7-9, 2026

IDDBA logo

IDDBA 2026 | Orlando, FL, June 7-9, 2026

In partnership with onPeak, we have secured discounted rates at a selection of Orlando hotels. Book yours today!

Exhibitors have the opportunity to snag a What’s in Store Live sponsorship. But hurry, sponsorship closes May 8th!

We have exciting guest speakers coming to our General Session stage. Check them out here!

Can’t wait to see you in Orlando!

Swing Big With GBIG on June 18, 2026

Swing Big golf outing with GBIG

Register today for Swing Big With GBIG, a golf outing sponsored by the Green Bay Innovation Group and First Business Bank.

Swing Big with GBIG is a 4-person scramble on Thursday, June 18, at Mid Vallee Golf Course, 3850 Mid Valley Drive, De Pere, Wisconsin. The golf outing starts with registration at 8:30 a.m. and ends with a FREE NETWORKING event at 3:00 p.m. Join us for a day of golf and camaraderie for a worthy cause. The golf outing raises money to support local food pantries and nonprofit organizations.

In addition to golf, we will have raffles and contests on the course. Try your luck at sinking a hole-in-one to win $10,000 from contest sponsor Packerland Websites.

Swing Big with GBIG offers opportunities to promote your organization by sponsoring a hole ($300) or donating raffle items. Hole sponsors can register at the GBIG Events webpage. Email a high-resolution logo to Marty Ochs at martinpochs@gmail.com to make signs for you!

Golf Outing Schedule for June 18

  • 8:30 a.m. Registration
  • 9:15 a.m. Instructions
  • 9:30 a.m. Shotgun Start
  • 3 p.m. Awards starting and Socializing

Registration Information

Registration includes 18 holes of golf with cart, two drink tickets, and lunch on the course.

  • Single player: $150
  • Foursome: $600
  • Hole Sponsor: $300

Do not miss out! The registration deadline is June 5 for the June 18 outing. We have room for 216 golfers, and we sold out last year. Let us make this golf outing a tremendous success. GBIG is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization, and all of the profit goes right back to the community to support local charities. Sign up today as a golfer or hole sponsor.

REgister Now

For more information, contact Marty Ochs, martinpochs@gmail.com or (608) 698-3333.

Check out the full brochure

Joan and Bill at 2025 Swing Big event
Group of 4 at Sing Big 2025 event
2 groups in golf carts at 2025 Swing Big event
Green Bay Innovation Group

Bringing Green Bay Companies Together. Green Bay Innovation Group is committed to building an authentic networking experience where innovation can thrive.

Contact Information

Phone: 608-698-3333 
martinpochs@gmail.com
Subscribe to Newsletter


© 2021 Green Bay Innovation Group

LinkedIn
Share