December 2025

News and updates for our packaging community.

In This Edition
• ISTA Forum USA Early Bird Ends Jan 31	• Seeking Workgroup Participants
• Sustainability Survey Results Are Here!	• ISTA Test Procedures Training
• Nominate a Packaging Leader	• Data Collection & Analysis Training
• Check Out ISTA Digital’s New Look	• Holiday Hours

The 2026 ISTA Forum USA, featuring our flagship TransPack and TempPack events, will take place April 7–9 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona.

We’re excited to share that the 2026 ISTA Forum USA is shaping up to be our most impactful event yet! Early-Bird registration ends January 31, 2026. Secure your spot before the new year!

Companies featured in the program, with more coming soon!

VIEW THE SCHEDULE

We’re thrilled to be hosting the 2026 ISTA Forum USA at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown! Don't forget to reserve your hotel room by the room block cut-off date: March 5, 2026.

BOOK YOUR ROOM

Get a head start on your learning with pre-Forum training sessions in Phoenix! Join us for in-person ISTA PDP Certification and Cold Chain courses on Tuesday, April 7, before the ISTA Forum USA!

Sponsoring the ISTA Forum USA is a smart investment in the future of transport packaging. Your sponsorship enables us to provide essential opportunities, such as these events, for knowledge exchange, driving industry research and strengthening industry standards.

Sponsors enjoy a fully assembled, turnkey exhibit kiosk in the ISTA Forum USA 'Networking Hub' for all three days of the event—no booth setup hassles, just bring your marketing collateral.

BECOME A SPONSOR EXHIBITOR

The ISTA Educational Foundation (ISTAEF) invites you to the Students to Leaders Fundraiser Dinner at the Carcara Citrus Grove Patio—right after the ISTA Forum USA Welcome Reception on Tuesday, April 7, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Enjoy tacos, beer, and good company in a beautiful outdoor setting while networking with industry professionals, educators, and students and supporting the next generation of packaging leaders. Let's make a difference together!

ISTA Sustainability Survey Results Are Here - Get the Whitepaper! Prepared by the ISTA Global Board Sustainability Committee, this whitepaper explores key insights from the 2025 ISTA Sustainability Survey including current sustainability practices, challenges, and opportunities to advance environmental stewardship in global packaging and transit systems.

DOWNLOAD NOW

ISTA and the ISTA Educational Foundation are pleased to honor individuals in the packaging industry who inspire and educate others, driving positive change in our world through advancements in transport packaging.

Know someone making a difference in the packaging industry? Learn more and make a nomination by January 31, 2026.

EXPLORE AWARDS

Welcome to the refreshed ISTA Digital!

Your gateway to effective package design, supply chain insights, and seamless collaboration is now easier to explore than ever. ISTA Members enjoy full access to all ISTA Digital tools at no charge. Check it out today!

Discover CONNECT: ISTA's powerful mobile-friendly collaboration tool! Available to everyone at no charge, CONNECT makes it easy to capture and share real-world observational data across supply chains — from packages in transit, testing in the lab, or products on the shelf — instantly and collaboratively.

START CAPTURING AND SHARING TODAY

ISTA has received several requests for protocol maintenance and new test development. The following requests have been approved by the ISTA Standards Council for consideration by the ISTA Test Series Group (consensus body).

Protocol Maintenance:
- ISTA 6-Amazon.com – SIOC, Large TVs
- ISTA 6-Amazon.com – Over Boxing
New Test Development:
- Inbound Ecommerce Retailer Fulfillment
- Window Shipment

As part of our established process for protocol creation and maintenance, we are forming ad hoc workgroups to draft documents for voting. Participation is open to all interested parties at any time.

LEARN MORE

Learn how to perform ISTA test procedures like an expert with ISTA's Test Procedure Training (TPT) courses, available on ISTA's Online Learning Platform! Featuring clear explanations, engaging animations, and practical tips, this course will equip you with the information you need.

Courses for ISTA 1A, 2A, 3A, 3B, and 3L are available. Free for ISTA members, this training course also earns you points towards ISTA PDP recertification.

START LEARNING

ISTA offers four Distribution Environment Data Collection & Analysis (DCA) courses, each providing an in-depth look at collecting and analyzing shock and vibration data related to product transport. You can choose to complete all four courses sequentially or select any individual course based on your interests through ISTA’s Online Learning System!

GET STARTED

Wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday season! Please note: ISTA Headquarters office will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, Thursday, December 25, Wednesday, December 31, and Thursday, January 1, in observance of the holidays. Thank you to all our members for your continued support throughout 2025, and we look forward to connecting with you in 2026!

@ISTAconnect

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ISTA InTouch E-Newsletter - December 2025