February 2026
News and updates for our packaging community.




The 2026 ISTA Forum USA, featuring our flagship TransPack and TempPack events, is coming up! Join us April 7–9 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona to connect with our community, gain valuable insights, and stay ahead of the trends transforming the packaging industry.
 

REGISTER NOW!
 

The ISTA Forum USA hotel room block at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel closes Thursday, March 5. Don’t miss your chance to stay at the discounted group rate. 

BOOK YOUR ROOM

 

The following companies are featured in the program!


 



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! 




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 while networking with industry professionals, educators, and students and supporting the next generation of packaging leaders. Let's make a difference together! We are currently seeking sponsors to help make this event—and our mission—possible.
 




ISTA has approved updates to ISTA Procedure 3E: Similar Packaged‑Products in Unitized Loads for Truckload Shipment Test following a technical review completed through ISTA’s ANSI‑accredited, consensus‑based approval process.

These updates are intended to improve alignment between laboratory testing and real‑world distribution hazards, while also enhancing clarity and testing efficiency. Members and test users are encouraged to review the revised procedure to understand how these updates may affect their testing programs.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UPDATES



 
Join Dr. William Pelletier on Tuesday, May 19 from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. ET (16:00 to 23:00 CET) for a Live Virtual Training on ISTA’s CC 101: Principles of Cold Chain Packaging. This course provides a broad overview of cold chain packaging used to ship temperature-sensitive products in bio, pharma, food & industrial markets.

Course topics include:
  • Hazards in the Distribution Environment
  • Introduction to Cold Chain Packaging
  • Fundamentals of Heat Transfer
  • Temperature-Sensitive Products
  • Phase Change Materials
  • Cold Chain Packaging Solutions
  • Cold Chain Packaging System Testing
  • Cold Chain Packaging Temperature Monitoring
  • Pre-Qualified Cold Chain Solutions
  • Quality Control for Cold Chain Solutions




Heads up! The PackSight login link has changed. Click the link below to log in, or visit our PackSight webpage to access the current link.
 

LOG IN




 

The 2026 ISTA Forum Europe, featuring our flagship TransPack and TempPack events, will take place 7-8 October at the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel in Amsterdam, Netherlands! 

As the premier event for Europe’s transport packaging industry, the ISTA Forum Europe brings together global experts and innovators to share best practices, explore emerging trends, and showcase real-world success stories. 


With two focused learning tracks, 35+ sessions, and valuable networking opportunities, you'll gain practical insights and stay ahead of the latest developments in sustainable transport packaging. Registration is open!

 



Do you have insights to share with the global transport packaging community?
Call for Speakers for TransPack and TempPack is now open! TransPack focuses on research and solutions for optimizing packaging for transport, while TempPack covers technical insights on global temperature-controlled performance packaging.

BECOME A SPEAKER


Sponsoring the ISTA Forum Europe is a strategic investment and opportunity to connect with the global transport packaging community, support knowledge exchange, and strengthen industry standards. Premier sponsors may bring a standard retractable banner stand and marketing collateral to be displayed on a cocktail table.

EXPLORE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES




ICYMI: 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 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





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.
 

Follow us on social for more packaging news, industry insights and announcements!
          
@ISTAconnect
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ISTA InTouch E-Newsletter - February 2026