FPA FlexFly-In Draws Strong Support for Industry
Last September, The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) and its Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) held the third annual Washington, D.C., advocacy f ly-in event that is now officially called the FPA FlexFly-In.
It was the first time this opportunity was open to all FPA members, resulting in the largest attendance so far. Thanks to the support and coordination of FPA, we were able to host over 30 FPA members for policy discussions and meetings with offices in Congress.
Before taking to the Hill, FPA organized a “Policy Day” to review policy priorities critical to the flexible packaging industry and to provide an opportunity for attendees to interact with federal government staff members.
Such reviews included an overview of recycling initiatives from staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) and an overview of trade agreements and trade dispute activities from the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Office of Materials Industries.
We also heard from Ross Eisenberg, president of America’s Plastics Makers™ at the American Chemistry Council, and Hodayah Finman, senior director for regulatory affairs at the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS). They each provided a candid perspective of INC-5, an intergovernmental negotiating committee dedicated to developing a global treaty to end plastic pollution.
“This was the first fly-in that included a day dedicated to policy review, which prepared attendees with information and policy insights,” notes Alana Carr, ELC co-chair and the inside sales and marketing manager at Hosokawa Alpine American, Inc. “I found this to be very helpful, and the following day, I was able to discuss what I learned during our discussions at the fly-in.”
Organized into eight teams led by FPA and Capitoline Consulting, LLC—FPA’s federal lobbying consultants—we descended onto the Hill to advocate on behalf of the flexible packaging industry.
We met with people in Senate and House offices that represent where FPA members have facilities, from California to Rhode Island.
The primary objective was to introduce policymakers to the flexible packaging industry.
Each team highlighted FPA companies’ sites located in states or districts where legislators are elected and shared flexible packaging product samples for a hands-on experience. We emphasized the economic impact that the industry contributes nationally and by state, as well as the number of jobs generated by FPA companies.
“We encourage all FPA members to join the cause and take to the Hill to advocate for the flexible packaging industry.”
In addition, teams took the opportunity to express their insights on policies influencing the flexible packaging industry and to ask for support.
These discussions emphasized the importance of investments in the recycling infrastructure and circular end- markets, including the STEWARD Act—the combination of the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act (RCAA) and the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (RIAA)—and the Cultivating Investment in Recycling and Circular Local Economies Act (CIRCLE Act). We also discussed harmonized labeling bills—the Packaging and Claims Knowledge Act (PACK Act)—and fair-trade policies.
While not yet introduced, teams also shared their thoughts on a national extended producer responsibility (EPR) bill and offered resources for future discussions.
Due to our determination and eagerness, Rep. Sharice Davids, a Democrat from Kansas, signed on to H.R.4109—the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act. And Rep. Rudy Yakym, a Republican from Indiana, signed on to H.R.2145, which is the RIAA.
Sponsoring these bills was a specific ask of the fly-in participants.
Lastly, the ELC Advocacy Committee would like to give kudos to FPA’s staff and Capitoline Consulting’s Judith Zink and Liz Roberts for their behind-the-scenes work that went into making the fly-in a success.
Keep an eye out for our next FPA FlexFly-In, tentatively scheduled for June 2026. We encourage all FPA members to join the cause and take to the Hill to advocate for the flexible packaging industry.
Natalie Jardell is the sustainability and technical manager, key accounts packaging inks for the Flint Group. She is also vice-chair of the ELC’s advocacy committee.
