FPA Launches 2026 Federal Advocacy Efforts
As we embarked on the Flexible Packaging Association’s (FPA) federal advocacy plans for 2026, we started by assessing our efforts in 2025—what worked well, issues and policy shifts that arose that require more focus, and opportunities to expand the impact of FPA’s actions to best advance the flexible packaging
We have also adapted to the new Washington cadence set by the Trump Administration and the 119th Congress.
Every day is dynamic. FPA’s advocacy efforts need to be nimble to effectively impact the legislative and policy decisions that promote the benefits and effectiveness of flexible packaging and the growth of the industry or thwart those that might restrict the use, sale, or disposal of flexible packaging.
We begin the year in a good place.
FPA has strengthened relationships with Congressional champions. It has done so with increased outreach—the FPA FlexFly-In, member briefings, expanded FlexPAC industry’s interests. events, and increased engagement in coalition efforts on legislation and trade.
FPA has also amplified its voice on Capitol Hill. Examples include FPA President and CEO Dan Felton’s testimony at a key U.S. House recycling hearing, quotes in press releases from FPA members on legislation, and increased requests for FPA input/review on draft policy and legislation.
For 2026, the plan is to continue this level of engagement and to grow the opportunities for our membership to actively participate in FPA’s advocacy efforts.
What to Expect in 2026
From a policy and legislative perspective, we expect 2026 to be similar to what we saw in 2025:
- The Administration and Republican-led Congress are expected to aggressively pursue efforts on regulatory reform and constricting federal spending;
- Trade and tariffs will continue to be a top priority for the Administration as part of its “America First Trade Agenda,” although Congressional involvement/support for these policies may be influenced by pressures of the mid-term election year; and
- Partisan politics will make it challenging to get anything done, particularly on budget measures, as vote margins remain extremely tight, especially in the House.
Election Year Politics
Election years always impact both Administrative and Congressional activities, and this year will be no different. Given that control of both the House and Senate are at stake, the elections could be even more impactful than what is “normally” expected. Democrats swept all the major November 2025 off-year elections, including the governor seats in New Jersey and Virginia and the mayoral seat in New York City.
Considering all this, we expect to see more messaging legislation in 2026 that, although less likely to be enacted, can still be used to drum up voter support. This is likely to be the case for Congressional hearings and oversight activities as well.
The Administration is also expected to continue its expansive use of executive powers to advance President Trump’s agenda, which in turn is expected to play a role in the mid-term primary and general elections.
With all this in mind, we expect 2026 to be another busy year that will require all our collective efforts to protect and advance the flexible packaging industry.
