The Flexible Packaging Association’s (FPA’s) current strategic plan was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic between November 2020 and March 2021 and runs through March 2024. Thus, FPA worked with its 2023 board of directors, 2023 executive committee, and those who would be on the 2024 executive committee to formulate the next three-year strategic plan. The mission statement and our core pillars will remain the same: “FPA is the voice of the U.S. flexible packaging industry, advancing interests through advocacy, promotion, education, and collaboration.” The four pillars—protect, inform, promote, and connect—have been infused with new priorities to guide the board, committee, and staff efforts—and inform FPA’s budget.
Protect
Under protect, the emphasis is on federal and state lobbying for well-crafted extended producer responsibility, harmonized labeling, no flexible material/packaging bans, fair trade policies, and science-based legislation on toxics in packaging. In addition, FPA will again establish long-term partnerships with federal agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Lastly, FPA will continue to engage in collaborations with organizations such as AMERIPEN—American Institute for Packaging and the Environment, the American Chemistry Council, Plastics Industry Association, Sustainable Packaging Coalition, and The Recycling Partnership.
Inform
For the inform pillar, the plan outlines the goals of FPA being the premier supplier of industry reports, market trends, and growth data to its membership. That also means informing the membership on varying segmentations within the industry as well as macro trends. Also, FPA will produce research on innovations in emerging materials and sustainable packaging. The plan confirms that FPA will provide education and compliance information on key legislation.
Promote
Under promote, FPA is highlighting positive messaging about flexible packaging and targeting that promotion outside industry channels. In addition, collaboration with like-minded organizations and the supply chain was a key concept to encourage alliances with affiliated organizations and our customers. Also, FPA is also expected to reconsider topics and activities that may be stale while reimaging the FPA awards program.
Connect
The connect pillar took a parallel path of increasing revenue through expanded membership and non-dues revenue such as increased attendance at FPA’s reimagined FlexForward® Fall Conference. Regional forums, roundtable discussions, and increased supply chain communications—as well as potential new membership categories to encompass such efforts—are on the to-do list. FPA has also been tasked to investigate and potentially monetize technology platforms for networking and find other ways to keep the flexibles conversation fresh.
Alison Keane, Esq., IOM, CAE
President and CEO
Flexible Packaging Association