Membership council will ‘close the loop’ in plastics supply chain - SPI
It will join the existing three councils in the SPI to represent the business interests of brand owners and manufacturers of plastic consumer goods.
Elsewhere, in the US packaging sector the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment (AMERIPEN) has appointed four new voting members to its packaging value chain.
The SPI council will complete the cycle of communication in the plastic industry supply chain with the equipment, material suppliers and processors councils that form the SPI’s structure, said the group.
It aims to complete supply chain networking and provide access to lawmakers and resources to advance sustainability commitments for OEMs.
SPI president and CEO, William Carteaux, made the announcement during the SPI’s 75th anniversary president’s lunch at the International Plastics Showcase 2012 (NPE).
Looking to the future
Carteaux said as the SPI looks toward 2020 and beyond they must engage with OEMs.
“SPI’s new OEM council will provide crucial resources to advance an OEM’s sustainability commitment, green manufacturing practices and recycling initiatives.
“Through SPI’s government affairs team and grassroots network, the new council will also provide OEMs with direct access to lawmakers, regulators and other policy elites who need to hear from them about the importance of plastics manufacturing to the US economy and the environment.
“With the addition of a robust number of brand owners and consumer goods manufacturers, we will be able to provide complete supply-chain networking and relationship development for all SPI member companies,” he said.
“Supply-chain communication will be enhanced. Not only will OEMs be able to drive the innovation that more effectively fulfills their end-market demands, but their voice will greatly enhance the work of existing SPI committees such as food, drug, and cosmetic packaging materials; flexible vinyl products; pharmaceutical and medical device applications and many others.”
New voting members
Meanwhile, (AMERIPEN) has welcomed Anheuser-Busch, General Mills, Hershey and McDonald's in the packaging value chain as voting members.
AMERIPEN executive director Joan Pierce said: “We're pleased to welcome our newest members, and we look forward to their input as we plan and execute initiatives that advocate for the future of packaging that enhances overall sustainability, both at our annual meeting and in the months beyond.”
Founding members of the group include, Coca-Cola, DuPont Packaging and Industrial Polymers, MeadWestvaco, Sealed Air and Tetra Pak and the additions bring the total voting membership to 26 companies.
