Features Fruit Production
RPCC becomes the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA)

May 23, 2008, Las Vegas, NV – The
Reusable Pallet & Container Coalition (RPCC) has become the
Reusable Packaging Association (RPA).

May 23, 2008, Las Vegas, NV – The Reusable Pallet & Container Coalition (RPCC) has become the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) .

This transition is reflective of the organization’s focus on promoting reusable packaging as the preferred solution for moving, storing, and handling product throughout the entire supply chain. The RPA is committed to educating the marketplace on the environmental, economic, and social value that reusable packaging adds at every point of the supply chain.

The name change and sharpened competitive focus is the result of an in-depth, strategic planning effort conducted by the RPA with the support of a strategic planning consultant. The planning included broad-based member participation, research, and trend analysis and was modeled after for-profit organizations. The planning team identified three core strengths that form the pillars of RPA’s new focus and differentiation:

1.  Value of reusable packaging – the RPA will leverage the economic, environmental, and social impact of reusables to foster market penetration.

2.  Recognized expertise and accessible body of knowledge – the RPA will continue to provide industry knowledge to promote reusable packaging solutions.

3.  Collective voice – the RPA represents the interests of members from the entire reusable supply chain as well as end-users.

In addition, in-depth research conducted by the RPA found that the market for reusable packaging systems is in its infancy and has very strong future growth potential. Key findings include:

Environmental trends make reusable packaging an attractive solution to move and handle products throughout the supply chain, with minimal impact on the environment.

Global population will continue to exert pressure on companies to decrease the use of limited, disposable resources.

The emerging workforce will demand to work for companies with social responsibility policies and practices.

RFID and tracking will be more prevalent, increasing the adoption of reusables and providing better asset control.