RPA at 25. Celebrating a Milestone in Reuse Advocacy.
Happy Anniversary, Reusable Packaging Association (RPA)! 2024 marks the twenty-fifth year in operation for the non-profit trade group that is dedicated to the commercial growth and success of reusable packaging systems in supply chains. Thanks to so many member companies, individual leaders, and valued partnerships, RPA will celebrate this milestone throughout the year, reflecting on its journey and achievements, while also focusing on future plans and what is still to come.
RPA started as a Washington, DC-based coalition of pooled and reusable pallet and container companies in North America. Established in February 1999, as the Reusable Pallet and Container Coalition (RPCC), the organization was formed to promote the economic benefits of reusable pallets and containers and to educate U.S. federal policymakers on the role that reuse systems can play in meeting the government’s solid waste reduction goals.
Six charter members of the coalition expanded quickly to twelve in the inaugural year and rallied around four common industry topics: (1) government awareness of reuse versus recycling; (2) Walmart’s pilot testing of reusable plastic containers (RPCs) for fresh produce; (3) packaging research being performed at universities; and (4) opportunities for product design and unit load standardization. These topics filled the coalition’s agenda at its first meeting in September 1999.
In 2007, a formal strategic planning process led to a refresh of the organization including a name change to reflect an expanded industry identity and a larger product portfolio of reusable packaging for the distribution of goods. The scope of pallets and containers increased to encompass bulk bins, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), totes, trays, racks, dunnage, and supporting products for packing, handling, and mobility. The transition from a coalition to an association was completed, and the new RPA followed a mission for the next fifteen years “to promote the expansion and value of reusable transport packaging systems.”
RPA’s work history comprises of notable collaborative achievements to drive industry impact and deliver membership value. Highlights include surveys of state sales and use taxes, comparative life cycle analyses, testing of fire risk classification, labeling standards, RFID testing, implementation guidelines, market insights, food safety best practices, the exhibitor pavilion and education program at PACK EXPO, the Excellence Award program, a marketing campaign “Switch, Save + Sell” for food applications, numerous press releases and article publications, and an unparalleled library full of influential whitepapers, reports, case studies, presentations, videos, blog posts, and podcasts.
Twenty-five years later, today’s RPA is still operating and growing from its founding DNA. With an expanding global membership of over 80 companies, increasing market and government recognition of reuse as a solution, an emerging era of digital, automated and resilient supply chains, and a new strategic plan to accelerate the promise of reusables, RPA is as vibrant as ever in our passion for a world where leading businesses move their goods in reusable packaging. Here’s to a quarter-century of experience and leadership to fulfill this vision.
