FOODSERVICE PACKAGING INSTITUTE

Foodservice Packaging

Vision

The Foodservice & Packaging Institute`s vision is to expand and enhance acceptance of all single-use foodservice packaging products as an integral part of serving food and beverages to the public in a safe and sanitary manner.

Who We Are

Founded in 1933, the Foodservice & Packaging Institute is the material-neutral trade association for manufacturers, raw material suppliers, machinery suppliers and distributors of foodservice packaging products. The industry`s products consist of single-use cups, plates, bowls, bags, wraps, cutlery, trays, egg packaging, nested dairy and salad containers and other foodservice packaging items.

FPI`s mission is to promote the sanitation, safety, functional, economic and environmental benefits of foodservice packaging products. FPI supports the environmentally-responsible manufacture, distribution, use and disposal of these products.

Indispensable to today`s consumers, foodservice packaging is typically used at home; in commercial foodservice, including fast food, convenience store, take-out, home-delivery and concession operations; and in institutional settings, such as cafeterias in schools, health-care facilities, corporations and correctional facilities.

Programs and Services

Market Development Programs

• Every two years, the Market Research Program surveys foodservice operators and distributors to evaluate the total size of the market and the factors influencing their current and future purchases of foodservice packaging.
  
• The Annual Foodservice Packaging Industry Survey is sent to both members and non-members and asks participants to share their views about the present and future status of the foodservice packaging industry. 
  
• The State Of The Industry Report is prepared annually and contains the previous year`s company news, facts and trends, domestic and international data gleaned from publications and U.S. government agencies. Also includes the results of the ``Annual Foodservice Packaging Industry Survey.``
  
• In 2004, FPI established the Foodservice Packaging Advisory Council, made up of foodservice operators, distributors and group purchasing organizations. The council serves as a discussion forum to address foodservice packaging and packaging issues.
  
• The Statistics Program provides information on unit sales, dollar value and market share of various products, based on aggregated information from program participants. FPI is offering currently this program to the Linen & Lace Division.
  
• Specialized Market Development Campaigns are available for the Institute`s divisions, such as the Linen & Lace Division. Projects within campaigns include media relations, development of educational tools and exhibits at trade shows.

Marketing & Communications Programs

• FPI maintains strong relationships with foodservice and packaging Trade Publications - both print and on-line. Through press releases, interviews and feature article placements, FPI provides the media with accurate and timely information about foodservice packaging products and issues related to these products.
  
• FPI develops and implements Direct Marketing Campaigns targeted at specific groups, as deemed necessary. An example is FPI`s ``Teacher`s Kit,`` first produced in 1997 for 7th and 8th grade environmental science teachers, with a targeted supplement for the school`s foodservice manager. An updated version debuted in 2002.
  
• FPI distributes Educational Brochures, Videos And Posters, such as The Foodservice Disposables Advantage, Take Aim at Sanitation, and The Do`s and Don`ts of Foodservice Disposables to foodservice managers, trainers, and sanitarians, which are used to train foodservice workers and provide accurate information on single-use foodservice packaging.

Member Services Programs

• Fpi Surveys its members on a number of topics, on a regular and ad hoc basis. Topics for these surveys include wage and fringe benefits, health and safety and transportation.
  
• FPI administers a third-party Microbiological Testing and Plant Survey Program, which insures that participating members` plants and products meet the high sanitary standards that regulators and customers expect from foodservice packaging products.
  
• Each year, FPI co-sponsors with QSR Magazine the Foodservice Packaging Awards Competition that recognizes innovative foodservice packaging products.
  
• FPI cosponsors two award programs The Samuel J. Crumbine Consumer Protection Award and Homer N. Calver Lecture SERIES that promote excellence in public health and sanitation.
  
• FPI maintains a partnership with the American Red Cross to coordinate and facilitate in-kind contributions from the industry for assistance in disaster relief.
  
• FPI provides members with Rental Car Discounts through an on-going program with Hertz.

Public Affairs Programs

• FPI issues Legislative Alerts to assist members in developing responses to the fast-changing legislative arena.
  
• FPI maintains an up-to-date Issues Library on laws, promulgated regulations and critical legislation affecting the foodservice packaging industry and its products.
  
• Coordinated Action By Fpi Members is the first and foremost means for conveying the concerns of the industry. Through the FPI Board of Directors and the Public Affairs Committee, policy and action plans are developed to assure that the industry`s message is effectively conveyed. Lobbying and monitoring support is provided through a working group of FPI members with direct knowledge and ``hands-on`` experience in federal and state public affairs.
  
• Fpi`s Staff offers years of experience in government relations and public affairs. Combined with a physical presence in the Washington, D.C., metro area and quick access to federal legislators and regulators, this provides a powerful tool to communicate the industry`s message.
  
• FPI maintains a National Network of personal contacts, consultants and other resources at the state and local level.
  
• Industry Coalitions are a time-tested technique in public affairs. Some of the organizations with which FPI maintains a working relationship are:
• American Chemistry Council / American Plastics Council
• American Forest & Paper Association
• European Food Service & Packaging Association
• Flexible Packaging Association
• Food Service Packaging Association (formerly British Disposable Products Association)
• Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Association
• Paperboard Packaging Council
• Polystyrene Packaging Council
• Society of the Plastics Industry

Technical Programs

• In 2003, FPI formed the Foodservice Packaging Standards Council to devise and adopt technical standards for finished single-use foodservice packaging products, and good manufacturing practices for such products. This Council is composed of representatives from FPI member companies and invited representatives from other organizations, who are recognized for their technical, marketing and regulatory knowledge of foodservice packaging materials and manufacturing.
  
• FPI publishes The Compliance Manual, a comprehensive compendium of regulations (federal, state and international) related to the production and marketing of foodservice packaging products. This publication is scheduled to be updated and placed on FPI`s Web site in the future.
  
• Research Studies and Surveys are an integral part of all FPI communications. FPI`s Technical Committee, in addition to providing technical support for all marketing, communications and public affairs activities, also guides the review and preparation of the studies and research in support of the industry`s positions.

Resources and Publications

FPI publishes numerous publications (both print and on-line) for its members and the general public:

• ANNUAL REPORT recaps the activities of the association for the preceding year.
  
• EXECUTIVE BRIEFS, a bi-weekly newsletter, keeps members abreast of the latest developments in the association, the foodservice industry and the government. For members only.
  
• IN THE LOOP is a semi-annual newsletter sent to prospective FPI members and other friends of the industry that keeps them apprised of FPI`s activities and recaps the latest news of the industry and facts and trends, as reported in Executive Briefs.
  
• SINGLE SERVICE NEWS, the semi-annual newsletter of the Institute, provides FPI members with a recap of Board meetings, information on industry issues and trends, FPI committee activities, and legislative and regulatory issues. For members only.

Packaging Award Program

Packaging Award Program

Of the three award programs in which FPI is involved, the Packaging Awards Competition, sponsored along with QSR Magazine, receives some of the highest praise. The award program was designed to honor distinctive packaging used in foodservice applications, both from a technical and consumer experience perspective. Entries compete for first, second and third place awards, and honorable mention in five categories:

Merchandising Distinction: foodservice packaging that, through the physical design of the package, increases sales and promotes brand image;

Graphic Design Distinction: foodservice packaging that, through the graphics design of the package, enhances aesthetic and visual appeal which increases sales and promotes brand image;

Functionality/Consumer Convenience: foodservice packaging that drives sales through innovation that makes the package easier, more convenient to use;

Product Manufacturing Innovation: foodservice packaging that demonstrates performance enhancement due to advancements in materials, machinery or manufacturing processes; and

Advancement Of Food Safety: foodservice packaging that advances the protection of public health and sanitation.

In addition to the five category awards, judges select an overall winner of the competition to be designated the ``Foodservice Package of the Year.``

FPI Members

FPI Members

Converter Members

• Amhil Enterprises, Ltd.
• Brooklace, Inc.
• Cascades Inc.
• CKF Inc.
• Commodore Machine Co. Inc.
• Dixie Foodservice
• Dolco Packaging
• Dyne-A-Pak Inc.
• Genpak, LLC.
• Huhtamaki
• Lapaco Paper Products, Ltd.
• McNairn Packaging
• Menasha Packaging Company LLC
• Pactiv Corporation
• Prairie Packaging, Inc.
• Solo Cup Company

Supplier Members

• Appleton
• BASF Corporation
• Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
• The Dow Chemical Company
• NOVA Chemicals Inc.
• Paper Machinery Corporation
• Peerless Machine & Tool Corporation
• TOTAL Petrochemicals USA Inc.

Operator Affiliate Members

• ABP Corporation [Au Bon Pain]
• Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
• Fazoli`s Management, Inc.
• FOCUS Brands Inc. (Carvel, Cinnabon)
• HMSHost Corporation
• Hudson`s Bay Company
• Mitsui Bussan Logistics Inc.
• National Association of Pizzeria Operators
• Pollo Campero, S.A.
• Prudential Financial
• Restaurant Developers Corporation / Mr. Hero
• SODEXHO USA
• Steak-Out Franchising, Inc.
• Tim Hortons -- The TDL Group
• Unified Foodservice Purchasing Co-op, LLC
• Which Wich, Inc.
• White Castle
• Yum! Brands, Inc., KFC
• Yum! Brands, Inc., Pizza Hut
• Yum! Brands, Inc., Taco Bell

Meeting Calendar

FPI holds two Board of Directors meetings per year, usually in the spring and fall. Representatives from all FPI member companies are invited to attend. Non-members are also welcome; please call FPI (703-538-2800) for more information.

May 4-6, 2005
3rd Joint EFPA-FPI Meeting
The Fairmont Washington, D.C. in Washington, D.C.

Members may find the speakers` presentation slides in the ``Members Only`` section. 

October 5-7, 2005
72nd Annual Board of Directors Meeting
The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado 

April 26-28, 2006
73rd Spring Board of Directors Meeting
The Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport Beach, California 

October 18-19, 2006
 73rd Annual Board of Directors Meeting
The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Ontario 

Spring 2007
 4th Joint EFPA-FPI Meeting
In Dublin, Ireland! Dates and hotel to be determined.