The Flexible Packaging Association is forming a political action committee to try to boost its influence in Washington and at state governments, and is aiming to raise up to $50,000 in its first year.
The Annapolis, Md.-based trade association said in a Feb. 22 announcement that the committee, called FlexPAC, will work on policy priorities like extended producer responsibility, toxic bans and product labeling.
"FlexPAC will help enable the flexible packaging industry and the FPA team to effectively educate, build relationships and support members of Congress and candidates who work to foster free markets and economic growth and stand with us on key policy priorities," said William Jackson, FPA chair and chief technology officer for Amcor Global Flexible Packaging.
An organizational document filed Jan. 29 with the Federal Elections Commission does not offer more details on goals or fundraising, only listing FPA President and CEO Alison Keane as its treasurer and another association staffer as its agent.
In an emailed response to questions, Keane said FPA aims to raise between $30,000 and $50,000 for the 2024 elections.
"As a first time PAC and [in] its first year, our goals are modest," she said. "However, we believe that this amount is enough to contribute to packaging minded policy makers in a crucial election year."
Keane said forming a political action committee had been part of FPA's strategic plan for several years, but she said the different approaches in state packaging legislation prompted it to move ahead now.
"Given the significant activity at the state level and the lack of harmonization of state packaging legislation, from EPR to toxics to labeling for recyclability, the FPA Board decided it was time to pull the trigger," she said. "We will need to work with both state and federal legislators who support the industry and understand the importance of packaging … and find a consistent approach to these laws that does not disrupt commerce."
FPA said the committee will be funded by personal contributions from FPA members and take a nonpartisan approach on packaging industry issues.
"It backs Republican, Democrat and independent candidates for state and federal office who value the flexible packaging industry and will support FPA efforts in Washington, D.C., and state capitals," FPA said in a statement. "With the 2024 election season in full swing, it has never been more vital to understand the value of political engagement and the need to strengthen the flexible packaging industry's political resources."
Forming the PAC follows a Washington lobbying day FPA held last year. In a January statement it said the group focused on circularity solutions for all packaging types, trade policies that "do not pick U.S. winners and losers" and harmonization of labeling requirements for recyclability and compostability.
FPA said its members who participated in the September lobbying day met with more than a dozen staffers on Capitol Hill.
"We had meaningful dialogue about the need for flexible recycling infrastructure, the latest innovative designs for recycling, how advanced recycling can be a game changer and the importance of harmonization of the green guides," said Allison Holzshu, vice president of product management for flexible films at Berry Global Group Inc. and a member of FPA's Emerging Leadership Council.
"Pending legislation could shape the sustainability conversation," Holzshu said. "We must provide the much-needed perspective on the importance of flexible packaging and all of the levers available to bring forth a circular economy."
FPA said the PAC's inaugural event will be a March 22 breakfast as part of its annual meeting in Tucson, Ariz., with a speech by political analyst George Khalaf.
Khalaf is president of survey and research firm Data Orbital and managing partner of The Resolute Group. Resolute's website said Khalaf has worked to "advance conservative clients and causes throughout Arizona and a growing number of states."
"We are thrilled to welcome George Khalaf as keynote speaker at the inaugural FlexPAC event in Tucson," Keane said. "With his extensive knowledge and expertise on state and national campaigns, he will undoubtedly bring an exciting and insightful outlook on the critical 2024 election season."