Flexible Packaging Industry Issues Update

The Flexible Packaging Association provides regular informational updates on the recent developments surrounding flexible packaging topics and issues, and the activities of the association pertaining to these important matters. Below, are updates on the issues that are currently on the FPA radar screen.

Food Contact Notification Program:

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to restore the $6 million needed to continue the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Contact Notification Program. This successful industry program expedites the approval process of new food contact materials and their dissemination into the market place.

FPA united with the Food Packaging Industry Coalition to lobby against the removal of funding for the FCN Program, which was eliminated by Bush administration budget cuts. Elimination of the program would require that new food contact substances and the latest uses of these substances receive approval through the prior U.S. FDA Food Additive Petition Process – a lengthy review, which typically took three to five years.

The current FCN Program, which was implemented in 2000, improves the approval process and reduces the clearance time to 120 days. Under the FCN Program, more than 500 food contact notifications have become effective and the program has developed into a model for the regulation of packaging materials.

Restoration of funding for the FCN Program must still be approved by the Senate. The Food Packaging Industry Coalition is currently continuing its efforts to ensure a Senate vote to reinstate the program. 

VOC Emissions from Consumer and Commercial Products

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is under a court order to reduce VOC emissions from flexible packaging printing materials, industrial cleaning solvents and other printing processes under Section 183 (e) of the Clean Air Act. The U.S. EPA is evaluating instituting a national rule versus issuing a guidance document to reduce these emissions. During a recent meeting with the U.S. EPA, the Flexible Packaging Association voiced opposition against a national rule and encouraged the U.S. EPA to issue a National Guidance Document instead. The U.S. EPA’s final proposal is due September 2006. FPA will remain engaged in dealing with this issue of great importance to our industry.

Globalization Market Research

To obtain a greater understanding of the influence and realities of globalization, the Flexible Packaging Association has commissioned research firms PTIS and Pira International to conduct market research on the Impact of Globalization on the U.S. Flexible Packaging Industry. Results of the research will be presented at the 2006 FPA Fall Executive Conference.

Currently, the FPA and the research firms have dedicated resources to examine several issues pertaining to globalization including successful business models for competing regionally and globally; innovative strategies that assist flexible packaging companies compete effectively outside of the U.S.; current raw material flow, pricing and equipment purchases and potential future scenarios; sourcing strategies of major consumer product companies and flexible packaging converters; global growth opportunities for flexible packaging; and key considerations for competing in the top five growth regions.