Industry-Specific Focus To Distinguish FPA's 2003 Environmental Summit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Linthicum, MD, October 1, 2002 - In addition to presentations from EPA regulators on the specific environmental issues impacting the flexible packaging industry, the Flexible Packaging Association's 2003 Environmental Summit will offer its attendees organizational tools and hands-on workshops designed to make reporting easier, as well as information on the importance of environmental compliance in today's business climate.

Scheduled from January 22 - 24, 2003 at The TradeWinds Resort in St. Petersburg Beach, FL, the Environmental Summit is specifically geared for environmental professionals at both the corporate and plant levels, as well as plant and upper level managers.

How Environmental Compliance Impacts Mergers & Acquisitions
A company's environmental compliance record, both past and present, plays a significant role in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) process. This year's Environmental Summit will explore the environmental due diligence process undertaken during a merger or acquisition, and the negative impact that non-compliance can have on a transaction.

Understanding The Differences Between U.S. & European Regulations
As globalization continues, expanding U.S.-based flexible packaging operations are facing a different series of environmental regulations overseas. FPA's Environmental Summit will present the major differences between U.S. and European approaches to environmental regulations and explain how to rationalize the differing regulations for efficiency and compliance.

An Organizational Guide to Environmental Compliance
FPA will present an organizational guide to environmental compliance that explains when reports are due, what forms are required for submission, and the pitfalls that companies should be vigilant of when reporting. This organizational guide will help attendees put a system in place to help avoid last minute rushing and data collection.

EPA Rule Updates & Workshops
FPA holds its Environmental Summit in January in order to deliver pertinent information early in the cycle and prepare attendees for the year ahead. During the 2003 Environmental Summit, EPA and industry personnel will provide comprehensive updates on Electronic Reporting; NSR; POWC MACT Rule and Implementation Tools; Compliance Assurance Monitoring Technical Support Document and Universal Waste. Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn more about EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards (OAQPS) and find out which items are on its radar screen that may impact the flexible packaging industry. A comprehensive workshop on New Source Review (NSR) and Reform will also be held on the last day of the Summit.

The Environmental Summit is open to both FPA members and non-member guests, but space is limited. Online registration is available at www.flexpack.org. For additional information, please call FPA at 410. 694. 0800.

The Flexible Packaging Association has served as the voice of the flexible packaging industry since the Association was established in 1950. Its members convert or supply the raw materials used to produce bags, pouches, labels, liners, wraps, rollstock, and other flexible products. Produced from paper, plastic film, aluminum foil, or any combination of those materials, flexible packaging is now the second largest segment of the U.S. packaging market. The $19 billion industry serves a multitude of end use markets including food, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, household goods, personal care products, pet food, lawn and garden supplies, and industrial applications.

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For more information, please contact Lourdes Pogue, Director, Marketing & Communications at 410. 694. 0800 or lpogue@flexpack.org.