The Reusable Packaging Association represents companies involved in the manufacture, use, pooling, logistics, technology and management of reusable transport packaging, including pallets, totes, bulk containers, trays, racks, wraps and dunnage.
The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) is a nonprofit trade organization focused on advancing reusable packaging systems across supply chains. Founded in 1999, the association brings together reusable packaging manufacturers, pooling and logistics providers, technology companies, material suppliers and end users.
RPA describes its work around three broad objectives: expanding markets for reusable packaging, encouraging innovation and best practices, and validating the environmental, operational and financial benefits of reuse through research, data and case studies.
For companies considering or already operating reusable packaging systems, RPA is also an important source of practical information on topics such as reusable packaging implementation, reverse logistics, asset management and tracking, automation, sustainability and food safety.
See also: Industry Associations and Certification Bodies
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What RPA Does |
Who RPA Represents |
Reusable Packaging Resources |
Industry Role |
Events and Education |
Contact
What RPA Does
RPA works to increase the adoption and improve the performance of reusable packaging systems. Its activities include education, industry research, collaboration on best practices and technology, trade-show programming, communications and government affairs.
The association’s work is carried out through committees, industry communications, educational programs and events. Member companies also collaborate on common challenges affecting reusable packaging markets and operations.
This gives RPA a broader role than simply promoting reusable packaging. Its resources address many of the practical questions involved in making reuse work, including system design, reverse logistics, asset tracking, automation and the management of reusable packaging through multiple supply-chain touchpoints.
Who RPA Represents
RPA membership spans much of the reusable packaging ecosystem. Members include companies that design and manufacture reusable pallets, totes, bins, trays, racks, wraps and dunnage, as well as providers of pooling, logistics, automation, tracking technology and other supporting services.
The association also includes companies that use reusable packaging in manufacturing, processing, distribution and retail environments. This mix of suppliers, service providers and end users gives RPA a useful role in addressing both packaging design and the operational realities of putting reusable systems into practice.
RPA also offers membership opportunities for qualifying academic and nonprofit organizations, industry professionals and others interested in reusable packaging.
Reusable Packaging Resources
One of RPA’s more useful roles is maintaining a growing body of reusable packaging research, case studies and implementation guidance.
Its Inner Loop library covers reusable packaging applications, system implementation, reverse logistics, asset management, sustainability and related topics. RPA also provides resources addressing reusable packaging technology, food safety and other operational considerations.
The association’s technology work has included barcode, RFID and other approaches to asset tracking and visibility. Its broader guidance addresses issues such as container dwell time, pooling, reverse logistics and the infrastructure needed to retrieve, condition and reposition reusable assets for another trip.
These resources can be particularly useful for companies moving beyond the initial question of whether to adopt reusable packaging and beginning to address how a reusable system will actually operate day to day.
Visit the RPA reusable packaging resource library.
Industry Role
RPA occupies an important position between reusable packaging suppliers, pooling and logistics providers, technology companies and the businesses that ultimately use reusable packaging.
That role has become increasingly relevant as interest in packaging reuse grows beyond traditional closed-loop applications. Reusable transport packaging has long been established in industries such as automotive, food and beverage, grocery, manufacturing and industrial distribution, while sustainability initiatives, new technologies and packaging regulations are bringing additional attention to reuse.
RPA participates in those broader discussions while continuing to focus on the operational side of reusable packaging. Issues such as reverse logistics, asset loss, tracking, cleaning, pooling, standardization and automation can have a significant bearing on whether a reusable system succeeds after implementation.
The association also engages in government affairs and represents reusable packaging industry interests in legislative and regulatory discussions.
Events and Education
RPA provides education through webinars, industry resources, conferences and trade-show programming. It operates the Reusable Packaging Pavilion and Learning Center at selected PACK EXPO events, bringing together reusable packaging suppliers, technology providers and end users.
The association also presents its annual Excellence in Reusable Packaging Awards, recognizing reusable packaging applications, design innovation and technology. Reusable Packaging News is proud to have been a contest judge since the awards were launched many years ago.
Its educational activities increasingly extend beyond packaging products themselves to issues such as automation, smart tracking, circular supply chains and the operational integration of reusable packaging.
Contact
Reusable Packaging Association
Website: reusables.org
