Programs

“FPI provides enhanced value to Solo Cup Company through the continued marketing of single-use foodservice packaging. The association also provides information related to market trends, developments, and offers a forum to allow for discussion amongst key industry players. FPI allows the entire value chain from suppliers to end users to work together to advance the use, understanding and distribution of single-use products.”

-- Beth Dahlke, Vice President, Financial and Customer Services, Solo Cup Company

“Whether a converter, supplier or affiliate member, all members recognize that FPI’s focus is the understanding and development of single-use foodservice packaging. FPI provides the forum to progress the public understanding of the benefits of foodservice packaging in a material-neutral and factual manner. No other association has the clear charter or dedication to the foodservice packaging industry.”

-- Charles Garlock, Vice President and General Manager, Reynolds Food Packaging Canada

Market Research and Communications

FPI provides a variety of tools to assist the Institute’s members in their individual market development efforts.

Foodservice Packaging Advidory Council: made up of foodservice operators, distributors and group purchasing organizations, it serves as a discussion forum to address foodservice packaging and packaging issues. The council meets annually at the Institute’s spring meeting and holds semi-annual conference calls.
Market Research: surveys foodservice operators to evaluate the total size of the market and the factors influencing their current and future purchases of foodservice packaging.
State of the Industry Report: prepared annually, it 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," which is sent to converters, suppliers, foodservice distributors and operators.
Statistics: 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.

FPI also serves as the voice of the industry in a wide variety of public arenas. The objective of these efforts is to promote a clear understanding of the industry’s products and the advantages of their use to audiences as diverse as the media, customers, educators and the general public. The Institute…

maintains strong relationships with foodservice and packaging trade publications through press releases, interviews and feature article placements;
develops and implements direct marketing campaigns targeted at specific groups, as deemed necessary;
produces educational brochures, videos and posters, which provide accurate information on single-use foodservice packaging; and
publishes several newsletters for its members and the general public.

Member Services

FPI provides a number of other services for the benefit of FPI members and the industry:

Sends surveys to 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.
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.
Co-sponsors the annual QSR/FPI Foodservice Packaging Awards Competition that recognizes innovative foodservice packaging products.
Co-sponsors two nationally-recognized awards that promote excellence in public health and sanitation: the Samuel J. Crumbine Consumer Protection Award and the Homer N. Calver Lecture Series.

Public Affairs
Government affairs – at the federal, state, local and international levels – continues to be a fundamental part of FPI’s programs and services. FPI has proven effective in protecting foodservice packaging from legislative and regulatory threats, or actions from non-governmental groups, that would cause a reduced level of acceptance or utilization of the industry’s products.

The Institute issues legislative alerts to assist members in developing responses to the fast-changing legislative arena and maintains an up-to-date issues library on laws and regulations affecting the foodservice packaging industry and its products.
Through its members, FPI develops coordinated action to assure that the industry’s message is conveyed effectively. 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.
The Institute maintains a national network of personal contacts, consultants and other resources at the state and local level who help monitor developments and opportunities for cooperative action on local issues.
By building and maintaining industry coalitions with affiliate organizations that share FPI’s legislative and regulatory views and objectives, the Institute is able to significantly multiply the impact of its views.

Technical Issues and Packaging Standards

FPI’s technical programs provide members with interpretation, guidance, technical support and recommended action to ensure appropriate product and facility compliance.

The Foodservice Packaging Standards Council devises and adopts 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.
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.