Ben Stoller RPA Message

This past year RPA showed its capabilities as an adaptable organization, adjusting activities to make an impact during this ever-changing time. This includes navigating the virtual world in the delivery of our programs. We are carrying out our mission in the new realities of networking venues, meetings, and conferences, finding innovative channels to engage members and promote reusables. RPA is producing online videos for education content, participating in webinars with global audiences, and utilizing our new podcastfor industry perspectives and member marketing. Next year we may see more hybrid events offering both in-person and virtual attendance options.

RPA has also pivoted our industry messaging in response to today’s crises in raw material shortages and supply chain disruptions, emphasizing how reusables offer inventory certainties and operational resiliencies. In addition, recognizing the growing interests and trends in consumer packaging reuse models, our messaging demonstrates how increasing business-to-business reuse systems can be leveraged to support business-to-consumer reuse applications. RPA’s longstanding reputation and timely resources are in demand for all-things reusable packaging.

Furthermore, RPA is more involved with industry coalitions to advance larger-scale objectives. One example is our participation as an Activator in the U.S. Plastics Pact to build a circular economy for plastic packaging, which includes accelerating reuse and refill models particularly in retail and food service markets. You may have seen that a key element in the Pact’s Roadmap to 2025includes, “B2B reuse programs are integrated into the majority of U.S. food and retail chains at scale, including as part of e-commerce operations.”

RPA is maneuvering for success during these turbulent times while also keeping a steady hand of experience and influence as the foundation of our work. I am eager for our association to capitalize on its progress and direction.

Ben Stoller

Chairman of the Board