45+ Professional Packaging Organizations and Associations

American Forest & Paper Association

Founded in 1993, the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) is a trade association that represents the forest products industry in the United States. The association strives to advance  fact-based policies that promote sustainability in the global marketplace.

Its member companies make up approximately 85 percent of , paper, paper-based packaging, pulp and tissue products that are manufactured in the U.S.

American National Standards Institute

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) was founded in 1918 and serves as the voice of the U.S. standards and conformity assessment system to this day. ANSI helps create and disseminate industry norms and guidelines that affect businesses in almost every sector, from acoustical devices to livestock production, and many more.

The institute also works to protect both the environment and consumers, and is engaged in accreditation.

American Chemistry Council

Formerly the American Plastics Council (APC), the Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents manufacturers of plastic resins. The ACC works to solve challenges facing the industry and beyond, with a view to fostering progress in the economy, the environment and society.

The council advocates on behalf of members via political advocacy, scientific research and communications.

American Society for Testing and Materials

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) strives to improve the lives of people around the world every day through the development of standards, which are fully transparent and accessible globally.

ASTM has defined and set over 12,500 standards that are used by 30,000 members in over 140 countries.

The Independent Packaging Association

Founded in St. Louis, Missouri in 1974, the Independent Packaging Association (AICC) represents the members of the independent sector in the corrugated, folding carton and rigid box industries. The AICC’s mission is to protect the business interests of its members and promote industry growth and vitality.

The largest organization of corporate members in corrugated and paperboard, the AICC is active in all industry coalitions.

Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators

The Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) is a nonprofit trade association that represents converters of coated, laminated and metallized flexible substrates and their suppliers. The association was founded in 1970 and serves as the global forum for the industry. It provides information, resources and services for member companies worldwide, as well as collecting information to increase industry knowledge.

Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies

The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies represents over 800 packaging and processing manufacturers, suppliers and providers in North America. Their mission is to advance both the packaging and processing industries, serve them by providing a range of resources and to connect consumer goods companies with suitable manufacturing solutions.

The association hosts major trade shows such as EXPO PACK Guadalajara, EXPO PACK México,  Healthcare Packaging EXPO, PACK EXPO East, PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas and ProFood Tech.

Association of Visual Packaging Manufacturers

The Association of Visual Packaging Manufacturers (AVPM) is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting the usage of blister cards, blister film,  paperboard, skin packaging board, thermoformed blisters, coating and equipment. Founded in 2003, the AVPM brings manufacturers and suppliers together to network, seek out solutions to problems facing both groups in the industry,  promote education within the field and to advocate on their behalf.

Contract Manufacturing and Packaging Association

The Contract Packaging Association was founded in 1992 by contract packaging firms and members of other businesses related to them. The nonprofit is the trade organization for the contract packaging industry.

CPA members offer packaging services in a range of industries and are among the nation’s leading contract packagers. They strive to increase knowledge within the industry and improve on the effective use of contract packaging services.

Corrugated Packaging Alliance

The Corrugated Packaging Alliance (CPA) is an initiative sponsored by multiple organizations in the corrugated industry, including the American Forest & Paper Association, the Independent Packaging Association, the Fibre Box Association and the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry.

Based in Itasca, IL, the alliance promotes corrugated packaging as a sustainable, clean choice for those involved in supply chain management.

Envelope Manufacturers Association

The Envelope Manufacturers Association (EMA) represents the interests of envelope printers and manufacturers, forms companies, packaging companies, suppliers and vendors who operate in the paper-based communications space. The EMA strives to promote the value of the industry, while ensuring a level playing field between paper-based communications and electronic media.

The association’s goal is to protect the industry, which it does by working closely with legislative and regulatory authorities at a state, national and global level.

EPS Industry Alliance

EPS Industry Alliance (EPS-IA) is the voice of over 60 companies in the expanded polystyrene (EPS) space. Founded in 2012 with the goal of uniting the industry, the alliance promotes open communication, education and sustainability.

The EPS-IA provides tools and resources to enhance communication between members and consumers, up-to-date information on issues within the packaging industry, and awareness programs and communications around recycling.

Fibre Box Association

The Fibre Box Association (FBA) is a non-profit trade association that brings independent and integrated manufacturers and companies in the corrugated packaging industry together. The association has served the industry since 1940 by focusing on the protection, growth and well-being of the corrugated industry.

The FBA promotes the discussion of challenges, issues, trends and other common interests within the corrugated community.   

Flexible Packaging Association

The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) is a trade association for manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of flexible packaging, including aluminum foil, film, paper, plastic or any combination of these materials. The association has served as the voice of flexible packaging since 1950, striving to connect, advance and lead in the fastest-growing segment in packaging.

FPA members include equipment suppliers to the industry.

Flexographic Technical Association

The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA)  is a technical society dedicated to the flexographic printing industry. The association is devoted to helping flexographers develop their skills, connect with other professionals in the industry and expand their reach, as well as advancing the industry for all. The FTA was founded in 1958 and is comprised of consumer product companies, distributors, educators, manufacturers, nonprofits, premedia service providers, printers and other industry associations and organizations.

Foil Stamping and Embossing Association

The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) was founded in 1992 in an effort to promote the awareness and growth of the industry. It provides resources and serves as an educational platform for decorating technologies, including cold foil technologies, embossing, foil stamping, laminates, laser cutting and specialty coatings.

The FSEA is focused on growing the marketplace and helping members remain profitable. It offers members cost–saving programs, networking opportunities such as FSEA Conference, educational opportunities and also promotes green initiatives.

Foodservice & Packaging Institute

The Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) serves as the trade association for the North American foodservice packaging industry. Members include distributors, manufacturers, suppliers of raw material and machinery, and even purchasers of foodservice packaging.

The institute was founded in 1933 in an effort to promote both the value and benefits foodservice packaging. The FPI remains a leading authority in the industry, particularly when it comes to educating and influencing stakeholders.

Glass Packaging Institute

The Glass Container Association of America (GPI) was founded in 1919. It serves as North America’s trade association for the glass container industry. Members include a range of stakeholders, including manufacturers and suppliers, providers of machinery and raw materials, and advertisers involved in the sale of glass containers.

The GPI strives to position glass as the optimal choice for packaging, advance policie around environmental concerns and recycling, advocate industry standards and to educate packaging professionals.

Gravure Association of the Americas

The Gravure Association of the Americas (GAA) is a trade association for Gravure professionals. The GAA is an advocate and leading resource for education, training and technology related to the Rotogravure packaging, product and publication markets.
Although it was formed in 2003, the association has deep roots that date back to 1947. It strives to facilitate collaborative partnerships and interactive communication, as well as create opportunities for members.

Healthcare Compliance Packaging Council

Founded in 1990, the Healthcare Compliance Packaging Council (HCPC) is a non-profit trade association centered on unit dose packaging. The HCPC strives to educate consumers, health care professionals and policy makers on the role of unit dose packaging in compliance and the improvement of the industry.

The council promotes the benefit of this format and compliance-prompting features that help consumers take their medications as intended by medical professionals.

Institute of Packaging Professionals

The Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) dedicated to the betterment of the packaging community and strives to create opportunities for networking and education for the benefit of its members. The IoPP promotes packaging as an environmentally responsible, positive and economically efficient choice and is committed to the success of the industry.

The growth of IoPP members and other packaging professionals, collaboration and ethical conduct within the community are also focus areas of this group.

International Molded Fiber Association

The International Molded Fiber Association (IMFA) is a non-profit trade association that represents manufacturers, service providers and suppliers of molded fiber. Since its establishment in 1997, the IMFA has been the leading source of molded fibre information.

The IMFA endeavors to lead and develop the industry through advocacy, education and the pursuit of technology. Sustainability within the industry, particularly the promotion of recycled,  renewable and natural fiber products are other key pillars of the association.

Material Handling Industry of America

The Material Handling Industry of America (MHI) is the largest logistics, material handling and supply chain association in the country. With 800 members in manufacturing, logistics, publishing, systems integration and other related fields, the MHI serves as an authority on material handling as a whole.

The organization serves to educate members, create opportunities for networking and business development, and help members troubleshoot and solve problems.

MHI also sponsors major events like roMat and MODEX.

National Association of Container Distributors

The National Association of Container Distributors (NACD) is dedicated to leadership and the development of the container distribution industry. The association was founded in 1925 and continues to serve as an advocate for wholesale distribution and the promotion of this option as an efficient and effective channel.

The NACD seeks to advance the sharing of ideas and exchange of information, provide networking opportunities and promote moral and ethical behavior within the industry. The association supports a distributor-supplier committee focused on industry issues, provides industry reports and benchmarking surveys, hosts conventions and trade shows, and offers other valuable programs.

National Institute of Packaging, Handling & Logistics Engineers

The National Institute of Packaging, Handling & Logistics Engineers (NIPHLE) was founded in 1956 in an effort to improve communications between the industry and the U.S. Military. Its members consist of professionals, including distributors, engineers and logistics professionals.

The institute works with university researchers, tech-focused small businesses, material science experts and traditional companies to broaden support for the Warfighter and improve logistics,   packaging and handling methods for the military.

National Paper Trade Association

The National Paper Trade Association (NPTA) is the association for stakeholders within the paper distribution channel, including catalog, corporate markets, direct mail, imaging, printing, publishing and retail. Members include printing paper distributors, suppliers, service providers and converters with various roles in the paper supply chain.

The NPTA’s goal is to support member efforts by providing networking opportunities, education and information on industry trends, and by serving as an advocate and promoting the health of the paper distribution channel.

National Wooden Pallet & Container Association

The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) is the voice of wood packaging professionals. The association is focused on promoting the wood packaging and wood pallet industry, sustainability, high ethical standards and on building a community of collaboration. It serves as the leading resource for research and expertise wood packaging and the industry as a whole.

The NWPCA is the largest organization for professionals in wood packaging, it has over 670 company members from 28 countries. Members include distributors, manufacturers and repairers of pallets and wood packaging solutions.

Open Modular Architecture Controls (OMAC) Packaging Workgroup

The Open Modular Architecture Controls (OMAC) Packaging Workgroup, or OMAC Packaging Workgroup (OPW), is focused on the efficiency of packaging machinery. specifically, the group aims to improve automation guidelines and standards in an effort to enhance flexibility, capability and reduce system integration costs.
OPW collaborates with automation suppliers, OEMs and trade groups to encourage the adoption of OMAC Packaging Guidelines in order to optimize packaging operations and gain a competitive advantage.

PAC Packaging Consortium

PAC Packaging Consortium is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to providing leadership for the packaging industry and increasing the profile of this channel in the global market. The consortium serves professionals throughout the packaging value chain.

It was founded as a Canadian organization in 1949, but now represents 2,500 members across North America. PAC offers opportunities for education, innovation, networking and initiatives that include financial insurance benefits, food safety standards, food waste packaging solutions, specialized training and SMART packaging solutions.

Paperboard Packaging Alliance

The Paperboard Packaging Alliance (PPA) is co-sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Council and the American Forest & Paper Association. The goal of this joint initiative is to promote the use of paperboard packaging and products and to provide tools and resources that support promotional programs for these materials.

The PPA also facilitates an annual Student Design Challenge.

Paperboard Packaging Council

The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) is the leading trade association for suppliers and converters within the paperboard packaging industry. Founded in 1929, the PPC strives to grow and promote the paperboard packaging industry, while protecting its’ value in the marketplace. The council offers resources, tools and education on topics such as finance, government regulations, safety, statistics and technology.

The PPC is dedicated to creating an environment in which members can thrive as well as developing the next generation of leaders within the packaging industry.

Paper Shipping Sack Manufacturers' Association

The Paper Shipping Sack Manufacturers’ Association (PSSMA) is a trade association for producers, suppliers and service providers of multiwall shipping sacks in America. It has over 50 members, including international associate members.

The association serves as a resource for programs and services that improve member companies, with the goal of enhancing the welfare of the industry. In addition to education, it offers statistical services, a legal forum for the discussion of matters of importance, and marketing and technical support.

The PSSMA is also a publisher that produces multiwall packaging content for all stakeholders in the industry.

Petroleum Packaging Council

The Petroleum Packaging Council (PPC) is the premiere technical trade association for petroleum packaging professionals. Since its inception 60 years ago, it has provided education, networking opportunities and technical leadership to its members.

The PPC strives to be a global resource for health, innovation, production efficiency, safety and sustainability throughout the industry.

Plastics Foodservice Packaging Group

The Plastics Foodservice Packaging Group (PFPG) is a division of the American Chemistry Council (ACC). Members of the group include manufacturers (converters), monomer producers and resin suppliers.

The PFPG’s primary goal is to educate the public on plastic foodservice packaging, especially packaging made with polystyrene. The group creates programs focused on the plastic foodservice packaging production process, the advantages of this packaging, how it performs environmentally and innovative recycling programs. The programs are geared towards businesses and the general public, including policymakers, students and teachers.

The Plastics Industry Association

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), formerly SPI, is an organization dedicated to  the entire plastics supply chain. The goal of the association is to promote plastics manufacturing, advance sustainability and to make the industry more globally competitive.

PLASTICS offers education, campaigns on behalf of the industry, and offers support for the development of technology-driven innovation.

The association hosts NPE: The Plastics Show, the largest plastics trade show in North America.

Pressure Sensitive Tape Council

The Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC) is the trade association for tape manufacturers and suppliers in North America. The non-profit organization has furthered the industry for 60 years, promoting the use of pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape products and ensuring that the highest quality tape products hit the market.

The PSTC consists of 25 manufacturers and 15 suppliers who have plants in 28 states that employ more than 53,000 people. In addition, 22,000 independent distributors supplement this workforce. They are responsible for the production of over 90 percent of the PSA tape in the marketplace and are an influential group.

Printing Industries of America

The Printing Industries of America (PIA) is the largest trade association for graphic arts in America. The group is dedicated to the growth and advancement of the graphic communications industry globally. It advocates on behalf of members, promotes research and networking, offers products and services focused on education, efficiency and profitability, and provides technical information.

The PIA hosts the Center for Digital Printing Excellence and the Center for Technology & Research (formerly GATF). The speciality centers produce in-depth research and reports, as well as products and services that benefit members and the public.

Private Label Manufacturers Association

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is the trade association for private label industry. It represents 4,000 manufacturers from around the world and across industries, including beverages, food, health & beauty, household & kitchen products, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, personal care and general merchandise.

The PLMA offers members executive education, conferences and seminars, sales and market share data for the U.S. and Europe, consumer research, and the latest industry news and trends.

Processing and Packaging Machinery Association

The Processing and Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA) is a trade association for processing and packaging machinery suppliers in the UK. Founded with just eight members in 1987, the association now has over 500 member and associate companies.

The PPMA works to provide services that enhance member businesses, advocate on behalf of the machinery sector, foster collaboration between members and promote technical standards.

Rigid Plastic Packaging Group

The Rigid Plastic Packaging Group (RPPG) is a resin-neutral group within the Plastics Industry Association (see PLASTICS above). The group is focused on food service packaging and consumer products, but members include brand owners, converters, plastic processors and suppliers.

The RPPG provides networking opportunities, knowledge exchanges and information on  the rigid plastic packaging industry. It advocates on behalf of the industry and develops technical comments for public policy.

Sustainable Packaging Coalition

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) is a working group dedicated to sustainability in packaging. This collaborative is the leading voice on sustainability in the industry, delivering cutting-edge education and projects focused on results.
The SPC is focused on transforming packaging into a channel that encourages a sustainable flow of materials alongside economic prosperity. The coalition offers opportunities for networking and collaboration, idea sharing, leadership, and access to resources such as technical guides.

Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute

The Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI) is the trade association for tag and label manufacturers. The TLMI is dedicated to the success of the industry, uniting industry stakeholders and promoting collaborative efforts.

The group strives to address topical issues around government and regulation, sustainability and workforce development, and to share market intelligence, as well as promote knowledge sharing, networking, and peer and production benchmarking.

Technical Association of the Pulp & Paper Industry

Founded with just 30 members in 1915, the Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to elevating the technical aspects of papermaking. The association brings together academics, business executives, engineers, scientists, suppliers and providers from the converting, packaging, paper and pulp industries.

Members exchange ideas, attend world-class events, engage in professional development and benefit from technical advancements and solutions available through TAPPI.

The Aluminum Association

The Aluminum Association is the trade association for companies engaged in aluminum fabrication, production and recycling, as well as service providers and suppliers. It represents companies throughout the value chain, promoting the use of aluminum as a sustainable choice.

The association engages in advocacy, public discourse, sustainability research and also provides business intelligence, industry insights and global standards. Promoting industry transparency, the discussion of emerging issues and the sharing of best practices are other association goals.

The Tube Council

The Tube Council of North America is a group dedicated to tube manufacturers and other professionals in the tube industry. The non-profit organization works to provide educational resources, information and opportunities for networking and collaboration.

The council was founded 70 years ago and began as a meeting of owners, and today it represents the tube industry in its entirety. Members benefit from peer support and knowledge sharing which can be used to promote their organizations and products.

Women in Packaging and Manufacturing

Women in Packaging and Manufacturing (WIP&M) is a regional initiative for women in  the industry. The network brings together supply chain providers in packaging and production in an effort to advance product manufacturing in Colorado. They represent professionals across industries, including cosmetics, consumer goods, food products, nutritional supplements and general packaged goods.

The group offers information sharing, networking and exceptional partnered services, including

advertising and public relations, branding, carton printing set up boxes, custom machinery, label printing, marketing, package design, photography and strategic planning.

World Packaging Organisation

The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) is an international federation of packaging associations and trade associations, institutes, federations and corporations. Members represent both national and regional organizations. The group is non-governmental and a non-profit organization.

The WPO brings leaders of the global packaging community together to facilitate collaboration and the exchange of knowledge and to promote the development of science, engineering and packaging technology.

The organization also works to promote education for all interested parties.

Vinyl Institute

The Vinyl Institute (VI) is the trade association for those who manufacture vinyl and vinyl packaging materials, vinyl additives and modifiers, and vinyl chloride monomers. Founded in 1982, the institute is the collective voice of the vinyl industry in America. It serves members by engaging stakeholders in an effort to positively shape the future of the industry, and by promoting the benefits and use of vinyl.

The U.S. vinyl industry is comprised of almost 3,000 manufacturing facilities that employ 350,000 workers, which generates $54B. Protecting the stature of the industry, while also enhancing its growth are core goals of the organization.