AMERIPEN, a leading voice for packaging policy in the United States, concluded its 2025 Annual Summit,聽bringing nearly 150 industry leaders to the nation鈥檚 capital for three days of advocacy, education, and strategic collaboration. Held from June 10 to 12, this year鈥檚 Summit marked a critical moment as packaging policy continues to evolve, and the country鈥檚 first packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws are being implemented.
鈥淲ith EPR now a reality and packaging legislation moving rapidly in legislatures across the country, this Summit provided members an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, regulatory staff, and one another,鈥� said Lynn Dyer, Executive Director of AMERIPEN. 鈥淭he energy, collaboration, and leadership on display this week reinforced the important role AMERIPEN plays in helping our industry shape effective, actionable packaging policy.鈥�
The Summit opened with AMERIPEN鈥檚 largest-ever Capitol Hill delegation, with 60 members educating federal policymakers in nearly 40 intimate meetings. These conversations centered on the need for a federal solution to address the growing patchwork of state labeling requirements.
Throughout the three-day event, Annual Summit participants engaged with lawmakers, regulatory leaders, and subject matter experts through panels, workshops, and peer discussions. Program highlights included:
- Fireside Chat with Circular Action Alliance
Speaker: Circular Action Alliance CEO Jeff Fielkow - Subject Panel: Validating Recyclability
Panelists: Scott Byrne (Sonoco Products Company), Molly Blessing (Household & Commercial Products Association), John Richard (Flexible Packaging Association), Frazier Willman (American Forest & Paper Association) - Subject Panel: Municipal and County Perspectives on Implementing EPR
Panelists: Angie Marzano (Lane County, OR), Hilary Near (City of San Francisco, CA), Nathan Reinbold (Pope/Douglas Counties, MN) - Subject Panel: EPR Compliance & Enforcement
Panelists: Geoff Inch (CAA), Erin Raden (Consumer Brands Association), Jason Bergquist (RecycleMe), Matthew Boes (rePurpose) - Keynote: Packaging into 2050: What to Expect from Demographic and Service Shifts
Speaker: Smithers Global VP of Business Development Ciaran Little - Legislator Perspectives Panel
Panelists: Senator Heidi Campbell (Tennessee), Senator Malcolm L. Augustine (Maryland) - Subject Panel: End Market Development for Packaging
Panelists: Matt Flechter (Michigan EGLE), John Kreckel (REMADE Institute), Charlotte Craff (re:3D)
In addition to a full agenda of programming, the Summit offered ample opportunities for member networking and connection, including intimate receptions, social activities, and shared meals. The Summit concluded with a Member Workshop, where members reflected on accomplishments, shared feedback, and helped chart AMERIPEN鈥檚 strategic direction for the year ahead.
鈥淥ur Annual Summit reinforced what makes AMERIPEN unique,鈥� Dyer added. 鈥淲e are a place where policy and industry meet. Our work is collaborative, grounded in data, and delivers real-world results. I am incredibly proud of the leadership our members continue to demonstrate as we navigate this next chapter in packaging policy.鈥�