Flexible Packaging Association introduces FPA FlexImpact initiative to champion social responsibility – The National Provisioner

Report on the Launch of the FPA FlexImpact Initiative

Introduction: Aligning Industry Action with Sustainable Development Goals

The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) has announced the launch of FPA FlexImpact, a new social impact initiative designed to mobilize the U.S. flexible packaging industry in service to local communities. This program formalizes the FPA’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability, directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through coordinated, nationwide activities.

Core Objectives and Alignment with SDGs

The FPA FlexImpact initiative is structured to address several key SDGs through collective industry action. The primary objectives include:

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The initiative aims to create visible, positive change in local communities through targeted service events, enhancing community well-being and resilience.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: By emphasizing environmental stewardship and responsible material management, the program encourages member companies to adopt and demonstrate sustainable practices, a core tenet of the flexible packaging industry’s values.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: FPA FlexImpact is founded on collaboration, bringing together industry professionals, member companies, and community organizations to achieve a greater collective impact than any single entity could alone.

Implementation and Inaugural Activities

FPA FlexForward Conference 2025 Activation

The first official activation of FPA FlexImpact is scheduled to take place during the 2025 FlexForward Conference in New Orleans. This inaugural community service event will demonstrate the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

1. Date: November 4, 2025
2. Time: 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
3. Sponsor: Flexible Film Recycling Alliance
4. Objective: To provide a tangible example of collective action supporting SDG 11 and SDG 12.

Nationwide Member Participation

To amplify the initiative’s reach, the FPA is encouraging all member companies to host local FPA FlexImpact activities at their own facilities during the same week as the conference. This decentralized model is designed to scale the program’s positive impact across the country, reinforcing the industry’s unified commitment to the SDGs.

Strategic Vision and Governance

According to Dan Felton, President and CEO of the FPA, the initiative positions the industry to “lead by example, demonstrating our industry’s dedication to responsible material management, community engagement, and a cleaner planet.”

FPA FlexImpact is an initiative of the FPA’s Environmental, Health, and Safety Committee. Its strategic aims are to:

• Inspire broad participation and collaboration across all segments of the industry.
• Raise awareness of how sustainability and social responsibility are integral to the flexible packaging sector.
• Highlight the industry’s role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Participation and Engagement Protocols

Event Registration and Resource Inquiries

Procedures for participation have been established for interested parties.

• New Orleans Event Registration: Companies can register for the event by sending an email to FPA@FlexPack.org with the subject line “Register for FPA FlexImpact.”
• Local Activity Hosting: Members interested in hosting a local event can contact Kyla Fisher at kfisher@FlexPack.org to obtain planning resources and promotional materials.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article highlights the FPA FlexImpact initiative, which focuses on bringing the flexible packaging industry together in “service to local communities.” This goal is directly addressed through the aim to create “visible, positive change nationwide” and “positive community impact,” which aligns with making communities more sustainable and inclusive.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  This SDG is central to the article’s theme. The initiative reinforces the FPA’s “ongoing commitment to sustainability” and “environmental stewardship.” The statement by the FPA’s president about the industry’s “dedication to responsible material management” and working towards a “cleaner planet” directly connects to the principles of responsible production patterns.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The initiative is built on the principle of partnership. The article states that FPA FlexImpact “brings the flexible packaging industry together” and emphasizes “collaboration” and “collective action.” By encouraging member companies to host local activities and work together, the initiative exemplifies the multi-stakeholder partnerships needed to achieve sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities

  The initiative’s focus on “responsible material management” and creating a “cleaner planet” through community service events directly relates to reducing the environmental impact within communities, particularly concerning waste generated by packaging materials.

• Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation

  The article mentions that the inaugural event is sponsored by the “Flexible Film Recycling Alliance,” and the FPA president emphasizes “responsible material management.” This points towards efforts within the industry to address waste through better management and recycling, which is the core of this target.

• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective partnerships

  The entire FPA FlexImpact initiative is a model of this target. It is designed to “bring together industry professionals,” inspire “collaboration across all segments of the industry,” and amplify its reach by having “member companies to host local activities,” showcasing a unified industry partnership for social and environmental goals.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Implied Indicator for Target 11.6 and 12.5:

  The article does not provide quantitative data but implies indicators for measuring engagement and action. Progress can be measured by:

  • The number of community service events focused on environmental stewardship and material management held by the FPA and its member companies.
  • The number of industry professionals participating in these events.

• Implied Indicator for Target 17.17:

  The success of the partnership can be measured by tracking the level of industry participation. The article implies the following indicators:

  • The number of FPA member companies that register for the New Orleans event.
  • The number of member companies that commit to hosting a local FPA FlexImpact activity at their own facilities.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: provisioneronline.com