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Membership

RPA is a membership-based non-profit global trade organization that includes companies participating in the supply, use, and service of a reusable transport packaging system involving products such as pallets, bulk bins, totes, trays, containers, racks, wraps, and dunnage. Regular members are businesses that process or supply raw materials; design, make and market transport packaging products and associated components; provide pooling and logistics services; use and handle the reusable packaging in processing, manufacturing, distribution and retail environments; and offer technology, automation, and handling services to the industry.

Qualifications for Membership

RPA defines a "reusable packaging product" as having the four characteristics listed below. If your company works with a packaging product that meets these characteristics, your company likely qualifies for RPA membership.

The reusable packaging product is:

  1. Designed and manufactured for durability and lasting repeatable use in its original or repaired condition over an extended period generally measured in years.
  2. Used in a managed system that ensures its post-use recovery, return and repositioning for continuous purpose.
  3. Intended for packaging source reduction and elimination of single-use or one-way solid waste generation.
  4. Never disposed of or sent to landfill following use, as effort is made to capture the inherent material value for another manufacture or purpose.

It is important to distinguish that a recyclable product or a product made from recycled materials is not necessarily reusable. Reusable products are repeatedly used in their existing form before they are recycled. Products made and intended for a single use destined for recycling are not reusable.

Why Join RPA?

For over two decades RPA has been working with member companies to represent and advance the business interests of the reusable transport packaging industry. Today, RPA is the global leader in advocating reusable packaging systems and managing programs for member collaboration on common industry objectives. Join RPA to engage with the reusable packaging industry, network with leading reuse experts and practitioners, build relationships with partners and customers, increase awareness on reuse strategies and tactics, promote your company and market reuse solutions, and contribute to a growing reuse economy.

Member Benefits

Exposure

Increase your company’s visibility with potential customers through RPA marketing and our online Member Directory, where hundreds of buyers each month search for suppliers.

Influence

Use the industry alliance to network, collaborate, create a better business climate, and tackle common challenges. Make your voice heard through committee participation, leadership positions, and speaking opportunities.

Recognition

Exhibit your products and services inside the RPA Pavilions at major trade shows, use RPA’s communication outlets
and education venues to promote your company’s news and views, and identify with the RPA brand as a trusted and reliable supplier.

Access

Leverage members only information, forums and tools for greater industry engagement and resources for your business.



MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

Regular Members:
Companies or Organizations

Supplier Businesses

A company that processes or supplies raw
materials; designs, makes or markets reusable
packaging products or associated
components; provides pooling or logistics
services; or offers technology, automation, or
handling equipment or services to the
industry.

Primary (End) Users

A company or organization that receives and
handles owned or leased reusable packaging
products in an operating use environment for
the packing and distribution of commercial
goods.

Industry Advocates

Organizations such as universities, consulting
firms, and non governmental interest groups
that contribute to the promotion or education
of reusable packaging systems.

Individuals:
Professionals or Students

Reuse Leaders

Individuals interested in reusable packaging
systems or markets in either B2B or B2C
applications, including entrepreneurs,
sustainability professionals, consultants,
investors, advisors, and packaging engineers,
for example.

Voting Privileges

Bylaws II(3): "All duespaying Regular Members of the Association shall be entitled to vote on all matters relating to the Association, including but not limited to the election of Elected Directors and the conduct of a major corporate event."

XX

Board of Directors Eligibility

Bylaws IV(4): "Only individuals employed by Regular Members may serve as Officers and Directors."

XXX

Committee Participation

Committees or workstreams assemble members for the purposes of a forum on common industry issues and collaborative projects for advancement of industry education or promotion.

XXXBy Invitation

Trade Show Pavilion Access

Partnered trade events hosting a dedicated exhibit space exclusive for members to take a booth and showcase their reusable packaging products and services, such as the Reusable Packaging Pavilion at PACK EXPO.

XXX

Trade Show Live Education

Participation as a sponsor, speaker, or panelist at an inperson or virtual education conference, such as the Reusable Packaging Learning Center at PACK EXPO.

XXXBy Invitation

Marketing and Media Promotion

Activities for the promotion of industry messaging and regular member companies through channels such as the Reusables Marketplace, Inner Loop blog, Reuse on Replay podcast, webinars, social media, and press MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES coverage.

XX

Excellence Award

Eligibility to apply and win the annual Excellence in Reusable Packaging Award celebrating a reuse system, design innovation, and product technology in the commercial marketplace.

XX

Reuse Leaders Education Webinars

Member-exclusive seminars featuring subject matter experts who share business insights and answer attendee questions.

XXXX

RPA Newsletter & Communications

Emailed communications of news and announcements on industry topics, association activities, and member opportunities.

XXXX

Members-Only Website Access

User account access to non-public files, association documents, and committee activities

XXX

Special Reports Access

Receipt of proprietary publications free of charge, such as the State of the Industry report and committee whitepapers

XXXX

RPA Events Invitation

Participation at
member events and activities, such as industry forums and networking receptions.

XXXX

Membership Categories

Regular Members

Companies that design, manufacture and market reusable packaging products; provide pooling or logistics services; provide technology or automation; and supply raw materials for production. Annual membership dues are based on annual reusable packaging industry sales:

< $10 million:  $3,750
$10 – $100 million:  $7,500
> $100 million:  $15,000

Primary (End) User Members

Companies and organizations that use rented or purchased reusable packaging products for the transportation of goods in supply chains (i.e. grower-shippers, consumer products companies, OEMs, retailers, etc.)

Annual dues are $500.

Industry Advocates

Nonprofit associations, government entities or academic institutions who’s work promotes or supports the use of reusable packaging solutions.

No annual dues.

Coming Soon in 2023: NEW membership category for individuals in either B2B or B2C reuse applications wanting a formal connection to RPA with insider benefits! Students with academic standing will be offered a complimentary individual membership. Stay tuned for more details about this opportunity for individuals to join RPA.

What to know more about RPA membership?

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