Pack Expo: RPA to offer educational series

The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) is offering a comprehensive educational series at Pack Expo, presenting six sessions on topics ranging from intelligent shipping to driving measurable environmental results with reusable packaging.

“The sessions offer content and best practices for those who are new to the concept of reusables as well as for veteran users who want to increase their return on their investment,” said Jerry Welcome, President, RPA.

In addition to the sessions, the RPA is hosting its Reusable Packaging Pavilion which will include the largest number of exhibitors to date: 26. The exhibitors include manufacturers, material suppliers, providers of washing and other specialty equipment, and poolers and service providers of reusable packaging systems and solutions.

Reusable Packaging Association PACK EXPO Conference Sessions
Driving Measurable Environmental Results with Reusable Packaging
As companies drive sustainability and efficiency, they scrutinize their entire supply chain for opportunities to reduce their environmental impact. In this session, attendees will learn how to analyze their system to accurately compare and evaluate packaging options, and learn best practices in reporting and measuring the environmental impact of reusable packaging.

The Impacts of Reusable Packaging on Community Sustainability and Waste Reduction Programs
Attendees will learn how Alameda County’s StopWaste program has helped area businesses make the switch to reusable packaging solutions, benefiting the community and making a positive contribution to the Bay Area’s environmental sustainability efforts.

Optimize Your Sustainability Efforts through a Reverse Logistics Center Model
The presentation will outline the sustainability benefits and business opportunities when utilizing a reusable transport packaging program through reverse logistics centers. Topics include how reusable asset tracking and waste stream management can increase overall supply chain efficiencies and translates into financial savings and revenue generation.

Implementing HACCP and GFSI with Sustainability
Reusable packaging allows for automation and the ability to capture information required for HACCP programs. The linking and sharing of supplier and end-user data is necessary to monitor product quality in the container throughout all stages of the supply chain. Increased government regulations will soon force a product assurance mandate. This session will explain HACCP and GFSI certification processes and principles, as well as how to implement and maintain these quality plans. The presentation will include a firsthand customer account of what it’s like to implement these programs.

Returnable Container Selection Criteria
The content of the presentation will provide attendees with tools to make informed decisions regarding the type, size and density (parts per container) of returnable containers in their operations. The focus of the talk will be on determining the most effective container for an operation’s parameters, including operational constraints such as ergonomics, available storage space and space in the manufacturing operations, inventory policies, and operator efficiency.

Benefits of Intelligent Shipping
Lightweight pallet systems provide benefits such as weight reduction, uniformity, advanced technology, and increased food safety. With each weight savings, more fuel is saved and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced. Not only does this minimize the impact of the supply chain on the environment, it enables financial savings as well. A lighter pallet also means improved safety for workers and decreased work related injury cost. In addition, uniformity in a shipping platform equates into reduced and more accurate projection of shipping.

To register for the sessions, visit http://www.packexpo.com/pei2012/public/Content.aspx?ID=1830&sortMenu=104001&source=PacIns4

Reusable Packaging Pavilion Exhibitors:
Arrows Up Inc. - Booth 6828
CABKA – Booth 6715
CHEP – Booth 6827
Coroplast – Booth 6810
CTC Technologies – Booth 6803
Douglas Machine Corp. – Booth 6722
Fabri-Form Company – Booth 6802
Federal Supply Services – Booth 6928
Formall – Booth 6824
Girton Manufacturing Co., Inc – Booth 6725
IFCO Systems – Booth 6825
iGPS – Booth 6904
Millwood Inc – Booth 6713
Monoflo International – Booth 6703
ORBIS Corporation – Booth 6500
PECO Pallet – Booth 6710
Plastics Research Corporation – Booth 6925
Quick-Crate – Booth 6913
Rehrig Pacific – Booth 6700
Remcon Plastics, Inc – Booth 6727
Reusable Packaging Association – Booth 6915
Reusable Transport Packaging Inc. – Booth 6728
Technology Container Corp – Booth 6923
The Kennedy Group – Booth 6702
Trienda Lexington Logistics – Booth 6709
Worldwide Foam Ltd. – Booth 6724