PPC brings together Canadian folding carton manufacturers with bold new initiatives

With the latest meeting of the U.S.-based Paperboard Packaging Council’s (PPC) Canadian Committee during its recent Spring Conference in Miami, Florida, the association has deepened its efforts to address Canadian-specific manufacturing and regulatory issues, build relevant programs and increase the organization’s Canadian membership. Comprised of a number of Canada-based folding carton manufacturers, PPC’s Canadian Committee was formed in November of 2014 to promote the Canadian folding carton market by engaging members in topics regarding legislation, sustainability, best practices and industry data. The committee’s most recent meeting focused on Canadian-specific additions to PPC’s industry exclusive folding carton data reporting.

In 2015, with the help of the committee, PPC included a Canadian folding carton market forecast for the first time in its Trends Report, which is prepared by RISI. The 2016 Trends Report will feature a significantly expanded Canadian forecast. PPC also offers a Canadian Wage Survey, which allows participants to benchmark compensation levels against other Canadian converters, and the Canadian Market Flash report, which gives participants a snapshot of the state of the Canadian economy.
“PPC’s Canadian committee has provided a platform for me to discuss key issues with other converters in similar situations,” said Charles Parlagreco, Chair of PPC’s Canadian Committee and President of Concord-Ontario-based Astro Box. “As a part of this group, we’re contributing to and gaining value from this vital resource for all Canadian folding carton manufacturers.”

In addition to discussing data reporting, the Canadian Committee has also delved into regional and legislative issues such as changes in British Columbia’s extended producer responsibility laws. The committee aims to form strategic alliances with other industry associations and organizations, and also works to build Canadian membership in PPC so as to add new perspectives and resources that will maximize value for all. “The Canadian committee is just one example of PPC’s many special interest groups,” said Ben Markens, PPC President. “While PPC represents the North American folding carton industry as a whole, we’re also dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our membership.”
Now in its 87th year, PPC is the leading industry association serving suppliers and converters of all forms of paperboard packaging. PPC works to grow, promote and protect the paperboard packaging industry while providing its members with resources and tools to compete effectively and successfully in the marketplace.
(Editor’s note: It’s important industry associations like this whose efforts are not publicized nearly enough. I’d like to personally thank the PPC for helping Canadian businesses in this key industry sector. This magazine appreciates the involvement of all such helpful associations and organizations and welcomes their input and news items, which in most cases are published immediately on this website).