What We Do
Legislative Advocacy
CPP actively monitors and engages on state and federal legislation affecting protein packaging and food-contact materials.
Regulatory Engagement
We work with regulators and policymakers to promote practical, science-based approaches to packaging regulations.
Intelligence & Monitoring
Members receive updates and analysis on emerging legislative and regulatory developments that could affect their business.
Industry Representation
CPP provides a unified voice for protein packaging stakeholders, ensuring the industry’s perspective is represented in key policy discussions.
Coalition Building
We bring together manufacturers, suppliers, converters, recyclers, academia, ENGOs, and agri-think tanks to address shared challenges and opportunities.
Why Our Work Matters
Our members face varying amounts of regulatory mandates. CPP acts as a bridge to convene the entire value chain to educate and advocate for our packaging.
EPR legislation, packaging bans and restrictions, chemical reporting requirements, sustainability mandates, and various state and federal regulations can all have significant operational and financial impacts across the protein supply chain. CPP ensures that policymakers understand the essential role protein packaging plays in food safety, product integrity, and sustainability before regulations are enacted.
The Essential Role of Protein Packaging
Critical to Food Safety and Public Health
CPP actively monitors and engages on state and federal legislation affecting protein packaging and food-contact materials.
Complex Safety Requirements
Protein packaging must prevent pathogen transfer—a risk not present in most other food categories. This requires more sophisticated materials and handling, making it fundamentally different from typical recyclable packaging.
Worker Safety and Recycling System Integrity
Used protein packaging may harbor harmful bacteria. Introducing these materials into current recycling systems—without robust decontamination—poses health risks to workers and devalues clean, recyclable materials.
Essential for Nutritional Security
Just as medicines are vital to well-being, protein is essential for human health. Proper packaging ensures its safe delivery to consumers, preserving quality while preventing contamination and waste.
Impact on Vulnerable Communities
For families with limited grocery access, packaging that extends shelf life is crucial. Restrictive regulations could increase food insecurity for low-income households, who already spend a disproportionate amount of income on food.
Environmental Considerations
Reducing food waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon footprint of food is often 100 times greater than the packaging that protects it. Effective packaging is a key tool in minimizing food waste at retail and in the home.
Protecting Food Safety Through Smart Packaging Policy
CPP successfully advocated for the inclusion of federal preemption language (USDA and FDA) in the redrafted SB 54 regulations. The resulting regulatory language provides a full categorical exclusion for protein packaging, representing the strongest EPR protection secured nationally for this critical material category.
CPP secured a temporary five-year exclusion from EPR requirements. As a result, companies shipping products into Maryland may continue using their current, optimized protein packaging without incurring costly changes to packaging or equipment.
CPP obtained a full exemption from EPR requirements for flexible raw meat packaging. Processors shipping products into Washington are therefore not required to report on, or pay fees associated with, flexible packaging.
You’re in good company!
Benefits of Membership
Stay Ahead of Regulatory Change
Receive timely updates on legislation and regulations before they impact your business.
Influence Policy Outcomes
Help shape industry positions and advocacy efforts that affect protein packaging manufacturers and suppliers.
Protect Your Business
Gain access to insights, analysis, and expertise that support informed business decisions.
Strengthen Industry Voice
Join with peers to create a stronger, more effective presence in legislative and regulatory discussions.
Build Strategic Relationships
Connect with industry leaders and stakeholders who share common policy and business objectives.
Who Should Join
CPP membership is designed for organizations involved in the protein packaging ecosystem, including:
Curious about what CPP can do for you?
Interested in learning more about CPP?
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For media inquiries or more information, contact:
Erin Hass
Senior Director, Strategic Alliances
Plastics Industry Association
