Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Board Appointed [March 10, 2014, News Release]

Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Final Rule. Docket Number: AMS-FV-11-0069-PR-A1. EFFECTIVE: January 23, 2014. [Notice] [News Release]

Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Proposed Rule and Referendum Order. Docket Number: AMS-FV-11-0069-PR-A1. EFFECTIVE: September 16, 2013. Voting Period: October 28, 2013 – November 8, 2013 [Notice] [Final Referendum Procedures]

Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Proposed Rule. Docket Number: AMS-FV-11-0069-PR-A1. EFFECTIVE: January 2, 2013. Comment Period: January 2, 2013-March 4, 2013 [Notice] [Proposed Referendum Procedures] [News Release]

The Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Panel (Panel), a group of 14 industry members that was formed in May 2010 to oversee development of the program, submitted a proposal to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for a national research and promotion program covering domestic manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging. AMS conducted a referendum from October 28, 2013 to November 8, 2013. The program was approved by 85 percent of those voting, representing 95 percent of the volume of paper and paper-based packaging represented in the referendum.

The Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research and Information Order (Order) [7 CFR Part 1222] is authorized under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (1996 Act) [7 U.S.C. 7411-7425]. The Order became effective January 23, 2014; one day after the final rule to implement the program was published in the Federal Register. Assessment collection under the program began on March 1, 2014. The first Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Board (Board) was appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture in March 2014, and held their first meeting in New York, New York in March 2014.

The program is financed by an assessment on domestic manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging and administered by the Paper and Packaging Board (Board) with oversight by AMS. The program covers four industry segments: printing and writing (except for newsprint); kraft packaging paper (used for products such as grocery bags and sacks); containerboard (used to make shipping containers and related products); and paperboard (used for food and beverage packaging, tubes, and other miscellaneous products). The program excludes carbonless paper. The program will be funded by a mandatory assessment of 35 cents per short ton paid by domestic manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging. Domestic manufacturers and importers of less than 100,000 short tons of paper and paper-based packaging per year are exempt from paying assessments. The Board’s FY-15 budget is approximately $25 million.

The Board is composed of 12 members appointed by the Secretary. Of the 12 member seats, the Board consists of 11 manufacturers, including 10 members from four regions, 1 at-large member from any region, and 1 importer. The 10 domestic manufacturer seats are allocated as follows: 6 members from the South, 1 member from the Northeast, 2 members from the Midwest, and 1 member from the West. The at-large manufacturer member may be from any region and must manufacture at least 100,000 short tons but no more than 250,000 short tons of paper and paper-based packaging annually. If there are no eligible nominees, this seat will be allocated to the largest producing region, the South. To be eligible to serve, nominees must manufacture or import 100,000 short tons or more of paper and paper-based packaging annually. The Board’s composition may change periodically to reflect geographic shifts in volume.

The Board is headquartered in McLean, VA.

For R&P programs to be successful in leading and advancing American agriculture, it is essential that their board members reflect the full diversity of American agriculture.

Read the blog – Hearing First Hand How Diversity Matters

View a short video featuring representatives from the National Mango Board, National Dairy Board, National Pork Board, National Watermelon Board, and the Cotton Board.