The Returnable Pallet and Container Assoc. has changed its name to reflect a new focus on entire packaging systems.

The Returnable Pallet and Container Coalition has changed its name. The group is now officially known as the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA).

With the name change comes a new logo and a new website, www.choosereusables.org.

According to the association, the new name reflects a shift in focus from promoting specific products like pallets and containers to promoting reusable packaging systems as a whole.

The RPA offers membership to companies who make reusable packaging as well as to end users of that packaging. Association president Fred Heptinstall says the RPA offers a variety of benefits to end-user members, including educational opportunities, access to useful research and opportunities to learn and share best practices.

Education

The biggest educational opportunity the RPA offers, says Heptinstall, is an annual education forum. This year's forum is planned for September and will be a joint event with StopWaste.org

Research

End-user members have access to RPA research, says Heptinstall, and can help set the association's research agenda. Recent studies have focused on

• fire risk associated with plastic containers,
• the environmental impact of switching to reusable plastic containers,
• tax issues related to reusables, and
• using RFID to track reusables.

Best practices

RPA has prepared economic analysis models to help users choose the best packaging systems, says Heptinstall. But perhaps the best way RPA helps members share best practices, he says, is through meetings and events that allow members to network with one another.