Reconditioning Industrial Packaging (Metal and Plastic) and its Environmental Impacts as Compared with Newly Manufactured

For nearly three-quarters of a century, the Reusable Industrial Packaging Association (RIPA) has been thetrade association representing North American reconditioners, manufacturers and distributors of reusableindustrial packaging. RIPA represents over 90% of the industrial packaging reconditioning industry in NorthAmerica including many of the world’s leading manufacturers of steel, plastic and fiber drums, as well asintermediate bulk containers. The RIPA membership also includes many of the leading suppliers ofpackaging parts and accessories.As a condition of membership, all RIPA members agree to conform to a Code of Operating Practice, whichsets forth specific guiding principles for operations, packaging reuse and recycling. These guidelines areintended to improve the industry’s performance in the areas of regulatory compliance, environmentalmanagement, waste reduction and recycling.RIPA is the industry’s information clearinghouse. The association sponsors workshops and meetings thatprovide information about issues of importance to the industry’s wellbeing and continued success. Thegroup’s Annual Conference, Technical Conference and compliance workshops help ensure that membersunderstand key issues affecting their businesses, and can learn about technical and business developments.The association publishes an industry newsletter, “Reusable Packaging Today,” and distributes SpecialBulletins on issues of immediate concern to members