The President’s Perspective: Lynn Dyer | Spring 2026

As our 2026 Annual Summit approaches in just a few weeks, I’m reminded that one of AMERIPEN’s greatest strengths is our ability to bring together voices from across the packaging value chain to engage in meaningful, solutions-oriented conversations about the future of packaging policy.

Those conversations have never been more important.

Packaging policy is accelerating at both the state and federal levels. New legislation is emerging across the country, policymakers are seeking guidance on increasingly complex issues, and expectations around packaging continue to evolve. In this environment, AMERIPEN is not standing still. We are expanding our advocacy efforts to ensure the packaging value chain has a stronger voice, deeper engagement, and a more influential presence in the policy discussions shaping our industry.

That expansion is taking place across multiple fronts.

Earlier this year, we launched AMERIPEN’s new Chemicals in Packaging Working Group, bringing together representatives from across the packaging value chain to address growing legislative and regulatory activity related to chemicals used in packaging. From PFAS and “toxics in packaging” proposals to broader conversations on food-contact materials and chemical disclosure requirements, this working group enables AMERIPEN to engage subject-matter experts from member organizations to inform advocacy, education, and policy development in a rapidly evolving area.

We are also strengthening our role in discussions and implementation efforts on extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy nationwide. Danielle’s appointments to Washington’s Recycling Reform Act Advisory Council and Hawaii’s needs assessment advisory council ensure AMERIPEN has a direct voice in critical implementation conversations. At the same time, the recent work of AMERIPEN consultants Andy Hackman in New York and Gregory Melkonian in Minnesota continues to position AMERIPEN at the center of key EPR developments across the country.

At the federal level, AMERIPEN is increasingly engaged in advancing the PACK Act, which would establish a national framework through the Federal Trade Commission for recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims on packaging. By replacing the growing patchwork of state-by-state requirements with a more consistent federal approach, the PACK Act would help reduce confusion for both consumers and businesses while supporting more informed end-of-life management of packaging materials. Thanks to the efforts of AMERIPEN staff and consultants Mark Bescher and Shannon Campagna, the legislation is now bipartisan and has secured ten co-sponsors, an important milestone as momentum continues to build.  

Our advocacy efforts are also expanding beyond traditional legislative engagement. This year, AMERIPEN has continued building relationships with policymakers and policy influencers through organizations such as the National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Lieutenant Governors Association. Earlier this year, I also had the opportunity to participate in a Women in Government webinar focused on food packaging and recycling, helping bring balanced, fact-based packaging perspectives into broader policy conversations.

At the same time, we are continuing to invest in tools and resources that support informed policymaking. Our expanded Policy section on the AMERIPEN website, alongside ongoing alignment with the Power of Packaging™ platform, is helping make credible, accessible information available not only to members but also to policymakers, regulators, media, and other stakeholders seeking a deeper understanding of packaging systems and policy. 

And because effective advocacy depends on credible data, we are updating AMERIPEN’s Packaging Industry Economic Impact Report, last completed in 2021. The updated study will provide new national and state-level insights into jobs, wages, economic activity, and tax contributions tied to the packaging industry, strengthening our ability to communicate the industry’s economic significance in policy discussions.

Expanding our advocacy efforts is not simply about increasing visibility. It is about ensuring packaging policy is informed by practical experience, sound science, and a full understanding of the essential role packaging plays in everyday life.

That work requires engagement across the entire packaging value chain, and it is only possible because of the expertise, collaboration, and commitment of this membership. Thank you for continuing to be part of these important conversations and for helping strengthen AMERIPEN’s collective voice as we advocate for smarter, more effective packaging policy.

With gratitude, 
Lynn Dyer