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Some commonly asked questions about EFPA and answers to them.......
 
 

What are the Aims & Objectives of EFPA?

The Aims & Objectives  are laid out in a 10 point statement.  In summary, the Association aims to promote the advantages of food service articles and packaging products made of plastic, paper and other materials and to encourage greater use of them; to provide appropriate information and other value-added services to Members; and to represent the industry vis-à-vis the EU institutions.

What are EFPA's main activities?

The Association organises two Plenary meetings per year,  usually in the form of an afternoon and a morning session spread over two days.  These meetings carry out the official business of EFPA.  They also feature an informational seminar with outside speakers invited to address the group on topics of interest to the Membership.  There is a dinner on the evening of the first day and Members are encouraged to bring their partners if they so wish.

The Association runs a Regulatory Affairs Working Group which meets to monitor EU legislative issues and prepare actions where necessary. The Secretariat provides details of EFPA activities and other useful information including news about the industry to members. 

In addition, EFPA provides a number of other information services to Members about matters of importance to the sector (notably EU policy and legislation).  EFPA shares resources notably through its website thereby assisting members in defending food service and packaging products vis-à-vis local press and media or, indeed, regulatory authorities.

The EFPA website provides useful links to all member company websites. A product catalogue is envisaged which will assist visitors to the website in identifying suppliers of specific products. There are also links to the sites of other organisations dealing with packaging issues.

Where required the Association will conceive and initiate public affairs and information campaigns to protect the interests of the Membership, notably in coalition with other business associations working in the packaging, food, restaurant & catering, vending, material supply and related sectors.

An up-to-date Membership Directory is available on the EFPA website.
 

Who can join EFPA?

Membership of EFPA is open to anyone who endorses the Aims & Objectives of the Association.  However, it is primarily intended for companies active in the manufacture of food service articles and packaging products made of plastic, paper and other materials.  Each Member pays one fee and has one vote in official EFPA business through a designated representative who is generally an owner or main company board member, where possible.  Large industrial groups are entitled to hold up to three full memberships in EFPA.

How does a company apply for membership?

Initially, the company should write to the President via the Secretariat of EFPA requesting that its membership application be considered.  The letter should be accompanied by an Application for Membership form duly completed.

Are there different types of membership?

Yes, EFPA currently has two categories of membership.  A Full Member pays the annual membership fee, is entitled to vote in official EFPA business, may attend all EFPA meetings and receive all EFPA information materials etc.  A category of Observer Member is reserved for companies from larger industrial groups which have taken up 2 or 3 (max) Full Memberships;  persons so nominated may attend all EFPA meetings (on payment of a share in any meeting costs) and receive all EFPA information materials but have no vote in official EFPA business.

What is the procedure for dealing with a membership application?

Once a request for membership has been received it will be forwarded to the EFPA Board of Directors which will assess whether the applicant is eligible for membership.  Eligible candidates will then be presented to the entire EFPA membership for approval either at the next Plenary Meeting or by written procedure.

How much are the annual membership fees?

The annual membership fee for Full Members is euro 5160 in 2007 (fees for new Members joining during the year will be pro-rated). This covers Secretariat running costs, information services, and attendance at Plenary meetings for one designated representative (plus partner) per Full Member. There are no annual fees for Observer Members. Groups with European turnover > euro 100 million are required to name two Full Members and pay euro 10320 as an annual fee.

How long does membership last, what happens if we choose to resign?

Once elected to the Association, membership is for an undetermined period providing, of course, that annual membership fees are paid.  Companies wishing to resign must give notice at the latest on 30 June of the year preceding the year in which they wish to withdraw as a member.
 

What are the benefits of EFPA membership?
 

• access to a network of key people in the industry whom you will get to know on a personal basis;
• advance information about EU initiatives which may affect your company as well as news about developments at national level;
• the chance to participate in the process of establishing the policy and positions of EFPA regarding the food service and packaging sector vis-à-vis the regulatory authorities (notably the European Union institutions);
• various information services such as the Membership Directory and access to the Members Only sector of the Website; and,
• being part of the voice of the food service and packaging industry in Europe.

Click here to Apply for Membership
 

Where can we get more information?

Please contact the Secretary General, Eamonn Bates, in Brussels: 

Telephone:  (+32 2) 286 9496  
Telefax:  (+32 2) 286 9495  
E-mail:  efpa@eamonnbates.com

The EFPA Secretariat is managed by eamonn bates europe public affairs s.a. in Brussels.