We’re continuing our 75th anniversary celebration for the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) with a spotlight on the 1980s. The industry experienced significant advancements during this decade, including the introduction of coextrusion technology, the expanded use of barrier films, and the growth of stand-up pouches. The FPA supported these developments by promoting collaboration among manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders.
The FPA’s enduring mission to support the growth and innovation of the flexible packaging industry has adapted to the evolving trends and challenges throughout the decade.
World Events
- 1981 – IBM introduces the personal computer; John Hinckley attempts to assassinate President Ronald Reagan; Prince Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer; Sandra Day O’Connor is named the first woman justice on the Supreme Court.
- 1983 – AIDS virus identified
- 1986 – Space shuttle Challenger explodes during launch; nuclear power plant disaster at Chernobyl
- 1989 – Citizens tear down the Berlin Wall
FPA Milestones
1981 – FPA headquarters relocated from Cleveland, OH to Vermont Avenue, NW, in downtown Washington, D.C., to be closer to key decision-makers and other influential organizations.
1981 – The Association published an informational pamphlet, “Packaging, Who Needs It?”. The brochure outlined the general benefits of packaging, with a particular focus on flexible packaging. It was presented in a question-and-answer format and addressed questions such as:
- What would happen to America without packaging?
- Does packaging waste energy?
- Does packaging cause solid waste problems?
- Is packaging an expensive luxury?
1985 – The Web Society is established to honor retired industry leaders for their years of service to the industry and the Association.
1986 – Glenn E. Braswell becomes the FPA President, and The Plastic Grocery Sack Council is formed. Led by Jeffrey Siebenaller, its primary role was to facilitate supermarkets’ transition to plastic grocery sacks. The full-scale public relations campaign, “Check out the Sack. It’s coming on Strong,” emphasized benefits such as lower operating, labor, storage, and transportation costs, as well as superior convenience, strength, and carrying ease for the consumer. The public relations kits were targeted at 100 trade media outlets, 600 general consumer media outlets, and government officials.
1988 – FPA sponsors the first government relations conference to help members successfully communicate with Congress.
Late 1980s – Flexible packaging is exempted from environmental legislation for recycling.
Want to see more milestones and industry innovations from the 1980s? Check out our interactive timeline here!
