On July 16, 2018, representatives from Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) member companies took part in a U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee Roundtable Hearing titled, “Examining the Effect of Tariffs on Wisconsin Businesses.”

The event, held in Milwaukee, WI, highlighted the significant impact of the Administration’s tariffs. While the Roundtable focused on companies in Wisconsin, the stories of FPA member companies in Wisconsin echo the impacts on our member companies across the country.

American Packaging Corporation, Bemis Company, Inc., and ProAmpac submitted information to Senator Johnson, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, on the negative impacts of these tariffs, particularly with regard to aluminum foil, including substantially higher prices, both foreign and domestic; lower quantities available; job loss due to production moving out of the U.S.; and foreign suppliers’ cost advantage. Senator Johnson requested that Donald Dewar, Corporate Purchasing Manager for American Packaging Corporation, speak directly about the effects on its business at the Roundtable.

Alison Keane, President and CEO of FPA stated, “We applaud Senator Johnson’s continued efforts to focus on the consequences of the Administration’s trade policies, particularly the tariffs on aluminum and steel and the negative effects they are having on manufacturers of flexible packaging, our suppliers, and across the broader U.S. economy.”

FPA has many member companies directly affected by these tariffs. U.S. end-users of the aluminum foil that is covered by these tariffs are “converters,” which coat, laminate, or print aluminum foil to make flexible packaging. This flexible packaging is then used for a variety of purposes, including everyday food and beverage products such as candies and chips; yogurt; and pouch drinks, as well as health and beauty items and pharmaceuticals.

Aluminum foil is also used by the flexible packaging industry for medical device packaging to ensure that the products packaged, such as absorbable sutures, human tissue, and artificial joints, maintain their efficacy at the time of use. Even pet food and treats use this substrate to deliver fresh and healthy meals to a variety of animals.

For More Information

For more information regarding the Roundtable Hearing, contact FPA at fpa@flexpack.org or 410-694-0800.