The paper R&P program operates as the Paper & Packaging Board. The program's purpose is to maintain and expand existing markets and develop new markets for paper and paper-based packaging. The program is financed by an assessment on domestic manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging. It is administered by the Paper and Packaging Board (Board) with AMS oversight.
The program covers four industry segments: printing and writing (except for newsprint); kraft packaging paper (used for products such as grocery bags and sacks); containerboard (used to make shipping containers and related products); and paperboard (used for food and beverage packaging, tubes, and other miscellaneous products). The program excludes carbonless paper.
The program is funded by a mandatory assessment of 35 cents per short ton paid by domestic manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging. Domestic manufacturers and importers of less than 100,000 short tons of paper and paper-based packaging per year are exempt from paying assessments.
In January 2014, AMS issued the Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research and Information Order, which created the program under the authority of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (pdf).View Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research and Information Order Federal Register History.
Organizational Structure
Today, the Board has eight members consisting of seven paper manufacturers (four from the South region and three from other parts of the U.S.) and one importer.
To be eligible to serve, nominees must manufacture or import 100,000 short tons or more of paper and paper-based packaging annually. The Board’s composition may change periodically to reflect geographic shifts in volume. The Board is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. You can access a listing of current Board members and alternates on the Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Board roster.
AMS Policy on Board Diversity: AMS policy is that the diversity of the board should reflect the diversity of their industries in experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other distinguishing factors that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. When submitting nominations, the industry must consider the diversity of the population served and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the members to serve a diverse population.
Visit the Paper & Packaging Board’s Web Site
Organic Assessment Exemption
R&P programs allow persons that produce, handle, market, process, manufacture, feed or import “organic” and “100 percent organic” products to be exempt from paying assessments regardless of whether they are a “split” operation.
Contacts
Director: Michelle Sharrow
Email: Michelle.Sharrow@usda.gov
Phone: (202) 720-8085
Deputy Director: Sue Coleman
Email: Sue.Coleman@usda.gov
Phone: (202) 378-2569
Branch Chief: Alexandra Caryl
Email: Alexandra.Caryl@usda.gov
Phone: (202) 720-8085