Graphic Packaging International reaffirms its commitment to the sustainable consumer packaging industry through AF&PA membership.

The American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) welcomed a new class of leaders to its board of directors on Jan. 29. Robbert Rietbroek, president and CEO at Graphic Packaging International, was appointed to join the industry association that is elevating the voice of the U.S. paper and packaging industry and will shape the next era of sustainable forest products.

“We are pleased to welcome Robbert to the AF&PA Board,” said Heidi Brock, president and CEO of the AF&PA. “His contributions will be an asset as our advocacy efforts continue prioritizing policies that enhance industry competitiveness and sustainability. We appreciate him stepping into this important role.”

Graphic Packaging has been a member of the AF&PA since September 2007. Rietbroek will continue its longstanding role in amplifying this unified industry voice.

“Joining the AF&PA Board of Directors, I’m looking forward to advancing the issues important to our industry and the communities we serve,” said Robbert Rietbroek, President and CEO of Graphic Packaging. “We are advocating for practical solutions – improving recycling outcomes, strengthening sustainable forestry, and keeping U.S. manufacturing competitive – while continuing to innovate for our customers.”

Overview of AF&PA

The U.S. forest products industry manufactures essential, everyday products — such as paperboard packaging — from renewable resources. AF&PA helps this industry grow by advocating for public policies that: 

• Advance sustainable industry practices 

• Improve recycling of paper-based products 

• Strengthen U.S. forest sustainability and resiliency 

• Help transition the industry to renewable energy 

• Support industry competitiveness 

• Promote workforce safety 

AF&PA members are “the most trusted voice for essential U.S. pulp, paper, packaging and wood products manufacturers in our circular economy,” according to the organization’s website. These leaders represent about 87% of U.S. pulp, paper, paper-based packaging and tissue production capacity in the United States. 

Shaping the Paper and Packaging Industry

Trade associations like AF&PA are powerful outlets for influencing and staying abreast of emerging packaging trends, regulatory developments and customer needs. As an AF&PA member, Graphic Packaging: 

• Helps improve paper cup recycling acceptance. Graphic Packaging is collaborating with AF&PA and other industry groups to increase U.S. community access and recovery rates for paperboard and paper-based packaging materials. 

• Provides input on evolving packaging laws and regulations. Teams provide the company’s perspective and comments on changes that could impact employees, customers, suppliers and communities. 

• Supports industry-wide sustainability and safety commitments. AF&PA members’ collective commitments demonstrate the industry’s importance in the circular economy. 

• Collects innovation insights. These interactions supplement consumer research and customer feedback to inform the packaging innovation process at Graphic Packaging.  

• Verifies recycling criteria for paperboard packaging. AF&PA’s design guidance for recyclability helps teams evaluate the technical recyclability of products.  

 
The AF&PA is one of many industry associations Graphic Packaging supports to advance circular packaging.  

Read more about Graphic Packaging’s advocacy efforts in the 2024 Impact Report.