In the realm of consumer packaged goods (CPG), several key issues demand attention. These include sustainable packaging, recycling system improvements, supply chain challenges, trade tribulations, and smart regulations. CBA’s new CEO, David Chavern, offers insights into how CBA and the CPG industry are approaching these matters, along with potential solutions and the avoidance of unintended consequences. Chavern also discusses his vision for the industry and trade group’s future trajectory, drawing on his past experiences to shape a brighter future.
Chavern’s extensive background at the US Chamber of Commerce and the News Media Alliance prepared him well for his role at CBA. His previous positions encompassed technology and innovation, and he gained valuable insights into balancing diverse member interests. Chavern underscores the significance of the industry and its impact on consumers—an industry that dominates domestic manufacturing. With an astonishing 2 million consumers using CBA member products daily, the industry’s ubiquity signals its importance to both consumers and the economy.
As Chavern assumed leadership at CBA, significant changes began to materialize within the CPG industry as companies recalibrate their post-pandemic strategies. Core values and priorities, perhaps overlooked during the height of the pandemic, are now receiving renewed attention. CBA, in response, aims to refocus on industry growth and challenges. Enabling extensive recycling capabilities across the country and supporting member sustainability goals, such as reducing packaging impact, are among CBA’s top priorities. The challenge lies in the highly fragmented US recycling system, necessitating investments in local municipal systems for improved mechanical and chemical recycling.
To address these challenges, Chavern and industry advocates are championing extended producer responsibility (ERP) to support recycling system investments. CBA has collaborated with the industry to establish guiding principles for effective ERP. These principles focus on improving recycling systems, dedicating funds raised through ERP to recycling improvements, basing change on accurate data and science, and avoiding fund replacement or supplantation. Additionally, CBA seeks consumer education enhancement through Smart Label QR codes to boost recycling awareness.
Beyond recycling, CBA supports member companies embracing regenerative agriculture to enhance sustainability for both their businesses and the industry at large.
Alongside sustainability efforts, CBA intends to tackle lingering supply chain challenges and potential trade complications, such as a proposed tariff on tin plate steel. Resolving port delays and safeguarding against increased costs of canned food due to limited domestic supply are key goals for CBA.
CBA also maintains a comprehensive regulatory agenda, focusing on shaping “smart” changes to oversight and packaging, including labeling. Facilitating the creation of a single human foods program, implementing front-of-pack labels to enhance consumer nutrition comprehension, and partaking in FDA and FTC reviews are some of the initiatives CBA is actively engaged in.
Moreover, CBA aims to communicate the broader narrative surrounding the impact of packaged foods on daily lives, the economy, and geo-politics. By highlighting the intricate processes and investments involved in delivering high-quality products from farms to consumers’ homes, CBA endeavors to educate and inform stakeholders about the industry’s multifaceted significance.
In summary, CBA’s CEO David Chavern, alongside the CPG industry, is committed to addressing sustainability, supply chain challenges, trade complications, and regulatory improvements. Their collective focus ensures a more sustainable and informed future for the consumer packaged goods landscape.