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The trade association for UK foodservice packaging

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Welcome to the FPA

The FPA is the representative voice of the UK foodservice packaging sector, covering all points of the supply chain from manufacture through to disposal.

The foodservice packaging industry covers products used for the service or packaging of prepared foods and drinks in eat-in or takeaway foodservice establishments – and increasingly for home delivery. It exists to fulfil a consumer need for convenience, to enable people to enjoy food and drink on the go, at work, or in the home.

Any packaging containing food must be produced in a sterile environment to strict food contact regulations. The packaging helps to keep the contents fresh, hygenic, and safe from contaminants, and is also designed to be cost effective, lightweight and easy to store. It includes:

Hot and cold beverage cups

Beverage carriers

 

Containers and lids

Bags (single service and takeaway)

Plates

Cutlery, stirrers, straws and utensils

Ice cream and soup cups

Trays

Cling film and aluminium foil

Labels (used front or back of house)

Ancillaries e.g. napkins and sachets

Circular Economy FPA

Contributing to the circular economy

FPA members fully endorse programmes to encourage the increased collection and recycling of foodservice packaging and recognise the value to the economy of recovering and reusing foodservice packaging.

Foodservice packaging is largely, but not exclusively, made from recyclable paper, card, aluminium and plastic.

Aluminium, glass, paper and cardboard – including regular paper cups – are widely recycled in the UK through kerbside, retail take-back, bring back facilities, on-the-go and workplace collections. Paper supplied to manufacture packaging products in the UK is sustainably sourced from renewable resources.

Who are our members?

Our members are drawn from across the supply chain, including raw materials suppliers, manufacturers and converters, single and multi-site distributors and wholesalers, foodservice and hospitality operators, buying goups, retail brands, and waste collectors, processors and recyclers.

Our aim is to ensure our members are:
Better Represented-1

Better represented

We represent the interests of our members at the highest levels in government, and collaborate with other trade bodies and relevant NGOs to extend our voice. We regularly brief relevant government stakeholder groups and committees on topics of importance to our sector. 

Learn more
Better Informed-1

Better informed

Each week we keep our members up to date with the latest industry news and policy via our FPA Friday Digest. We also hold Regional Roadshows, host webinars on key topics, advise re consultations, and issue guidance on regulatory issues. 

Sign up to the FPA Digest
Better Networked-1

Better networked

Members have exclusive access to FPA events – such as the annual Environment Summit, Golf and Activities Day and the FPA Exhibition and Awards Ceremony – where members can invite clients and suppliers and network with other FPA members.

Explore our events

We collaborate with ...

The foodservice packaging industry is broad and the legislation impacting on businesses within it is far-reaching. By collaborating with government departments, agencies, and other trade associations, we ensure our members' voices are amplified.  

UK Government
HM Government
Scottish Government
Welsh Government
Northern Ireland Executive
Defra
Environment Agency
HoC Environmental Audit Committee
Westminster Food and Nutrition Forum
ASA
CMA
FERA
UKHospitality
Renewable Energy Association
Compostable Coalition
WRAP
Incpen
OPRL
BPF
Packaging Federation
National Cup Recycling Scheme
Paper Cup Recovery & Recycling Group
UK Plastics Pact
Packaging Innovations
Keep Britain Tidy
British Takeaway Campaign-1
Clean Up Britain-1
Voice of the Future

... and champion good practice

FPA-2024-environmental waste-social-no logo]

Creating a level playing field

FPA members fully endorse programmes to encourage the increased collection and recycling of foodservice packaging. Members also agree to abide by the FPA's Code of Practice, which requires them to adhere to rules, regulations and legislation. 

The FPA is committed to upholding the integrity of the foodservice packaging industry. Members agree to abide by the FPA's Code of Practice, which requires them to adhere to rules, regulations and legislation and the association's independent compliance procedure provides FPA members with the opportunity to hold non-compliant businesses to account. 

Learn more about our Compliance Team

FAQs

What type of organisations qualify for FPA membership?
We consider membership applications from companies in the business of manufacturing products in large quantities in their own factories (manufacturers must own the factory not just the tooling); from multiple companies under one FPA member parent company; from single or multi-site distributors, and from affiliates closely connected to the foodservice packaging industry.
What is the process?
Firstly, use the link in the banner at the bottom of this page to express your interest in becoming an FPA member. If you represent a business, our Regulatory and Compliance Committee will then review your company's website to ensure compliance with current legislation. You will then be invited to complete a formal application form. Our membership is informed of the application and have two weeks in which to raise any concerns. When this period expires we let you know the outcome of your application.T
Can individuals apply?
Yes, we offer affiliate membership for individuals connected to the foodservice packaging industry.

Join the FPA

The Foodservice Packaging Association represents the interests of its members at all levels and works hard to ensure its members are better represented, better informed and better connected.

Interested in joining the FPA?

Apply for membership today