Several major U.S. corporations are forming a new packaging trade organization called Ameripen. Modeled after Europen Incpen, the European and British counterparts, respectively, the group says it will advocate packaging policy developments in North America focusing on measures that are environmentally and economically sound, as well as socially responsible.

According to a press release, the organization will “represent the interests of the industry which includes raw material producers, packaging manufacturers, packaging users and fillers, retailers and material recovery organizations.

The group says it has a material-neutral approach and will encourage science-based decision-making on sustainable packaging initiatives and provide a point-of-view and guidance to policy makers and thought leaders on the value and role of packaging.

Other corporate founders include: The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO), Colgate-Palmolive (NYE: CL), Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), ConAgra Foods (NYSE: CAG), The Dow Chemical Co. (NYSE: DOW), DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers, MeadWestvaco (NYSE: MWV), Sealed Air Corporation (NYSE: SEE) and Tetra Pak Inc.

“With the emergence of extended producer responsibility and other potential packaging legislation in the coming years, this is a critical time for our industry to offer a compelling voice,” says Gail Tavill, Ameripen vice president. “We’re committed to providing necessary expertise and insight to ensure sustainable management of packaging throughout its life cycle.”