As part of TLMI’s extensive committee group, the Regulatory Affairs Committee (RAC) keeps members informed about crucial legislation and regulations affecting the label and package printing industry. RAC, which is chaired by Flexo Wash’s Patrick Potter, Flexcon’s Catherine Heckman, and Brook + Whittle’s Tyler Matusevich, focuses on key issues like EPR and recycling requirements.

Most recently, RAC gathered at the TLMI Committee Summit to chart the industry’s future in 2025. Bryan Vickers, TLMI’s consultant from Washington, DC-based Pace, delivered an in-depth overview on a wide range of relevant topics. During the meeting, RAC covered: Paperboard and laminate imports into the US;  Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR);  Direct Thermal Task Force, including progress and activity; PROP 65 regulations and what’s anticipated to come in the future; business and similar tax code expirations; emissions reporting schemes (Scope 1, 2 & 3); and a regulatory outlook for 2025.

“The TLMI Regulatory Affairs Committee plays a vital role in supporting TLMI members by addressing regulatory and legislative issues that impact the label and packaging industry,” explains Potter. “This committee serves as a resource and advocate for TLMI members, helping them navigate the complexities of compliance, policy changes, and industry standards.”

Beyond the work accomplished at the Committee Summit, RAC provides updates throughout the year that keeps members updated on regulatory information as it happens.

“In addition to our quarterly TLMI member updates, RAC hosts up to four webinars per year,” says Heckman. “The topics are chosen by popular demand and depend upon the wants and needs of our membership. In 2025, RAC is planning to host at least three webinars on subjects that include Prop 65, Extended Producer Responsibility, and either tax/trade issues or OSHA/EHS regulatory issues.”

RAC aims to support converter and suppliers members with services and resources that are often unavailable to companies. “Many of our converter and supplier members do not have their own regulatory affairs department leading their efforts in this area,” notes Matusevich. “This means that the TLMI RAC becomes an extension of their company, advising them on regulatory and legislative issues that could affect their businesses. This allows our members to be proactive on issues rather than reactive when it is too late. Many of the issues we follow and act upon are brought to our attention by members of the RAC.  Many times these issues are too large to address on your own, but as an association we can gather information and act – if needed – as one.”

RAC encourages TLMI members to get involved with its efforts. Additionally, all committees welcome volunteers. In the future, members can join the association at the Committee Summit to sit in on multiple sessions to see where their efforts can best be directed.

“The TLMI Committee Summit is the place where a lot of the work of the association is done and plans are made for the coming year,” says Potter. “There is a wonderful cross-section of supplier and converter members working together on common goals. It is great at the end when everyone is brought back together, and information is shared so the work can be coordinated.”