What is WPA?

Background

The Western Packaging Association (WPA) was incorporated in 1949 to promote the packaging industry. Fifty years later, the Association is strong in its membership of over 200. The main focus of the Association is the support of packaging education through scholarships and funds directed to Packaging Programs in the West. WPA currently supports San Jose State University, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Portland area University Packaging Programs.

The Association is made up of two West Coast Chapters:

California Chapter
Pacific Northwest (Columbia) Chapter in Portland

The California Chapter meets quarterly for tours and events with SJSU and IoPP Golden Gate Chapter. The Columbia Chater meets monthly for luncheons and plants tours. Each chapter will host its Annual Golf Tournament this year.

The WPA is a non-profit organization (501(c) 6) operated by a volunteer board of directors elected annually by membership. WPA supports the WestPack Show in Anaheim through it sponsorship and promotion of the show. Our membership is made up of professionals in the packaging industry who wish to support packaging education and network with other professionals.

Our Mission

The Mission of this Association in the 21st Century is to promote and expand the packaging industry and
education programs in Western North America. The Association recognizes the importance of training and ongoing education. We also recognize the strengths of our members, their ability to mentor, and the need
for close relationships that allow our personal and professional growth to continue. Therefore, the association will accomplish its mission through the following means:

• Open exchange of ideas, experiences, and technologies
• Promotion of close relationships among its members through social events and networking
• Ongoing mentoring of our members, customers, and apprentices
• Technical meetings and seminars
• Providing educational scholarships to packaging schools and programs