FAQs

FAQ CategoriesGeneral Membership User Accounts Billing SPC Projects + Resources Press Events Contact

General

What is the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC)?

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) is a membership-based nonprofit organization that brings together businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to collectively strengthen and advance the business case for more sustainable packaging. Members must apply and pay annual dues. Learn more about membership here.

How is the SPC related to GreenBlue?

GreenBlue is the parent non-profit of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, along with other projects dedicated to the sustainable use of materials in society. GreenBlue brings together a diversity of stakeholders to encourage innovation and best practices to promote the creation of a more sustainable materials economy.

Does the SPC have public endorsements for policy?

As a 501c3 we don't have any public endorsements for policy. However, we take an educational angle when talking about sustainability policy. We have a webtool called the EPR Guide to Proposals where we break down extended producer responsibility policies by element in the United States. This is a combo tracking and educational tool. In terms of more general sustainability policies we co-hosted a webinar with the Washington Department of Ecology to help our members better under the PCR legislation in Washington state and we frequently have panels and presentations on policy at our events. However, we do not directly endorse or have preferred policies on our website. We would be happy to chat with your government affairs team on any questions they may have or help point them in the right direction if there is a specific topic you are more interested in. We have a working relationship with Ameripen and they have some guiding Sustainability Principles that might help.

Does the SPC partner with other organizations, non-profits or trade associations?

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), not-for-profits, trade associations, and other industry organizations are vital stakeholders in driving sustainable packaging and the circular economy. GreenBlue works closely with these organizations and considers them key partners and collaborators in all areas of our work. Official SPC membership is limited to businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. NGO’s, non-profits, trade associations, and others are invited to participate in GreenBlue and SPC activities as partner organizations and are welcome and encouraged to attend open SPC events and activities. GreenBlue’s partners often work closely with our collaboratives, providing expert feedback, as guest speakers, and much more. Please reach out to partnerships@greenblue.org for more information and learn more about opportunities to collaborate and drive our shared mission.

Membership

What are the benefits of joining the SPC?

SPC Benefits Review SPC Member Brochure

Membership in the SPC provides companies with supply chain collaboration, networking with peer member companies, technical guidance, participation in projects, and access to webinars, research and reports, allowing your company to stay up to date with the latest industry news and trends.

Our Resources are a great "go-to" for content that we have published, including guides, documents, statements, maps and more
Our Collaboratives are where our members meet to discuss agreed upon topics while being led by an SPC representative.
Our Projects page highlights each of the projects that exist under the SPC umbrella, ranging from Forest Products, to our How2Recycle program, to our newly developed RMS Standard
Our Events are some of our most popular offerings for both SPC members and non-members, as they bring everyone in our community together to facilitate education and networking within the sustainable packaging space
Our SPC Member Directory hosts all of our members, including contact details for each company, and assigned SPC roles to help facilitate outreach. This list allows you to search through our member list based on activity type to suit your search needs.
Our Essentials of Sustainable Packaging Training Courses are designed to get your team up-to-speed on all things sustainable packaging, from Material Health, to Food Waste, to Packaging Core Content (101 courses).
In terms of access, your team will have unlimited user accounts which will allow them to create a personal login and access their member dashboards, as well as any "members-only" content on our website.

How do I apply for membership?

Please visit our Membership page.
Next, scroll down to the application portion and select the corporate dues plan for which your company qualifies for and click Apply.
You will then be guided through our application which consists of a few short questions so we may learn more about your company.
Upon completion, your application will be shared with our SPC Executive Committee for review - this review process will take two weeks.
Once your application is approved and membership dues have been paid, you will receive an email confirming your active membership, along with supporting membership documents

What are the expectations of a company that becomes a member?

There are no reporting requirements for companies that join the SPC. Companies are free to engage with us as much or as little as they see fit. We provide content, resources, projects, events, collaboratives and education materials that accommodate a wide range of supply chain positions, and SPC staff are available to help answer any questions.

How much are membership dues

Membership dues are based on a company’s annual revenue and are set in tiers. Please see our Membership page for more information.

Large: Revenue over $1B, $12,000/yr

Medium: Revenue $10M-$1B, $6,600/yr

Small: Revenue below $10 Million, $2,750/yr

TraditionalAcademic/Government: $1,000/yr (includes 1 complimentary ticket to SPC Impact and SPC Advance)
‍
Affiliate Academic/Government: Free (doesn’t Include complimentary ticket to annual SPC events)
‍

Requirements:

$12,500/yr

Dues:

Revenue $10M-$1B

Medium

Large

Membership Tier:

Revenue over $1B

$6,600/yr

Small

Revenue below $10 Million

$2,750/yr

TraditionalAcademic/
Government

*Includes 1 complimentary ticket to SPC Impact and SPC Advance

$1,000/yr

Affiliate Academic/Government

*Doesn’t Include complimentary ticket to annual SPC events

Free

What is included in my membership?

Large: Unlimited User Access, SPC Impact | 2 tickets, SPC Advance | 2 tickets, 2 annual learner accounts, Full Member Access

Medium: Unlimited User Access, SPC Impact | 2 tickets, SPC Advance | 2 tickets, 2 annual learner accounts, Full Member Access

Small: Unlimited, User Access, SPC Impact | 1 ticket, SPC Advance | 1 ticket, 1 annual learner account, Full Member Access

TraditionalAcademic/Government: Unlimited, User Access, SPC Impact | 1 ticket, SPC Advance | 1 ticket, 50% annual learner account, Full Member Access
‍
Affiliate Academic/Government: Unlimited, User Access, SPC Impact | 1 ticket, SPC Advance | 1 ticket, 50% annual learner account, Full Member Access‍

User Access

Event Tickets

Complimentary
ESP  Accounts

Products, Resources, Webinar, etc

Large

Unlimited

SPC Impact | 2 tickets
SPC Advance | 2 tickets

SPC Impact | 1 ticket
SPC Advance | 1 ticket

SPC Impact | 2 tickets
SPC Advance | 2 tickets

2 Annual learner accounts

1 Annual learner account

50% off learner account

Full Member Access

Medium

Small

Traditional Academic/
Government

Affiliate Academic/
Government:

Full Member Access

What are the available membership cycles?

The SPC offers two membership cycles:

January 1st - December 31st
July 1st - June 30th
Companies who join before our annual open event, SPC Impact (spring), are automatically placed in our January - December membership cycle.
Companies who apply after SPC Impact (spring) and before our members-only event, SPC Advance (fall). are automatically placed into our July - June membership cycle

Can students join the SPC?

At this time we do not offer individual membership to students, but Academic faculty may apply for membership on behalf of their Academic Institution. Learn more here.

Do you offer Start-Up discounts?

Please reach out to spcinfo@greenblue.org for inquiries regarding start-up discounts.

Are non-profits and trade associations eligible to join as members?

For partnership opportunities, please reach out to partnerships@greenblue.org. We recognize that non-governmental organizations/not-for-profits and business leagues/associations are representative of packaging interests and important resources to the industry and consumers, however we are not accepting applications from such organizations at this time. We invite you to attend open SPC events and encourage opportunities for open exchanges. To stay up-to-date on our work, please subscribe to our newsletter on our website.

Are non-profits and trade associations eligible to join as members?

We recognize that non-governmental organizations/not-for-profits and business leagues/associations are representative of packaging interests and important resources to the industry and consumers, however we are not accepting applications from such organizations at this time. We invite you to attend open SPC events and encourage opportunities for open exchanges. To stay up-to-date on our work, please subscribe to our newsletter on our website.

I received an error code on my application: “Member company with this name already exists”

This code means that the company already exists in our SPC database, but your user account might not be associated with the company account OR the company account is inactive . If you know your company’s Primary Contact (listed here in our Member Directory), you may reach out to them to request to be added to the company’s account. Please reach out to spcinfo@greenblue.org for further assistance if you are unable to reach your team's Primary contact.

Is How2Recycle Membership seperate from SPC Membership?

How2Recycle is a project of the SPC that requires a separate membership. Please see below for more information on joining How2Recycle.

How can I become a member of How2Recycle?

Our How2Recycle program is a trademarked on-package recycling labeling system (USA and Canada). Please see below for our How2Recycle membership structures, or visit how2recycle.info for additional information

Brand/Retailers: May join How2Recycle at any time by clicking ‘Join Today!’
If your company is a member of the SPC, a discount will be applied to your team’s How2Recycle annual dues based on your membership tier (Large, Medium, Small). See cost breakdown here.

Material Manufacturers/Converters: SPC membership is required prior to joining How2Recycle. Once your company is a member of the SPC, your access to How2Recycle is free.

May join How2Recycle at any time by clicking ‘Join’
If your company is a member of the SPC, a discount will be applied to your team’s How2Recycle annual dues based on your membership tier (Large, Medium, Small). See cost breakdown upon selecting the 'Join' link above.

Brands / Retailers:

Material Manufacturers / Converters:

SPC membership is required prior to joining How2Recycle. Once your company is a member of the SPC, your access to How2Recycle is free. Please reach out to how2recycle@greenblue.org for more information on becoming a Material Manufacturer/Converter member of the How2Recycle program.

User Accounts

How can I access my SPC User Account

Select the menu icon in the upper left hand corner of the SPC homepage. Click “Sign In” to log into your SPC user account
If you do not have a user account or you are unable to reset your password, please contact spcinfo@greenblue.org

My password reset is not working

Please reach out to spcinfo@greenblue.org for assistance

How can I update contacts under my company’s SPC account?

Only the assigned Primary contact for your company can add new team members to your company’s account through their Member Dashboard. Please contact spcinfo@greenblue.org for assistance
A Primary Contact may log into their account and select the settings icon on the left hand side of the page, then select “View Company Users” to add/edit/remove team members from their company account

Billing

How do I pay my membership dues?

Your team’s assigned Primary & Invoicing contacts may access the invoice for membership dues via their Member Dashboard. To pay by credit card, select "Company Billing" from the left hand menu and then select ‘Pay by Card’. We also accept check and ACH payments. ACH details are included on each invoice.

How can I pay two or more yearly membership dues at once?

Once you pay your current open invoice for your membership dues, an invoice for your next membership dues cycle will be generated for you to pay. If you prefer to pay one invoice, please contact us at spcinfo@greenblue.org.

How can I add a PO to my invoice?

Primary & Invoicing contacts may update PO’s under the Membership Dues section via their Member Dashboard. Select ‘Edit Invoice Memo’ to add your PO number to your invoice and click ‘Save Invoicing Memo’ once complete.

How do I change our billing address?

Primary & Invoicing contacts may change their company’s billing address under the Billing section on their Member Dashboard. Select “Pay” and then edit any billing information that may be outdated in the Billing Details section.

Where can I download GreenBlue’s W-9?

You may download our W-9 HERE
You may download GreenBlue’s W-9 on your company’s Member Dashboard under the Company Information section

SPC Projects, Resources & Tools

Where can I learn about current SPC projects?

Visit our Projects page to learn about the latest SPC projects.

How can I get involved in an SPC Collaborative?

Please visit our Collaboratives page for information about our Collaboratives. To join a Collaborative, please contact the SPC team lead listed on the individual Collaboratives' page.

I have an idea for a new project, who do I pitch it to?

Please reach out to us at spcinfo@greenblue.org with any new project ideas.

Does the SPC offer LCA tools?

The SPC, in conjunction with long-standing SPC member company Trayak, developed the COMPASS LCA tool, which is now fully managed by Trayak.
SPC member companies receive two free 60-day trials to use the COMPASS tool - please reach out to spcinfo@greenblue.org for more information.

What are the Essentials of Sustainable Packaging training courses?

The Essentials of Sustainable Packaging is a series of education training courses created by the SPC to educate professionals about the top subjects in sustainable packaging. Learn more here.
Please contact education@greenblue.org with any questions

Do I have to be an SPC member to subscribe to the Essentials of  Sustainable Packaging courses?

The Essentials of Sustainable Packaging training courses are open to SPC members and non-members. SPC members have access to 1 - 2 complimentary learner accounts as part of their member benefits. Additional learner accounts are available to SPC members at a discounted rate. For non-members of the SPC, please view our subscription package options here.

Press

Can we write a press release announcing our SPC membership?

All members who are interested in coordinating a press release should contact info@greenblue.org

I would like to interview someone from the SPC.

Please reach out to info@greenblue.org for interview requests

Events

Who can I contact regarding SPC Events?

Please reach out to spcevents@greenblue.org for any event-related questions

Where can I find out more about SPC Events?

Please visit our Events page to learn more about SPC events.

How do I register for an event?

Log into your SPC user account to access your Member Dashboard and select the event you are interested in attending. Once you are on the event page, click ‘Register’.
If your company is a member of the SPC and you do not have a user account, please email spcevents@greenblue.org

Where can I see my event registrations?

Please log into your SPC user account and select the Settings icon on the left hand side of the page, followed by “View My Event Registrations”. Please note there is a separate tab for event receipts (see next question for further details)

Where can I view/download my event ticket receipts?

Please log into your SPC user account and select the Settings icon on the left hand side of the page, followed by “Event Billing” to view your event ticket receipts

How do I make adjustments to my event registration?

Please contact spcevents@greenblue.org for questions regarding event registrations

Contact

Need to reach us? We’d love to connect! Please email the contact that corresponds best with your questions/needs, and we’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.

invoicing@greenblue.org

Accounting:

Collaboratives

*Please visit our Collaboratives page and select the Collaborative you are interested in - the main contact will be listed in the upper right hand corner of the page.

Education Courses

Events

Membership & General SPC Inquiries

How2Recycle

Partnerships

Press

education@greenblue.org

spcevents@greenblue.org

spcinfo@greenblue.org

how2recycle@greenblue.org

partnerships@greenblue.org

info@greenblue.org

Accounting: invoicing@greenblue.org
Collaboratives: *Please visit our Collaboratives page and select the Collaborative you are interested in - the main contact will be listed in the upper right hand corner of the page.
‍Education Courses: education@greenblue.org
Events: spcevents@greenblue.org
Membership & General SPC Inquiries: spcinfo@greenblue.org
How2Recycle: how2recycle@greenblue.org
Partnerships: partnerships@greenblue.org
‍Press: info@greenblue.org

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Frequently Asked Questions

General

Membership

User Accounts

Billing

SPC Projects, Resources & Tools

Press

Events

Contact

Accounting:

Collaboratives

Education Courses

Events

Membership & General SPC Inquiries

How2Recycle

Partnerships

Press