SPC
Collaboratives

What are Collaboratives?

Collaboratives are opportunities for SPC members to come together on specific topics in sustainable packaging. They serve as a forum to promote partnerships and supply chain collaboration by connecting members to one another on issues of interest. The shared goal of all SPC Collaboratives is to help guide SPC members and the industry in navigating and addressing sustainable packaging challenges and identifying opportunities. Collaboratives serve as a platform to establish and share best practices and learnings with SPC members and the packaging community, which can be translated into actionable strategies.

What to Expect

No two Collaboratives are alike, as each is designed to address the unique challenges of specific sustainable packaging topics. The format of each Collaborative is developed through thorough planning and will be communicated as the group launches. Although there may be variations, most Collaboratives will fall into three types:

During the planning and development of a Collaborative, the leadership team will conduct in-depth research of the subject and scope the Collaborative to address the challenges within the space. When a Collaborative launches, the leadership team will share the proposed scope and goals and the tentative timeline of the Collaborative with members. These details will be confirmed with member input and may be modified or adjusted based on member feedback. Collaboratives are adaptable to evolving interests of members and demands of the rapidly shifting sustainable packaging landscape.

Most Collaboratives meet regularly through monthly calls. The Collaborative leadership will keep track of the conversation and key learnings. Even Collaboratives that are not focused on a singular deliverable may develop output such as a white paper on best practices, a presentation at an SPC event, or a roadmap of next steps.

What is Expected of Collaborative Members?

Collaboratives exist to engage and connect members. The SPC provides the platform for conversation to happen, but the representatives of member companies who participate in Collaboratives are the ones who drive the conversation. Expectations and level of involvement may vary depending on the type of Collaborative and specific goals. General expectations for collaborative members include:

• Attend Collaborative meetings whenever possible

• Actively participate in the discussion, offering insights, expertise, and perspective

• Work towards achieving the collective goals of the Collaborative

• Work to maintain the conversation within the scope of the Collaborative

• Remain cognizant of antitrust guidelines

• Contribute towards fostering a pre-competitive, productive, and inclusive atmosphere

Additional expectations will be communicated by Collaborative leadership at the beginning of a Collaborative, or to new members as they join. For example, a Deliverable-Focused Collaborative may rely on member contribution and review of the work product.

What to Expect of Collaborative Leadership

Collaborative leadership will consist of SPC staff and member Co-Chairs. The SPC staff identified as the Collaborative Leader will be the primary contact for the group. They are responsible for the development and management of the Collaborative. The Collaborative Leader will coordinate meetings and share information and resources concerning the group. They will also foster discussion, ensure transparent communication, and maintain the group’s focus on achieving the defined goals.

Co-Chairs are individuals from SPC member companies or partner organizations that volunteer to provide leadership to the group. These individuals provide strategic direction and guidance to theCollaborative, as well as industry perspective and feedback to the SPC Collaborative Leader. Each Collaborative will have two or more Co-Chairs, which ensures that the Collaborative is not driven by a single company’s perspective or agenda. These individuals are identified during the planning process and are selected to include a diversity of perspectives representative of the Collaborative as a whole.Availability, interest, background, and expertise are essential factors that are taken into account when selecting Co-Chairs. For longer Collaboratives, the Co-Chairs may rotate every year. Members are encouraged to speak with SPC staff if interested in serving as a Co-Chair for a Collaborative.