The Reusable Packaging Association is accepting submissions for its first annual Excellence in Reusable Packaging Award. The award is designed to recognize companies that have developed, supported or implemented measurable and innovative reusable solutions in a business-to-business supply chain. Non-members as well as members of the RPA are encouraged to enter. Submissions will be reviewed by an independent committee of judges who are not members of the RPA.

“We created this award to increase awareness and understanding of the measurable benefits of reusable packaging and solutions,” said Jerry Welcome, President of the RPA. “This is a great opportunity for companies to be recognized for their efforts, and for the RPA to build its growing library of best practices and to continue to be the catalyst for making reusables the dominant supply chain packaging solution.”

The deadline for submissions is Sept. 1, 2012. The winner of the award will be announced during PACK EXPO 2012 in Chicago. Eligible companies must have participated in the reusable packaging industry as of September 1, 2011.

Submission forms are available at the RPA website (http://www.reusables.org). The award is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Reusable Packaging Machinery Institute (PMMI) and StopWaste.Org.

An independent panel of judges who are not members of the RPA will judge the submissions. Companies will be judged on the quantifiable environmental and economic benefits of their reusable packaging solutions and services.