Navigating Change: Highlights from the 15th Annual Foodservice Packaging Trends Report

The Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) recently released its 15th annual Trends Report, offering a comprehensive look at the current state of the industry. Despite facing challenges such as stagnation of orders and slower purchasing throughout the supply chain, the report also highlights positive shifts and emerging trends that shape the foodservice packaging landscape in 2023.

International Shipping and Equipment Timelines:

One notable aspect revealed in the report is the positive impact of decreased international shipping costs. Natha Dempsey, president of FPI, noted that this reduction has facilitated smoother import and export experiences for industry players. Additionally, timelines for equipment procurement have eased, albeit with some delays for in-demand machinery. As market dynamics evolve post-COVID, there is a notable uptick in the purchase of foodservice packaging through e-commerce channels.

Changing Dynamics in Office Environments:

The report underscores the rebound in demand for operators catering to office environments, even though full-time in-office attendance remains significantly below 2019 levels. With a large portion of the workforce embracing flexible or hybrid work arrangements, dayparts have become more fluid, catering to consumers’ preferences for meals and snacks whenever and wherever they want them.

Post-Pandemic Shifts and Inflation:

Operators are adapting to post-pandemic shifts, particularly in response to inflation. Consumers, feeling the financial pinch, are seeking value for money, leading to a surge in nostalgic meal deals that harken back to better days. Despite the challenges posed by inflation, service fees have become a significant burden, prompting a shift away from delivery toward takeout. This shift is so pronounced that operators are increasingly opting for smaller format, smaller footprint locations with an emphasis on drive-thru, to-go, and delivery services.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Discussions:

Policy considerations remain a top concern for industry respondents, with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) discussions taking center stage. Legislation, especially concerning EPR, emerged as the number one topic in the survey. As sustainability and environmental concerns continue to gain prominence, stakeholders are actively engaging in discussions to address the responsible management of packaging waste.

Conclusion:

For 15 years, the Trends Report has been a valuable resource for reflecting on the latest happenings in the foodservice packaging industry. The 2023 report not only highlights the challenges faced by the industry but also showcases the resilience and adaptability of the industry in navigating the evolving landscape. As the industry grapples with changes in consumer behavior, market dynamics, and regulatory considerations, staying informed and agile remains crucial for sustained success.

FPI members can access the complete 2023 Trends Report, while non-members can view an executive summary on FPI’s website. For further information, interested parties can contact Ashley Elzinga at aelzinga@fpi.org.

Post-Pandemic Trends and Recession Uncertainty Impact Foodservice Packaging Industry

The 15th annual Trends Report from the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) reveals the industry experienced a noticeable slowdown with the stagnation of orders and slower purchasing up and down the supply chain.

“Despite the uncertainty, the 2023 Trends Report did show bright spots. Respondents reported international shipping costs have gone down allowing for easier import and export experiences,” said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI.  “Another positive finding is that timelines for equipment have eased, although they can remain lengthy for in-demand machinery. And, as marketplace shifts continue post-COVID, respondents reported increased purchasing of foodservice packaging through e-commerce.”

Demand for operators that cater or service office environments has rebounded but reports show that full-time in-office attendance is still far below 2019 levels. With so much of the workforce in a flexible or hybrid state, dayparts have also become fluid, serving consumers meals or snacks when and where they want them.

Operators are reporting post-pandemic shifts in several areas, particularly with inflation. “Consumers have been hit hard in the wallet, leading them to look for the best bang for their buck.” said Dempsey.  “This has led to a rise in meal deals with a nostalgic twist — taking consumers back to better days, even if the price tag reflects current conditions.”

As inflation continues to impact consumers, service fees become a larger burden, leading to a shift away from delivery toward takeout. The survey also shows there’s been such a shift to takeout that operators are moving to smaller format, smaller footprint locations with an emphasis on drive-thru, to-go and delivery.

Policy continues to be top-of-mind for the respondents with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) discussions being most prevalent. Legislation, specifically EPR, was the number one topic brought up in the survey.

For 15 years, the Trends Report has provided FPI’s reflection on the latest industry happenings. This annual survey collects opinions from companies throughout the foodservice packaging supply chain, including raw material and machinery suppliers, packaging manufacturers, distributors and operators.

The first section of the report compiles direct comments and insights by industry respondents. The second section provides high-level trends in the foodservice packaging industry based on FPI staff analysis of member submissions, as well as FPI’s general industry observations.

The 2023 Trends Report is available to FPI members. Non-members may view an executive summary on FPI’s website. Please contact Ashley Elzinga at aelzinga@fpi.org for more information.

National Survey of Over 1,000 U.S. Residents Provides Insight on Recycling Decisions

The Foodservice Packaging Institute released a summary of findings from its Resident Messaging Survey, sharing information related to resident assumptions on recyclability, awareness of what items can be recycled, and top sources of recycling instructions. The survey focused on recycling messaging related to take-out items such as plastic cups and containers, paper cups and pizza boxes.

“Findings from the Resident Messaging Survey will inform the development of effective messaging for FPI’s Community Partnership program as more and more communities add new items to their recycling programs,” said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI. “We share these findings with the recycling industry and communities throughout the country to help create messaging consistency and thereby improve recycling of foodservice packaging.”

Survey respondents indicated that the type of material plays a greater role than the form, such as a cup or box, in the decision to recycle an item. Survey responses on paper and plastic cup recycling further supported reliance on material over form for making recycling decisions.

The survey also found that two-thirds of respondents look to the package first to determine if it is recyclable, followed by information directly from the recycling program. The most relied upon information was reported to be the recycling cart/bin signage, closely followed by information on the community or recycling company’s website.

The online survey was managed and analyzed by Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) in Fall 2022. Responses were received from 1,042 U.S. residents of at least 18 years of age reflecting a distribution of demographics roughly representative of the U.S. population and taking into consideration age and housing status.

“Even though most residents indicated they check the package to determine recyclability, it is important to note that not all packaging meets the threshold to be labeled as widely recyclable, meaning residents are often directed to check their local program guidance,” said Ashley Elzinga, director of sustainability and outreach for FPI. “This points to the need for clear education campaigns to encourage correct recycling of materials.”

Findings specific to foodservice packaging included:

  • 75% of respondents indicated they would recycle a paper cup. Rationale for recycling included that it was made of paper, followed by the cup form, suggesting reliance on material over form for making recycling decisions.
  • If plastic containers are shown as included in recycling guidelines, but no cups are shown, the overwhelming majority of residents would recycle a plastic cup, suggesting that most residents consider a cup to be a type of container. This also suggests that material (plastic) plays a greater role than form (cup vs. container) in the decision to recycle.
  • 90% of respondents said they would recycle a molded fiber drink carrier if presented with a sample recycling guidance brochure picturing an egg carton made of the same material. This suggests that residents will respond strongly and positively with regard to recycling behavior if shown images that look like the items they are sorting in the real world.

FPI recommends that messaging around recyclability should consider both material and form. However, it suggests grouping recyclables by material and referring to concepts that are most relevant or intuitive to the resident (for example, “paper cup” rather than “coffee cup”) as this can aid in recall and correct recycling behavior. Additionally, messaging that emphasizes “clean and empty” can benefit the entire residential recycling stream.

FPI will host a webinar, focused on Insights into Effective Resident Education on December 5, 2023, at 2:00 pm ET. The webinar will share insights from the survey, discuss best practices and tools, and hear real-world examples of resident messaging. Register for the webinar here: https://recycle.zoom.us/webinar/register/6416986761849/WN_TEfRTed1Quq-RpdFus2edg

To read the survey summary, visit https://www.recyclefsp.org/s/FPI-Resident-Messaging-Survey-2022-Summary.pdf.

Excellence on Display: The 2023 Foodservice Packaging Awards Winners Announced

In a highly anticipated event, the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) and QSR Magazine have unveiled the distinguished winners of the 2023 Foodservice Packaging Awards. This year, the competition witnessed the active participation of leading names from the foodservice packaging industry. Winners emerged in various categories, with a special Judges Choice award also making its debut.

FPI congratulates all the winners and extends our gratitude to everyone who contributed to this year’s competition. The award-winning packages were recognized for their innovative design, sustainable material usage, convenience, and overall effectiveness in connecting brands with consumers.  These packages exemplify the pivotal role of design in influencing customer purchasing decisions and enhancing product performance in foodservice packaging.

Here are the first-place winners across the categories:

New Menu Launch: Jack in the Box’s Super Snacking Box by Huhtamaki
Jack in the Box took the crown in the New Menu Launch category with its Super Snacking Box, expertly manufactured by Huhtamaki. This innovative creation showcases the perfect blend of culinary delight and smart packaging design.

Innovation in Convenience: Genpak’s ProView Close-Off Containers
Genpak secured the top spot in the Innovation in Convenience category with their ProView Close-Off containers. These containers redefine convenience in food packaging, setting a new standard in ease of use and accessibility.

Innovation in Manufacturing: Eco-Products’ Digital Print Capability and Vegware Paper Cutlery
Eco-Products shone in the Innovation in Manufacturing category with their groundbreaking digital print capability and Vegware Paper Cutlery. Their forward-thinking approach to manufacturing is a testament to their commitment to sustainable practices.

The “Wow” Factor: KFC’s Fill Up Box by Westrock CP
KFC wowed the judges with their Fill Up Box, expertly manufactured by Westrock CP. This packaging not only delivers on functionality but also leaves a lasting impression with its unique and attention-grabbing design.

Excellence in Brand Delivery: Popeyes’ Next-Generation Packaging by Huhtamaki
Popeyes clinched the Excellence in Brand Delivery award with their next-generation packaging, also crafted by Huhtamaki. This packaging exemplifies a seamless blend of brand identity and consumer experience.

In a new addition to this year’s competition, a special Judges Choice award was presented to Inline Plastics for their Safe-T-Chef launch kit. The kit’s consistent use of the brand color palette and the Safe-T-Chef logo were lauded for effectively reinforcing the product brand and building visual recognition.

For nearly two decades, FPI and QSR have joined forces to recognize innovation and creativity in the foodservice packaging industry. This year’s entries reflected the evolving trends in both the packaging and restaurant sectors.

The award recipients were celebrated during FPI’s fall conference and featured prominently in the November issue of QSR Magazine. To explore the full list of winners, visit QSR’s website. For a visual tour of the winning packages, head over to FPI’s photo gallery.

The 2023 Foodservice Packaging Awards have not only celebrated the best in packaging innovation but also set a new benchmark for excellence in the industry. These winners have showcased the transformative power of design in delivering brands to consumers while elevating product performance in foodservice packaging. We extend our warmest congratulations to all the deserving winners!

Celebrating Innovation: Winners of the 2023 Foodservice Packaging Awards Revealed

The Foodservice Packaging Institute and QSR Magazine have selected the winners of the highly competitive 2023 Foodservice Packaging Awards. This year saw participation from familiar names in the foodservice packaging and restaurant industries. After rigorous evaluation, first-place winners across all categories and a special Judges Choice have been awarded.

“We congratulate all the winners and thank everyone who took part in this year’s competition. The winners’ products are being honored in categories that feature innovative design, thoughtful material usage, convenience or overall effectiveness in delivering brands to consumers,” said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI. “These award-winning packages illustrate the power of design in influencing customer purchasing decisions while also increasing product performance in foodservice packaging.”

The first-place winners are:

  • New Menu Launch: Jack in the Box with its Super Snacking Box manufactured by Huhtamaki.
  • Innovation in Convenience: Genpak for its ProView Close-Off containers.
  • Innovation in Manufacturing: Eco-Products for its digital print capability and Vegware Paper Cutlery.
  • The “Wow” Factor: KFC for its Fill Up Box manufactured by Westrock CP.
  • Excellence in Brand Delivery: Popeyes for its next-generation packaging manufactured by Huhtamaki.

New to the competition this year, a special Judges Choice award was presented to Inline Plastics for its Safe-T-Chef launch kit. The kit was chosen due to the consistent use of the brand color palette and the Safe-T-Chef logo, which worked effectively to reinforce the product brand and build visual recognition.

For nearly two decades, FPI and QSR have partnered in these bi-annual awards to recognize innovation and creativity in the foodservice packaging industry. Many of this year’s entries reflected growing trends in both the packaging and restaurant industries.

Award recipients were recognized during FPI’s fall conference and featured in the November issue of QSR magazine. A full listing of award winners may be found on QSR’s website. Product images of all winners can be downloaded from FPI’s photo gallery.

New Foam Recycling Capabilities Further Reduce Landfill Reliance for Over 50 Ohio Communities

The Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District (SWMD), serving over 121,000 households in Geauga and Trumbull counties in Ohio, received a $50,000 grant from the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC). The grant enables nearly 300,000 residents in both counties to recycle materials such as foam polystyrene cups, plates, bowls, clamshells, egg cartons and meat trays, as well as block packaging foam.

Aided by Representative Diane Grendell, Ohio House District 76, additional funding was provided by the State of Ohio to support the program’s creation and initial implementation.
The FRC grant assisted with funding the purchase and installation of a foam densifier, used to compact foam products into foam blocks or ingots. The district sells the foam ingots to end markets to be manufactured into thermal insulation panels for foundations, walls and roofs, as well as picture frames and crown molding.

Residents of the 56 communities making up Geauga and Trumbull counties can take their polystyrene foam to both the Trumbull County facility, as well as the new facility in Geauga County, where it will be processed through the foam densifier. The district is evaluating the option to expand foam collection to its existing Trumbull County facility and transport the materials to the Geauga facility for processing.

“The new Geauga collection facility is the culmination of over five years of planning and efforts from residents, community officials and county government,” said Jennifer Jones, director for Geauga-Trumbull SWMD. “Over 6,800 residents have already taken advantage of our recycling services there, and adding foam recycling will only enhance our ability to meet the needs of Geauga and Trumbull County residents. Foam recycling has been highly requested and will be a great addition to the year-round offering at both of our collection facilities.”
Geauga-Trumbull SWMD will inform residents about the addition of foam polystyrene recycling via communications, including a website, social media, press releases and local media coverage, along with a group email to preregistered attendees of collection events, signage at the community drop-off sites, flyers and short videos.

“It is encouraging to see the passion of Geauga-Trumbull residents and the efforts of the solid waste management district to find ways to improve and increase recycling in their communities,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “We are proud to support the diversion of foam polystyrene, a valuable material, from the landfill.”

The grant is made possible through contributions to FRC, which focuses exclusively on increased recycling of post-consumer foam polystyrene. Its members include Americas Styrenics; Chick-fil-A; CKF Inc.; Dart Container Corp.; Dyne-A-Pak; Genpak; INEOS Styrolution America LLC; Lifoam Industries, LLC; Pactiv Evergreen; and Republic Plastics.

Geauga-Trumbull SWMD is the 33rd grant recipient to receive FRC funding since 2015. Over 10 million additional residents in the U.S. and Canada can recycle foam polystyrene because of FRC grants. Visit www.RecycleFoam.org to learn more about foam recycling, read about previous recipients or apply for a grant.

Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Efforts Enable Over 7 Million Additional Households to Recycle Cups and Take-out Containers

The Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) encourages the responsible use of all foodservice packaging (FSP) and serves as the voice of the industry representng manufacturers and their raw material and machinery suppliers. Through its efforts in collaboratve programs, research, grants and advocacy, the organizaton has spearheaded the advancement of recycling take-out containers, such as plastc cups and containers, paper cups, paper bags, pizza boxes and aluminum trays.

“Eating out or on-the-go is a regular part of the American culture. Ensuring take-out containers are manufactured responsibly and recovered effectvely are priorites to FPI members,” said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI. “That is why we have invested in sustainable, long-term efforts dedicated to quantifying, communicating and improving the recycling of foodservice packaging.”

Community Partnership Program

FPI’s Community Partnership program has helped expand foodservice packaging recycling opportunites to over 7 million additonal households since its incepton in 2017. The program facilitates engagement between communities, haulers, material recovery facilities (MRFs) and end markets. The goal is to add a suite of foodservice packaging to curbside recycling and/or composting programs.

Partners can include individual communities, multiple communities in a metro or regional area, state agencies, haulers and MRFs. To date, over 24 partners have participated in more than 20 regional areas impacting over 500 individual communities, including:

  • Athens-Clarke County, GA
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Brunswick County, NC
  • Catawba County, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Chicago, IL
  • Clark County, IN
  • Dallas, TX
  • Dekalb County, GA
  • Denver, CO
  • Detroit, MI
  • East Lansing, MI
  • Kent County, MI
  • Lansing, MI
  • Louisville, KY
  • Madison, WI
  • Memphis, TN
  • Millennium Recycling, SD
  • New Hanover County, NC
  • St. Lucie County, FL
  • Tulsa, OK
  • Washington, D.C.

“Working with a partner like FPI, we were able to improve the recovery of paper cups and cartons in the communities serviced by Pelliteri Waste Systems,” said David Pelliteri, vice president at Pelliteri. “FPI’s grant and support helped us secure end markets and conduct educational outreach to improve recycling of these materials and keep them out of the landfill.”

The Community Partnership program provides communication grants to help educate residents on how they can recycle items, like cups and take-out containers. Some partners receive equipment grants to help with the sortation of recycled materials. FPI also offers a Resident Education Kit that recycling program coordinators can use in their communications to residents. The kit includes downloadable high-resolution images, customizable flyer templates and best practices available for free to any community.

“Adding materials to the accepted recycling list is no easy feat,” said Kanika Greenlee, Program Management Officer for the City of Atlanta Department of Public Works Office of Solid Waste Services. “Collaborating with FPI empowered Atlanta to add take-out containers, such as paper cups, to our recycling program. This was achieved through engagement with the material recovery facility and regional end markets to ensure a path for collected materials to be made into new products. Additionally, the FPI team supported efforts to educate the nearly 100,000 households we serve to recycle right.”

Industry Advocacy

In addition to the Community Partnership program, FPI is actively working with multiple recycling stakeholders to advance the discussion and acceptance around FSP recovery and to advocate for the inclusion of foodservice items in appropriate recovery streams.

  • End market outreach and testing led to a joint mill statement on paper cup acceptance with end markets representing well over 75% of the U.S. and Canadian mixed paper market.
  • FPI has sponsored research including bale audits, material flow studies, residue research, resident messaging and more.
  • FPI and its paper mill members have developed and proposed a recovered bale specification for post-consumer polycoated paper cups and food and beverage cartons. This grade would formalize a type of polycoated paper bale which is currently being traded as a mill spec bale.

“We are proud of the efforts our team, members, industry collaborators and community partners have made to increase recovery of foodservice packaging,” said Dempsey. “Their dedication and passion to ensure we continue to make responsible and sustainable choices enables FPI to continue to make an impact in communities, economics and the environment.”

More information on FPI’s recovery efforts, studies and education resources can be found at www.RecycleFSP.org.

Current Trends and the Future of Foodservice Packaging: FPI’s Fall 2023 Conference

The world of foodservice packaging is evolving, driven by advancements in technology, shifts in consumer behavior, and a growing focus on sustainability. If you’re passionate about staying ahead of the curve and shaping the future of this dynamic industry, look no further than our Fall 2023 Conference. This event features a lineup of expert speakers and thought-provoking discussions on current trends.

  • The State of the Foodservice Packaging Industry: FPI will provide an overview of current issues affecting the industry, including legislative and regulatory activity.
    Convenience Store Trends for Foodservice Packaging: Convenience stores have become an integral part of the foodservice ecosystem, offering quick, on-the-go options for busy consumers. What is the latest in this market segment?
  • Catering Trends for Foodservice Packaging: The catering sector is experiencing a growing demand for premium, customizable packaging solutions. Learn about the latest trends in catering packaging that elevate the dining experience.
  • Delivery Trends for Foodservice Packaging: In an era where delivery services have become a cornerstone of the food industry, the right packaging can make all the difference. Learn about the packaging solutions that are optimizing the delivery experience, ensuring that food arrives fresh, hot, and in perfect condition.
  • Consumer Panel: Insights on Packaging from the People Who Matter Most: Who better to offer opinions on foodservice packaging than the consumers themselves? Our panel of local consumers will share their thoughts, preferences, and concerns, providing invaluable feedback that can shape the future of packaging design and functionality.

As usual, our conferences are known for great networking: connect with industry leaders, experts, and fellow enthusiasts who share your passion for foodservice packaging. Forge valuable relationships that could lead to exciting collaborations and opportunities.

Don’t miss out on this experience! Register today and be a part of the conversation that will define the future of foodservice packaging! For more information, please click here and we hope to see you in Pittsburgh!

New Equipment Increases Foam Polystyrene Recycling in Metro Albuquerque

ABQ Foam Recycling/The Foam Recycler, a polystyrene foam recycling service in central New Mexico,
received a $38,800 grant from the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC) to
fund the purchase and installation of a foam densifier.

Densifiers are used to compact #6 foam products, such as cups, plates, clamshells, egg cartons and block
packaging foam, into foam blocks or ingots. The facility sells the foam ingots to end markets in
California, New Jersey and Canada to be manufactured into picture frames, light switch covers, crown
molding and electronic cases.

ABQ Foam Recycling/The Foam Recycler services a population of almost 1 million people in metro
Albuquerque through a drop‐off location, community events and commercial pick‐up service.
“We are looking to not only lead in recycling polystyrene foam materials in New Mexico, but also serve
as educators on recycling these materials,” said Tom Spadafora of ABQ Foam Recycling/The Foam
Recycler. “Repurposing foam materials and keeping it out of landfills is our top priority.”

Residents and businesses in the metro Albuquerque area will see the service promoted via local
municipality partnerships, social media, local publications, neighborhood associations, and other local
and regional engagements.

“ABQ Foam Recycling/The Foam Recycler is extending polystyrene foam recycling to a significant
residential population and commercial sector in the metro Albuquerque area,” said Natha Dempsey,
president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “Supporting programs that provide access to additional
foam recycling and divert the material from landfills and into new products is at the heart of the Foam
Recycling Coalition.”

The grant is made possible through contributions to FRC, which focuses exclusively on increased
recycling of post‐consumer foam polystyrene. Its members include Americas Styrenics; Chick‐fil‐A; CKF
Inc.; Dart Container Corp.; Dyne‐A‐Pak; Genpak; INEOS Styrolution America LLC; Lifoam Industries, LLC;
Pactiv Evergreen; and Republic Plastics.

The Foam Recycler is the 32nd grant recipient to receive FRC funding since 2015. Over 12 million
additional residents in the U.S. and Canada can recycle foam polystyrene because of FRC grants. Visit www.RecycleFoam.org to learn more about foam recycling, read about previous recipients or apply for a
grant.

Keeping It Sanitary

Foodservice packaging items, like paper and plastic cups, plates and bowls, were invented over 100 years ago to provide a more sanitary alternative to their reusable counterparts and help protect public health. Over the years, FPI has commissioned independent studies with third-party laboratories to compare the sanitary quality of single-use foodservice packaging and reusable options. The last study was conducted in 2012 in Sacramento County, California. Since 2012, reuse models for takeout and delivery have emerged and gained interest as sustainability measures and reporting, along with the impact of disposable items on the environment and potential cost-savings of reducing use of disposable items, became more highly scrutinized.

The objective of the new study was to conduct a survey of reusable takeout and delivery items, single-use items and dine-in reusable foodservice items to determine the sanitary quality of these items in foodservice establishments in North America.

Three types of foodservice items were tested: reusable dine-in, reusable to-go durables and single-use items. Sanitation levels were tested by conducting three microbiological analyses on each item. Along with aerobic plate count microbial levels, the study also compared levels of Coliform and Staphylococcus bacteria. The results show that there were no differences observed in Coliform counts and there were no significant differences between reusable dine-in and disposable items; findings which contrasted with the 2012 study. Staphylococcus was only found in very low levels across all types of foodservice items, which remains consistent with the 2012 study.

Overall, reusable to-go durable foodservice items had higher aerobic plate count microbiological levels than reusable dine-in and single-use items. Previous studies in other parts of the country have shown confirming results where reusable items had higher microbiological counts than single-use items. Variances could be attributed to any number of factors, including handling by foodservice employees or changes in dishwashing technology.

FPI members received complete survey results. A complimentary executive summary of the report is available at FPI.org/resource. For more information, contact FPI’s Ashley Elzinga at aelzinga@fpi.org.