American Home Furnishings Alliance Hosts 2026 Packaging Forum

April 23, 2026  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

To help the industry navigate these challenges, the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) will host its 2026 Packaging Forum on Tuesday, June 2, at The Conference Center at Guilford Technical Community College in Colfax, N.C.

Designed for manufacturers, importers, retailers, logistics providers and suppliers, the one-day forum will provide practical guidance on evolving EPR regulations while highlighting real-world solutions for reducing environmental impact and controlling costs.

EPR laws require companies to assume financial responsibility for the packaging materials used to ship products, including the waste those materials generate. Companies selling into states such as Oregon, Colorado, California, Minnesota, Maryland, Maine and Washington are already subject to requirements ranging from registration and detailed data reporting to fee payments tied to packaging materials and recyclability.

“With reporting deadlines approaching and fee structures taking shape, companies can no longer take a wait-and-see approach,” said Alex Williams, AHFA’s manager of sustainability and regulatory compliance. “This forum is designed to give attendees a clear understanding of what’s required, what’s at risk and what changes may be necessary to stay compliant and competitive.”

The Packaging Forum will feature presentations from regulatory experts, sustainability leaders and packaging innovators. Officials from the Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the organization responsible for implementing EPR programs in several states, have been invited to participate.

Confirmed speakers include:

- Scot Case, former vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, National Retail Federation (NRF)

- Representatives from EFP, LLC, who will present a company-led packaging study focused on material selection, performance and cost considerations

- Jamie Holt, national account manager – technical sales, Multi-Wall (a Signode brand)

- Lowel Huffman, director of channel partnerships, rePurpose Global

 

In addition to expert presentations, the program will include an industry panel focused on best practices for collecting and reporting packaging data, evaluating materials and identifying cost-effective alternatives.

“EPR is fundamentally changing how packaging is evaluated across the supply chain,” Williams added. “Companies that take action now will be better positioned to reduce compliance costs, avoid penalties and align with growing sustainability expectations from both regulators and consumers.”

The agenda will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes lunch, along with opportunities for networking and collaboration. Registration is $199 per person, with a discounted rate available for AHFA members. More information can be found on the forum’s event page.