The CPI will incorporate the membership of The Paper Federation and the Corrugated Packaging Association (CPA), as well as its own members, to form one industry voice.

CPI director of external affairs Kathy Bradley said it still had to resolve matters with the Paper Agents Association (PAA), which has yet to decide the role of its membership within the new organisation.

The PAA is examining the possibility of negotiating membership as an affiliated member organisation, but needs to weigh up the costs and reduction in influence this type of membership would bring.

We see this as the right way for the industry to go forward, said Bradley.

The move follows the completion of the industry business plans by the Paper Federations new management team (PrintWeek, 1 February).

Companies will retain their memberships of the respective organisations for 2003, but will then be invited to join the all-encompassing CPI once subscription fees have been formalised.

The CPI was formed at the beginning of 2000 with an agenda to bring together trade associations with a common interest in the paper industry, in response to government desire to dialogue with a single industry body.

Story by Andy Scott

Pictured: Kathy Bradley