SPMC has become increasingly active in recent months, meeting several times in the spring and early summer to discuss the expansion of certain initiatives as well as the development of new endeavors that will bring even greater value to the sectors they serve. Having recently submitted five new documents to ASTM for subcommittee balloting, the organization is considering additional topics for guidance documents. Among these is the possible development of a document that would define "change" by examining the different classifications of change used by technical, quality control and regulatory personnel. This document would serve as a reference for sterilized packaging manufacturers when they are faced with medical device manufacturers' "change agreements." SPMC is also exploring ways of actively promoting their publication, Sterilization Packaging Manufacturers Council Test Methods & Standards, as an educational tool. Additionally, the group is looking at ideas for fostering greater packaging innovation in the medical device manufacturing industry.

FPA has been working with SPMC to provide customized services that will benefit the group as a whole as well as its individual members. A financial benchmarking survey of sterilized packaging manufacturers in North America and Puerto Rico was developed and distributed in July. The results of this survey will be compiled into a report and released to participating SPMC member companies later this year. SPMC is also seeking to raise its visibility in the U.S. medical device manufacturing industry through a self-funded print and electronic marketing program that will incorporate such FPA resources as its database-driven website technology.

FPA salutes the efforts of SPMC, and welcomes the opportunity to serve other specialized sectors of the flexible packaging industry.