RPCC Names Hugh Topper for 2007 Leadership Award

WASHINGTON, DC, October 2007 - Hugh Topper, a well-known figure in the produce industry for over 20 years, is the recipient of the RPCC’s prestigious 2007 Leadership Award.  Topper, Vice-President, Produce Procurement & Product Development, H.E. Butt Grocery Company, was an early advocate for reusable packaging systems and fostered their use in the 1990’s.

Fred Heptinstall, an executive with IFCO Systems and current RPCC President, presented the award at the Coalition’s annual Education Forum September 19-20. He noted, “Hugh is the strongest supporter of RPCs from the retail side of the business. His motto is ‘it’s RPCs first as the right shipping format.’ ” Topper’s involvement in reusables over the past 8 years has been steadfast; he has been an outspoken advocate for their value and their growth to suppliers and other retailers.

Accepting the award, Topper acknowledged his commitment to reusable transport packaging and the many benefits it has brought to the supply chain and to H.E.B. in particular, “RPCs are an efficient transportation packaging system; they protect the product better and are more sustainable.”

In addition to his involvement with the Coalition, Topper also serves as a member of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association board, and chairman of the PMA Produce Electronic Identification Board.  He is also a board member of the Texas Vegetable & Fruit Improvement Center at Texas A&M University. Hugh graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Agricultural Economics and grew up on a family ranch in Southeast Oklahoma.

Recipients of the RPCC Leadership Award meet rigorous criteria in the selection process, including demonstrated advocacy toward the growth, education and use of reusables; significant contribution to the growth of reusables in the past year; support of the mission of the Coalition; and direct involvement with the Coalition and its activities.

About RPCC
The Reusable Pallet & Container Coalition (RPCC) is a non-profit trade association representing manufacturers, poolers, distributors, retailers, educators, and others involved in the reusable transport packaging industry. The Coalition promotes the use or integration of reusable pallets and containers in North American transport packaging systems because of the economic, environmental, and safety benefits created by re-use. It advocates the growth of reusables, regardless of material, as a way to reduce energy, solid waste, and greenhouse gas emissions and to improve the system-wide productivity of industries employing reusable products and services. RPCC advocates the growth of reusables through the dissemination of information and data, keys alliances with other organizations and private/public partnerships, development of standards and guidelines, and educational forums. It also promotes legislative and regulatory activities to support the industry, when appropriate. For more information, visit the Coalition’s Web site at www. rpcc.us or call 202-625-4899.

About ORBIS
Plastic reusable containers and pallets improve the flow of product all along the supply chain to reduce costs. ORBIS is an active member of RPCC. ORBIS, based in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, helps world-class customers move their product faster, easier, safer and more cost-effectively. ORBIS uses proven expertise, industry-leading knowledge, innovation, superior products (containers, pallets and dunnage) and supply chain services (pooling, cleaning and logistics) to implement plastic reusable packaging systems. To learn more, contact ORBIS, a subsidiary of Menasha Corporation, at 888-307-2185,  visit www.orbiscorporation.com or click on info@orbiscorporation.com.