Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/706107
5 ista views • July 2016 • www.ista.org Part of the vision at ISTA is to provide the global supply chain with the confidence that they have the best package possible for their supply chain. With this in mind, one of the primary objectives in the initial formation of ISTA's Advocate Research & Value Delivery Program (ARVD) was to advance science by conducting research and collecting data that improves testing and design methodologies to keep pace with the rapidly evolving global marketplace. With the awarding of its first research project, "An Evaluation of the Handling, Storage and Shipping Environment of Consumer Packaged Goods in China" the ISTA ARVD has taken its first step in accomplishing this goal. ISTA is working with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to develop a collaborative research initiative to observe and document the typical transport modes, storage, and handling methods involved in the distribution of CPGs within China. This project is organized in 3 steps: field observation, previous studies and integrated analysis. The field observation will be carried out studying 11 companies in China, involving 10 consumer goods manufacturers and one carrier. The project involves mapping the supply chain models, transport modes, warehouse and cargo stacking and handling for targeted companies. The previous studies will concentrate on papers and reports related to the transport modes, storage and handling. Finally, results from field observation and previous studies will be integrated into a document including photos, videos, as well as various charts that are of crucial importance. The project was awarded in April of this year and will conclude in November. If you are interested in learning more about the ISTA Advocate Research & Value Delivery Program you can contact A.J. Gruber, ISTA President at ajgruber@ista.org or Dwight Schmidt, ISTA Advocate Program Manager at dwight@consultschmidt.com. ISTA Advocate Research & Value Delivery Program Awards First Project Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) awarded Research on Consumer Packaged Goods Distribution in China 6. Enhances your ability to provide optimal packaging solutions to strengthen existing customer relationships and aid in securing new business. 7. Gives you access to the information generated as much as 18 months ahead of release to the broader ISTA membership. Research findings will begin coming in this fall, but, it's not too late to get involved. Multi-year pledges made with payments starting as late as the first quarter of 2017 are currently being accepted at the following levels of participation: Leader: $100,000 (voting rights) Partner: $50,000 Sustainer: $25,000 Participation begins with a signed pledge form. For planning purposes please be aware that at their March meeting the ISTA Global Board of Directors took action to remove the Partner ($50,000) and Sustainer ($25,000) levels from the Program effective with pledges received after 9/30/16. This was done to protect the investment of the existing Advocates once the useable information begins being disclosed in the 4th quarter of this year. If you have been waiting to become an Advocate at these levels now is the time. For more information, copies of the Program prospectus, or to set up an appointment for a presentation, please contact Dwight Schmidt, ISTA Advocate Program Manager at 317-753-1437, dwight@consultschmidt.com or A.J. Gruber, ISTA President at 517-333-3437, ext. 212, ajgruber@ista.org. gh Package and Product Testing and Consulting, Inc. LEADERS SUSTAINERS PARTNERS