Purpose
The International Association of Plastics Distributors, founded in 1956, is an international trade association comprised of companies engaged in the distribution and manufacture of plastics materials. Represented are materials in semi-finished stock shapes, such as sheet, rod, tube, pipe, valves, fittings, film and related products. Members' materials are produced and distributed for a wide variety of engineering and high performance applications, in such industries as food processing and packaging, OEM parts and equipment, chemical processing, waste and water treatment, construction, MRO parts, agriculture, automotive, medical, pharmaceutical, aerospace, electronics, marine, signs and displays, and many more.
The association provides its members opportunities for business development, forums for networking and exchange of ideas among those with common interests, and numerous opportunities for education. It also provides other specific services, such as drafting industry standards, maintaining a standard product number database to facilitate the use of electronic data interchange (EDI), collecting and analyzing industry statistics, and promoting the use of plastics in general. These efforts are guided by the association's volunteer leaders and committees, working collaboratively with IAPD staff to pursue IAPD's goals and achieve its objectives.
Mission Statement "The mission of the International Association of Plastics Distributors (IAPD) is to grow the plastics distribution industry through collection, production and dissemination of quality information and education; by offering meaningful business and social interactions; and, by being a catalyst in assuring proactive representation in the governmental and public arenas."
Objectives
To increase the prestige of the plastics distribution industry.
To promote our members as superior sources of distribution.
To speak of our problems and aspirations in a unified, authoritative, respected voice.
To constitute a valid sounding board for the policy considerations of manufacturers.
To improve communications and cooperation with manufacturers.
To study and develop efficient business systems as a guide for our members.
To analyze markets for the identification of profit potentials.
To compile details on common business costs and practices and to disseminate resulting data, with appropriate confidence, as a guide to informed management decisions.
To influence and develop industry standards for the benefit of the producer, the distributor and the buyer.
To establish systems and tools for effective sales training.
To retain qualified legal counsel to watch, interpret and advise on matters of legislation and business practices which affect our industry.
To establish a communications network for members to convey information valuable to informed management.
To refine our skills and competence as businessmen and businesswomen.
Code of Ethics Inasmuch as the plastics industry is a unique and special industry within the international plastics industry, and whereas the distributors, manufacturers and manufacturers' representatives of plastic materials are the liaison between the plastics distribution industry and industry and commerce in general, therefore, to foster mutual trust between ourselves, our industry and the general public, we are resolved to abide by the following code of ethics:
We shall promote and support the distribution channel as a means to bring product to market.
We shall refer to all products by their trademark, generic name or chemical formulation as solicited, and clarify the differences in either or all three of the classifications as the case arises.
We shall substitute competitive brands from a trademark solicited, only upon approval of the buyer.
We shall educate the buyer on our products without misrepresenting their advantages or disadvantages, and promote the use of the various products for the physical, chemical and electrical properties for which they excel.
We will accurately represent and advertise our merchandise and services.
In the ever-changing conditions in the plastics field, we will always be alert to new products which will benefit our customers.
We shall comply fully with international standards and laws in all association activities.
Objectives