New 501(c)(3) initiative will expand charitable giving, empower member impact, and strengthen communities across the packaging and processing industry

Herndon, Virginia; April 16, 2026 — In a groundbreaking and forward-looking move, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, during its 2026 Executive Leadership Conference (Amelia Island, Florida) announced that its Board of Directors has approved the establishment of the PACK gives BACK™ Charitable Foundation, a new 501(c)(3) organization designed to amplify and expand the industry's philanthropic impact.

Backed by an initial $6 million investment from PMMI's reserve fund, the PACK gives BACK™ Charitable Foundation represents a significant milestone in PMMI's ongoing commitment to supporting its members, their communities and interests, and the broader industry. The Foundation will operate as a separate entity with its own Board of Directors and bylaws, ensuring a dedicated, strategic focus on determining the best fit for the Foundation's vision.

The new Foundation will amplify charitable contributions through a matching gift program, partnering with members to ensure their support for the causes that matter most to them. In addition, the Foundation will have the ability to make direct donations to other non-member charitable organizations, extending its reach beyond member-led giving.

"This is a transformational moment for PMMI and our industry," said Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. "The PACK gives BACK™ Charitable Foundation reflects our deep commitment to serving our members' needs and supporting their interests, as well as the industry at-large. By creating a platform that multiplies the impact of our members' generosity, we are taking meaningful, progressive action to drive positivity and change on a much larger scale."

The PACK gives BACK™ Charitable Foundation is targeting operational readiness by Fall 2026.
The PACK gives BACK™ Charitable Foundation becomes PMMI's second philanthropic arm, complementing the longstanding work of the PMMI Foundation, established in 1988. While the PMMI Foundation focuses on strengthening the future workforce through scholarships, educational support, and career awareness initiatives, the new Foundation expands PMMI's charitable reach to include a broader range of causes with community impact.

Together, these two foundations reinforce PMMI's commitment to advancing both the people and the purpose behind the packaging and processing industry.

About PMMI
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents more than 1,100 manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components, and materials as well as providers of related equipment and services to the packaging and processing industry. We work to advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through the world-class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media, and a wide range of resources to empower our members. The PACK EXPO trade shows unite the world of packaging and processing to advance the industries they serve: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK EXPO East, PACK EXPO Southeast, EXPO PACK México, and EXPO PACK Guadalajara. PMMI Media Group connects manufacturers to the latest solutions, trends and innovations in packaging and processing year-round through brands including Packaging World, ProFood World, Healthcare Packaging, OEM, Contract Manufacturing and Packaging, and Mundo EXPO PACK. PMMI Business Drivers assist members in pursuing operational excellence through workforce development initiatives, deliver actionable business intelligence on economic, market, and industry trends to support members' growth strategies, and actively connect the supply chain throughout the year.

Learn more at pmmi.org and packexpo.com and pmmimediagroup.com.