• While 43% of suppliers feel “very prepared” to adapt, only 22% of distributors share that sentiment (see Figure 4). This disparity underscores a need for enhanced resources, especially for smaller firms that may lack dedicated compliance teams. • More than half (56%) of suppliers and onethird (33%) of distributors face resource and time constraints, and 40% across the board say they struggle to understand complex regulations (see Figure 5). • 89% of suppliers and 41% of distributors want more regular updates on regulatory changes (see Figure 6). • 65% of suppliers and 56% of distributors call for additional educational resources to stay informed about the regulatory landscape. It’s clear that both distributors and suppliers need support in navigating regulatory changes, and PPAI is dedicated to addressing these through enhanced reporting and advocacy efforts. The Association engaged Thorn Run Partners, a top Washington lobbying firm, to amplify the industry’s voice in the halls of Congress. (See page 36 for more.) And PPAI Media published more than 100 articles covering regulatory and governance issues in 2024, covering a range of topics from PFAS regulations and extended producer responsibility laws to product sfety updates, recalls and much more. These were shared through PPAI’s Newslink e-newsletter, as well as via social media. PPAI is committed to supporting a resilient industry as regulatory Must Read | Legislation and Compliance FIGURE 6: What actions would you like to see PPAI take to help members better navigate regulatory and public affairs challenges? Distributors Suppliers More regularly update members on key regulatory changes and their impacts 41% 90% Increase investment in lobbying and advocacy 41% 28% Provide further educational resources on political and regulatory impacts 56.4% 65.5% Further facilitate connections between members and policymakers 26.6% 27.6% Other 2.1% 3.4% FIGURE 5: What challenges does your company face in keeping up with public affairs and regulatory changes? Distributors Suppliers Lack of resources or time to monitor changes 33.3% 56.7% Difficulty understanding complex regulations 38.6% 40.0% Costs associated with compliance 42.9% 63.3% Lack of access to reliable information 28.6% 16.7% Limited internal expertise 27.5% 30.0% Other 3.2% 3.3% Compliance may be challenging, but with PPAI’s proactive support, promotional products firms can navigate this complex landscape with confidence. Together, we can adapt to new regulatory realities, turning challenges into opportunities for growth, innovation and sustainable success. Adapt & Grow 34 • JANUARY 2025 • PPAI
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzU4OQ==