Partner Hazel O'Keeffe to Present at the 2026 PLASTICS Spring Summit

Keller and Heckman Partner Hazel O’Keeffe has been announced as a featured speaker for the upcoming Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) 2026 Spring Summit. The event, a cornerstone for the plastic packaging industry, will be held in Arlington, Virginia, from May 27 through June 3.

O’Keeffe is scheduled to take the podium on Tuesday, June 2, to deliver a high-priority session titled, “Update on EU Food Contact Compliance.” Her presentation comes at a critical juncture for manufacturers navigating the increasingly complex European market.

The session will dissect the Quality Amendment to the Plastics Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2025/351), alongside the Bisphenol A Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 and related Note for Guidance. It will aim to provide industry stakeholders with insights on how to maintain compliance in this shifting regulatory landscape.  

The 2026 Summit is hosted by the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Packaging Materials Committee (FDCPMC) of PLASTICS. This year’s gathering is expected to bring together a diverse cohort of scientists, engineers, and regulatory heads to address the challenges of global packaging innovation.

Beyond EU compliance, the summit’s agenda reflects a year of significant regulatory movement. Key topics of discussion include:

• The "MAHA" Influence: Analysts will examine how the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda is currently reshaping U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) priorities, specifically regarding the Substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) program.
• PFAS Reform: Experts will provide updates on the rapid development of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) legislation at both the state and federal levels.
• Global Sustainability: Panels will explore the intersection of cutting-edge safety standards and international sustainability mandates.

More information on registration and the full event itinerary can be found here.