Exhibit 32.1


                           CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
                            18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
                             AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
                 SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


 In connection with the  Quarterly  Report  of  Home  Products International,
 Inc.  (the  "Company") on  Form 10-Q  for the period ended  June 28, 2003 as
 filed with the  Securities and Exchange Commission  on  August 11, 2003,  I,
 James  R. Tennant, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman  of the Board of the
 Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
 section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 (1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or
      15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 (2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
      material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
      the Company.


  /s/ JAMES R. TENNANT
  --------------------
  James R. Tennant
  Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
  August 11, 2003


 A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
 provided to Home Products International, Inc.  and will be retained by  Home
 Products International, Inc.  and furnished to  the Securities and  Exchange
 Commission or its staff upon request.