Schedule of Events
Exhibit Hall Hours
Wednesday, October 23 – 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Thursday, October 24 – 7:30 AM – 4:15 PM
New Exhibit Hall Hours for 2024!
Times, sessions and speakers are subject to change.
Waste Connections Facility Tour (additional fee required)
Monday, October 21 – 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, October 23 – 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Click here to learn more!
10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Registration Open
Regency Ballroom Foyer
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Welcome Refreshments
Crystal Ballroom Foyer
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Opening Keynote: Taking Stock of the Economy
Crystal Ballroom AB
Sponsored By
We examine the current economic climate and its influence on the paper and plastics recycling markets in the U.S.
Speaker
Ian Wyatt
Director of Economics and Commercial Market Strategist, SVP
Huntington Commercial Bank
View Bio
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Networking Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
Regency Ballroom
Sponsored By
1:45 PM – 3:15 PM
EPR Implementation: A Progress Report
Crystal Ballroom AB
Explore the progress that has been made in implementing extended producer responsibility legislation in Canada and the U.S. Hear from representatives throughout the packaging value chain at MRF operators as they present a comprehensive progress report. Access valuable insights into the development of these programs, the challenges encountered and what they will mean for the future of recycling in these states.
Speaker
Anne Germain
Chief of Technical and Regulatory Affairs
National Waste & Recycling Association
View Bio
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
Regency Ballroom
Sponsored By
3:45 PM – 5:15 PM
MRF Math
Crystal Ballroom AB
Sponsored By
How do changes to processing fees, improved technology, increased capital requirements, decreased residuals and less labor change the formula for MRF operations? This unique session dives into MRF math in a way you’ve never heard it discussed.
5:15 PM – 6:30 PM
Networking Reception in the Exhibit Hall
Regency Ballroom
Sponsored By
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Registration Open
Regency Ballroom Foyer
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall
Regency Ballroom
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
M&A in Paper & Packaging: How Could it Change the Landscape?
Crystal Ballroom AB
Sponsored By
We delve into the significance of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the paper and packaging industry, uncovering how these transactions will affect markets and influence sustainability efforts.
Moderator
Gabe Hajde
Senior Analyst, Packaging & Paper Equity Research
Wells Fargo Corporate & Investment Banking
View Bio
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Networking Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall
Regency Ballroom
Sponsored By
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
PSI Session: High Hopes for High Grades?
Crystal Ballroom AB
This session examines the future of high-grade recovered paper in the face of declining generation. Our panelists discuss the availability outlook, how they approach sourcing material, quality preservation methods and more.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Polyolefins Market Outlook & the Role of Vertical Integration
Crystal Ballroom C
Get ready to explore the market dynamics shaping the circular economy for polyolefins, including the influence of inexpensive virgin material. We also look at the role vertical integration plays and if this strategic approach can help ensure demand for reprocessors’ recycled resins.
Speaker
Cherish Changala-Miller
Vice President of Sustainability & Public Affiars
Revolution
View Bio
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Networking Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
Regency Ballroom
Sponsored By
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
PET Market Outlook: Testing Brand Commitments
Crystal Ballroom C
Many companies have pledged to increase their use of recycled PET in their packaging. We examine the firmness of these commitments in the face of inexpensive virgin and off-spec PET and the near-term outlook for PET recyclers.
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Bulk Buying: OCC & Packaging Grades
Crystal Ballroom AB
Sponsored By
Our expert panelists discuss the trends shaping supply and demand for the bulk paper grade of OCC, as well as for mixed paper.
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM
Networking Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall
Regency Ballroom
Sponsored By
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Beyond the Chemistry: Chemical and Solvent-Based Recycling Developments
Crystal Ballroom AB
Unlike mechanical recycling, chemical recycling breaks down plastic polymers into their molecular components, enabling the creation of new materials without quality degradation. Other technologies use solvents to bring recycled inputs to near-virgin quality. This session explores the current landscape of chemical and solvent-based recycling in the U.S., the successes and failures these companies have encountered as they seek to scale up their technologies and how they are approaching material sourcing.
Speaker
Marija Massey
Strategic Sourcing Manager, Circular Feedstocks, North America
Eastman Chemical Company
View Bio
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Do We Have a Recovery Problem?
Crystal Ballroom C
Sponsored By
According to recent reports, recycling of household-generated paper and plastics in the U.S. has room for improvement. This panel discusses the state of paper and plastics recovery and the issues holding it back and suggests methods for improvement.
Speaker
Anelia Milbrandt
Sr. Research Analyst, Bioenergy
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
View Bio
3:45 PM – 4:15 PM
Networking Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall
Regency Ballroom
Sponsored By
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
A Deep Dive into Recovered Paper Pricing Indexes
Crystal Ballroom AB
We hear from representatives of the various pricing indexes about their methodologies and how they view their role in the industry.
