Schedule of Events

Regency Ballroom Foyer

Regency Ballroom

Crystal Ballroom AB

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging is gaining more traction across the U.S., but how is the movement really unfolding? In this session, industry experts highlight recent state developments and what they mean for producers, recyclers and policymakers.

Crystal Ballroom AB

Packaging EPR has failed to improve recycling rates and has led to higher costs for consumers. In this session, you'll learn about the National Waste & Recycling Association's support for practical, uniform battery recovery programs that both reduce fire risks within the industry and increase the recovery of critical materials. The session will also highlight the National Waste & Recycling Foundation's national battery PSA campaign in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, featuring Woodsy Owl.

Regency Ballroom

Crystal Ballroom AB

Discover how PSI specifications have changed over time to keep pace with the ever-evolving recovered paper industry. This session will highlight key milestones and updates and the ongoing role specifications play in supporting industry standards and development.

Crystal Ballroom C

Plastic film is widely used in industrial and consumer packaging, yet it poses various challenges for recyclers. Despite that, a number of new and upgraded recycling plants are targeting this material, whether for mechanical or chemical recycling. In this session, we take a closer look at these operations and delve into new data on plastic film recycling.

Regency Ballroom

Crystal Ballroom AB

Innovation in packaging design and development has ramped up in recent years as a result of brand owners’ commitment to more sustainable packaging. With goals such as reducing use of virgin plastic, improving recyclability and the like, many new package types have been tested and introduced and many have not worked out. This session reviews wins and challenges in packaging innovation and identifies effective approaches.

Crystal Ballroom C

Small format packaging like aluminum pods, plastic caps and paper wrappers often evade sorting or contaminate recycling streams, reducing quality and increasing costs. With EPR expanding, recovery of these materials is necessary. The new Small Format Coalition brings together brands, recyclers, glass processors and waste management and MRF operators to improve recovery infrastructure, develop actionable data and promote smarter packaging design. Learn more about the coalition and how you can get involved.

Regency Ballroom

Regency Ballroom

Crystal Ballroom AB

Dive into the dynamics of recovered paper markets in this informative session. From OCC to high-grade recovered paper to the shifting landscape of exports, you'll learn about current market drivers, trends and demand.

Crystal Ballroom C

Plastic recyclers face many challenges, including competition from low-priced off-spec and virgin material. In this session, representatives from companies specializing in PET, HDPE and PP recycling explain how they contend with this issue and others while also offering insight into supply and demand trends and whether new extended producer responsibility laws can help in either of these areas.

Crystal Ballroom Foyer

Crystal Ballroom AB

Explore how AI, robotics and automation are making material recovery facilities (MRFs) more efficient and effective. In this session, industry leaders highlight key innovations and future trends.