Conference Schedule

In this session, recent trends in packaging are reviewed and factors that affect the sustainability of paper packaging are discussed. The workshop covers new package types that, while promoted as “more circular,” are questionable in terms of sustainability. The rapid growth of e-commerce and the implications for shipping packaging will be addressed, as well as changes in curbside recycling in recent years and the implications of adding new types of packaging. Different types of paper packages will be analyzed in terms of how they fare when sorted at the MRF (materials recovery facility). Finally, the impact on the recyclability of nonpaper elements, such as inks, labels, wraps and more, on packages are discussed.

Despite high unemployment figures early in the pandemic, hiring and retaining employees has become much more difficult since then. In this session, you’ll hear how professionals in the waste and recycling sector have confronted these challenges. Learn about what’s worked for them and what has not as they have attempted to attract and retain employees to help provide essential services.

Chemical recycling has the potential to complement mechanical recycling, but questions remain about the technology's environmental impacts. In this session, we discuss the role transparency will play in gaining acceptance for chemical recycling by discussing LCAs, mass balance and other certifications, policy strategies, outputs, recycling calculations and concerns about competition with mechanical recycling.

Voluntary brand commitments and recycled-content mandates have increased demand and pricing for recovered PET, though the collection rate remains low. Panelists in this session discuss PET market dynamics and whether legislation can help to improve recovery of this material.

Generation of printer’s grades and office paper has been slowing for several years and reached a new low during the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in supply and demand shifts and the repurposing of paper machines. This session looks at how the industry has adjusted operations and addressed fluctuations in supply and demand.

Tom Joyce, managing director of MUFG’s Capital Markets Strategy group, heads a team that creates customized analytical content for multinational S&P 500 companies. His team provides in-depth analysis on the impact of economic, political, public policy and regulatory dynamics on the U.S., credit and foreign exchange rates and commodities markets. Over the last 15 years, he created and built the Capital Markets Strategy role, advising corporate C-Suite executives on the pervasive macro forces driving markets. He shares some of those insights with PPRC attendees in this keynote session.