How Bio-based Plastics Have Played a Pivotal Role in EarthKind’s Sustainability Message

Abstract

EarthKind exists to preserve the good and prevent the rest, committed to honoring nature’s delicate ecosystem, using business as a force for good, and elevating this power to foster sustainable inventions. So, when it came to plastics, EarthKind’s CEO & Founder, Kari Warberg Block, led her company no differently, making a conscious commitment to tackle this issue head-on.

Dive into Warberg Block’s groundbreaking presentation about her company’s three-year journey toward inventing the nation’s first bio-based plastic in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) category. Learn about how through the power of worldwide collaboration, coupled with some very unexpected players, the brand’s sustainability message took a pivotal turn that not only strengthens its mission, honors its promise to consumers, and elevates its edge to retailers, but also invites key audiences and brands to unify, take action, and to ignite a path toward creating economical, safe and sustainable alternatives that function in harmony to protect our planet.

About the Speaker

Kari Warberg Block, an unlikely disruptor, challenged an industry that by its very nature is toxic. As the CEO & Founder of EarthKind®, Kari discovered that 98% of pest control solutions sold were poison & kill methods – so she set out to invent a better solution: plant-based pest control powered by nature. Kari was the first to develop, manufacture, and commercialize poison-free rodent and insect repellents for farm and home use, with a mission to build a purpose led company to create change through business. Her efforts have helped decrease consumer reliance on poison & kill based methods from 98% to 88% nationwide. Once a mom on food stamps, Kari started EarthKind® with nothing more than a package of garden seeds and a vision, and has built it into the $20 million company it is today.

Kari was selected as an Ernst & Young “Entrepreneurial Winning Women,” and has gone from being a part of her local homemakers club to advising the SBA, Congress and the White House on policy that impacts women in business. Kari was awarded the 2019 GMDC Retail Champions of Change award for her role as an inspirational industry leader. She has been featured in CNBC, The New York Times, Huffington Post and Forbes.

The Right 3D Process for the Right 3D Design

Abstract

There are many myths and speculations in the 3D Print Industry. One such myth is that a specific 3D process is the right choice for all design requirements. Another myth is that one can go directly from design to production, without tuning the design to the process, nor tuning the process to the design – this myth leads to the speculation that mechanical engineers are not needed for designing to quality, and plastics engineers are not needed to optimize process parameters. In this lecture, the truth behind the curtain will be revealed. A market frame will be presented overlaying which analog and which digital plastic processes play best in which market space, with an explanation of the technical and economic challenges that define that market space for each process. Finally, a success story of applying this frame will be illustrated.

About the Speaker

Over 30 years experience in printing technology investigations and product development, including over 10 years driving HP strategy in 3D Print and Digital Manufacturing. Current responsibility translating megatrend and competitive analysis into the vision for the Digital Manufacturing Industry and developing the execution strategy for creating this manufacturing ecosystem, from design through production and use. He has a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University (1987), and was also in the Executive Management Master Program at the University of California, San Diego (1997).

Edward has a proven ability to take complex technical concepts into impactful marketing messages. He Has also shown digital manufacturing technology and industry expertise, driving the invention of Multi Jet Fusion technology and evangelizing HP's investment in leading the industry.

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About the Speaker

I’ve been with Arkema for 26 years in various technical, business development, and general management roles before leading our global marketing team for the past 4 years. I’m based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

About Arkema: Arkema is a world leader in high performance bio-sourced polymers (namely polyamide 11) derived 100% from renewable castor beans. This is the story about how we have gone back deeper into the supply chain, which exists mainly in the farm fields of India. This story of how the lives of farmers and their families form the bedrock of our sustainable supply chain is not without challenges and frustrations. Consequently, we put our feet on the ground in the fields of Gujarat, India in order to teach good agricultural practices and greater respect for the environment. It’s a work in progress that we are proud to share with others.

Sustainability in Plastics

Abstract

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About the Speaker

Christina Keller is President/CEO of the Cascade Engineering Family of Companies, a position she has held since September 2018. Cascade Engineering based in Grand Rapids, Michigan is a global manufacturing company with ten business units supporting a diversity of strategic markets, including transportation, environmental services, office seating, material handling, polymer compounding, and RFID technology. CE employs 1,900 people located in 13 facilities throughout North America with additional operations in Budapest, Hungary.

Prior to becoming President/CEO, Christina was President - Cascade Business Team (2017 – 2018). Responsible for overseeing 5 business units; Cascade Cart Solutions, Automotive Americas, Innovative Plastics Technology, Decade Products and Noble Polymers. She was President of CK Technologies (2015 – 2017) the largest of Cascade Engineering’s ten business units. CK Technologies is the leading thermoplastics solutions provider in the North American commercial truck market. CKT is the market leader for injection molded bumpers, grilles, roof fairings and chassis skirts, providing large plastic injection molded parts and assemblies that are top coat painted in sequence and delivered to customers throughout North America. Prior to joining CKT Keller was the Business Unit Leader for Triple Quest, which manufactured and distributed the Hydraid Water Filter providing safe drinking water to 46 developing countries. Christina joined Cascade in 2009. Her previous work experience includes consulting at Accenture and program management at Polaris Management Partners in New York City and ERT in Washington, DC.

Christina’s holds an MBA from the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University, a BA from Boston College, certification in economics from American University and a certificate of achievement as a Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt from Villanova University. Time abroad includes graduating from High School in Switzerland, living in Central and South America and working in East Africa. Christina has delivered two TEDx talks in Michigan on entrepreneurship and sustainable business and she delivered the keynote at the Plastic News Executive Forum in 2019. She was ranked as one of West Michigan’s 40 under 40 and recognized as a rising star by Plastics News Magazine.

Christina resides in Ada, Michigan with her husband Andy and their two children Aspen and Jackson.

It’s Time for a Materials Revolution

Abstract

According to recent polling, 86% of Americans expect companies to stand for something more than just making money, and 41% of Americans want to be seen as someone who buys green products. Business decision-makers are following suit: 62% say a supplier’s environmental performance is important/ very important in selecting suppliers and making purchasing decisions, and 28% are already using supplier scorecards to assess suppliers on sustainability. Layer in the increasing outrage over plastics in the ocean, leading to a vilification of the material writ large, and sustainability and circularity are front-burner issues that must be addressed by everyone in the value chain. Eastman is at the front lines and has dedicated itself to transforming tomorrow by revolutionizing the materials that shape it today. We have already integrated waste plastics into our fiber production processes, alongside sustainably harvested cellulose, and we’re rolling out two more approaches for copolyester production using waste plastics and rPET to create material options with a high percentage of recycled content. We’re also working to solve end-of-life issues, creating compostable products that degrade without microplastics. An executive from Eastman will talk about our journey — lessons learned, systems we’ve created, partners that have been critical – to help everyone in the industry to see what’s possible and how we can all be part of the revolution.

About the Speaker

As director of circular economy integration within the corporate innovation department at Eastman, Jayme Leita is responsible for leading the development of capabilities required to deploy Eastman’s Advanced Circular Recycling technologies across the enterprise and into the marketplace. Leita has been with Eastman since 2003 and has worked in a variety of roles in technology, marketing, and business. His experience includes process improvement, technical service, product and market development, and platform management. He has played significant roles in the design, development, commercialization, and global market activation of six new products for Eastman. In his current role, he is applying his experience to integrate the fundamentals of circularity into a platform of innovation for Eastman. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Tennessee Technological University and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Leita lives in Johnson City, Tenn., with his wife Molly, their two children, Lacy and Benji, and the family dogs, Chip and Jo. In his spare time, he enjoys fly fishing, boating, reading, and traveling with his family.

Advancing Technology through Measurements and Standards

Abstract

The advancement of many important technologies for economic growth in the United States is dependent upon the availability of the technical infrastructure. For example, the spectacular success in the transformation of semiconductor technology into an industry was aided by technical developments in electron microscopy, advanced electrical measurements, and lithographic process control. The mission of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. NIST operates metrology labs (material measurement, physical measurement), technology labs (engineering, information technology, communication), and national user facilities (CNST, NIST center for neutron research). Programmatic priorities include advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, disaster resilience, documentary standards, technology transfer, and measurement science. This talk will highlight a broad range of activities at NIST focused on plastics including programs in the advanced measurement methods, 3D printing, and the circular economy. In addition, opportunities to engage with NIST will be presented, including the nSoft consortium and activities under the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI).

About the Speaker

Dr. Eric Lin is Director of the Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). MML serves as the nation's reference laboratory for measurements in the chemical, biological and materials sciences. MML activities include fundamental research in the composition, structure and properties of industrial, biological, and environmental materials and processes, to the development and dissemination of certified reference materials, critically evaluated data and other measurement quality assurance programs. Dr. Lin received a B.S.E. from Princeton University, and Masters and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford, all in chemical engineering.

Profitable, Proactive, Positive Plastics

Our Circular Economy Emerges & Engages

Abstract

After several years where plastics has been in the harsh spotlight, subject to criticism that is, at times, less than scientific, the global plastics industry is pushing back, but in a far more positive way. Our industry is not simply fighting, but in fact engaging, discussing, teaching, investing, and educating the world on how plastics remain the best application option - indeed, the most environmentally friendly option - in a world where sustainable materials management is not easily understood. Dr. Adam Malofsky's work on the front lines of the harsh realities of plastics recycling economics serves as the basis for this compelling topic that continues to attract a diversity of opinions.

About the Speaker

A 25-year veteran of the performance chemicals, polymers and materials industries, Dr. Adam Malofsky has held numerous leadership positions in a variety of start-up opportunities. Adam focuses on materials / manufacturing trends and opportunity identification, with subsequent evaluation, assessment and finally, where logical, venture creation through to commercialization.

Adam is known for identifying white space opportunities and then employing practical, high speed, value-oriented development strategies that frequently allow for the successful commercialization of new technology platforms, not simply evolutionary improvements. With seven ventures completed or in progress, and dozens of new materials and manufacturing products and methods commercialized, Adam thoroughly enjoys when someone says it’s impossible and then proves its indeed possible.

Adam received a BS in chemical engineering from Lehigh University and both an MS and PhD in polymer science at the University of Connecticut. Adam lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his entrepreneur wife Robin. They have two kids in college, Brandon and Nicole.

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This presentation will provide a brief state of the additive manufacturing industry regarding engineering polymers and composites. Josh will share Fortify’s thesis on digital composites manufacturing, and how fiber reinforced polymers are positioned to impact injection molding and end-use applications across several verticals.

About the Speaker

Josh Martin is a mechanical engineer and materials scientist by training. He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Delaware, where he was first exposed to composite materials. Josh worked as a materials scientist at the Army Research Labs before moving to Boston to pursue his Ph.D. at Northeastern University under a National Science Foundation Fellowship. His research spun out into Fortify, where he operates as CEO.

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Eric Oakes of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) will discuss JPL’s historical use of plastics on spacecraft ranging from Mars rovers to deep space exploration satellites. He will also discuss the current uses of plastics on JPL’s current flagship missions Mars 2020 and Europa Clipper. Along with discussion of the use of plastics he will discuss the challenges associated with using plastics for robotic spacecraft missions and JPL’s future uses and needed technological advancements in plastics.

About the Speaker

Eric Oakes is a Materials & Processes Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). He has been a member of the Materials Engineering, Test and Evaluation Group for over 20 years, providing support to numerous flight and research projects. His support, including fabrication and testing of flight hardware, has included all four of the JPL Mars rover missions (Pathfinder, Mars Exploration Rovers, Mars Science Laboratory and Mars 2020), as well as Deep Impact, InSight, among other responsibilities. He is currently supporting the Europa Clipper mission, as well as providing subject matter expertise for Tiger Team and failure analysis activities, on projects such as Surface Water and Ocean Topography). His expertise encompasses polymer matrix composite design and fabrication, material selection, adhesive bonding, and mechanical testing. Within JPL, he is the subject matter expert for adhesive bonding and surface preparation. He is also a co-author of “Temperature Effects on Adhesive Bond Strengths and Modulus for Commonly Used Spacecraft Structural Adhesives” that was presented the 2011 SAMPE Conference in Long Beach, CA and is a widely cited reference.

Eric received a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from The University of Washington in 1999. While at the University of Washington he was involved in SAMPE and designed and fabricated the winning Kit Bridge at SAMPE 1998 in Long Beach, CA.