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.

Hybrid Digital/Analog Supply Chain

Abstract

There are many speculations in the 3D Print Industry. One such speculation is a specific 3D process is the right choice for all design requirements and will directly replace injection molding for commodity parts. Supporting this speculation simplified supply chain arguments have explained how 3D Printing could be used instead of injection molding. In this lecture, the reality behind the speculation will be revealed. A market frame will be presented overlaying which analog and which digital plastic processes play best in which market space. Further explanation of hybrid supply chain models will explain how 3D Printing could be used to complement of injection molding. With the current world situation, adding 3D printing to the part manufacturing tool kit could help mitigate disruptions in supply chain. Success stories, including designs for preventing the spread of disease will be presented.

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.

Bio-based Polyamide 11: A Case Study in High Performance and Sustainable Castor Bean Farming in India

Abstract

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.

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

Present information on B Corp, Environmental practices, Social practices and talent. She will focus on the opportunities to build a truly circular economy as well as tapping into new talent pools (and what these pools are) to fill open positions and how to inspire the next generation of talent.

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.

Revolutionizing Materials Right. Now.

Abstract

Many major brands now have established goals for recycled, sustainable solutions for their products and packaging. But how will they make the transition? Traditional mechanical recycling is inefficient. Most chemical recycling solutions are still several years out. Until now. Eastman is a leader in today’s circular economy. We have reimagined our material production process and developed a way to replace the coal and natural gas used for feedstocks with plastic waste currently destined for the landfill. Our presentation will cover how we create materials made from waste plastic that can be used to craft packaging and products right now — not in the distant future.

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.

Unlocking material properties in 3D Printing with Functional Additives

Abstract

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.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Use of Plastic in Exploring the Universe

Abstract

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.

Keynote: Perspective on the Plastics Industry

About the Speaker

Jim Fitterling was named chief executive officer-elect of Dow in March 2018, prior to becoming CEO in July 2018. Before that, he served as Dow's president and chief operating officer. From September 2017 through March 2019, Mr. Fitterling also served as chief operating officer for the Materials Science Division of DowDuPont, an $86 billion holding company comprised of The Dow Chemical Company and DuPont, created with the intent to form independent, publicly traded companies in materials science, agriculture and specialty products sectors. During his 36-year career at Dow, Fitterling has held a wide range of leadership positions in many of the company's business units, in corporate development and in business operations. In addition, he served as the business lead in Dow’s successful launch of its next-generation sustainability goals. At his direction, in January 2019, Dow became a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, an initiative to accelerate efforts to drive innovation, provide much-needed resources, and take decisive action to put an end to plastic waste in the environment. Mr. Fitterling joined Dow in 1984, two weeks after earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri — Columbia.

Keynote: Perspective on the Plastics Industry

About the Speaker

Tom Salmon was named Chief Executive Officer of Berry Global Group, Inc. and appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors in February 2017. Mr. Salmon most recently served as the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer. From November 2015 until October 2016, Mr. Salmon was President of Berry’s Consumer Packaging Division. He previously served as president of Berry’s Rigid Closed Top Division since November 2014 and president of Berry’s Engineered Materials Division from 2003 until November 2014. Mr. Salmon was general manager for Honeywell Plastics for the two years prior thereto. He was the global sales director for Allied Signal’s Engineering Plastics and Films business from 1999 to 2001. Prior to joining Honeywell/ Allied Signal, Mr. Salmon held several positions at GE Plastics and GE Lighting, divisions within General Electric. Mr. Salmon holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Saint Bonaventure University in Western New York.

Keynote: Caring for Yourself Through Change

Abstract

None of us expected to experience such an incredible shift in a short period of time.  We’re trying to stay positive, adapt to the new normal at home, remain healthy, and stay productive with work.

The reality is that it’s a lot to manage.  Even when we put our best food forward, the stress can be too much, we turn to comfort foods to ease anxiety and find ourselves in an unhealthy cycle of poor eating, sleeplessness, fatigue and hardship.

You can be healthy and excel through change!

Angela Gaffney, CHC, will show you the way and by the end of our 30 minutes together you will:

• Understand the secret to staying healthy through it all
• Learn simple stress-busting strategies
• Discover how to lead and positively grow through change

About the Speaker

Angela Gaffney, CHC, is the founder of Essential Health & Wellness, a firm focused on caring for the health of executives and their teams as they excel in their career.  Angela teaches people simple and effective strategies to achieve health, increase productivity and live stress-free while reaching their personal and professional goals.   She’ll challenge us to think differently, take ownership of our health and raise standards in all areas of life.

Angela is an international speaker, corporate consultant, three-time author, and writes for many publications on health and worksite wellness; she is a catalyst for healthy transformation.  After surviving a health crisis that nearly took her life, she became a Certified Health Coach and has helped thousands of others achieve their personal and professional goals.  Angela teaches simple strategies to help leaders break through barriers, shift perspective and powerfully participate in all areas of business and life. For the past nine years, Angela and her team have supported clients through inspirational keynotes, corporate consulting, educational worksite wellness programs, and private coaching.

Prior to starting Essential Health and Wellness, Angela worked for Johnson and Johnson in sales, training, and management and went on to serve the medical community as the Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Distance Learning Network.  She relates well to the busy executive, traveling often and balancing the demands of work with quality family time. 

Angela’s work has been featured in many high-profile media including the Huffington Post, USA Today, Yoga+Life, Meetings Today and more.  She is the best-selling author of Feel Good, Look Good, For Life and has published two cookbooks: The Daily Essentials Cookbook Collection: Breakfast and The Daily Essentials Cookbook Collection: Lunch.  She’s inspired various clients in life-long health, including Salesforce.com, United Airlines, Marriott International, PCMA, and East West Resorts.

Angela loved her experience as a college-athlete and received her BBA and BA from Saginaw Valley State University.  Her education continued in whole food nutrition and life fulfillment at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where she became a Certified Health Coach.  Outside of speaking and writing about health, Angela’s other passions include enjoying the great outdoors with her family, traveling to new places, and being a creative cook in the kitchen.  We invite you to learn more and access free resources at www.AngelaGaffney.com.