Speaker Bios

Steve Alexander
Executive Director
Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers

CRADLE-TO-CRADLE PANEL, Recycle: Bioplastics at the MRF - Implications from APR’s North American Rigid Plastics Analysis, With a just completed APR characterization of non bottle bale plastics from North Americas MRF’s, APR Executive Director Steve Alexander will review the implications for the bioplastics community.

 

Dave Allen
Global Technical Manager Agricultural Products
Stepan Company

Dave Allen is the Global Technical Manager for Agricultural Products at Stepan Company. In a previous role at Stepan, Dave was a Research Associate with a focus on new molecule development for the cleansing segment of Personal Care. Prior to joining Stepan, Dave worked in the specialty chemical / pharmaceutical industry in Process Research and Development for Monsanto, Great Lakes Chemical, NutraSweet, and Albany Molecular Research.

PRESENTATION: Surfactant and Sensory Properties of Lauryl Lactyl Lactate in Personal Care formulations

ABSTRACT: Secondary surfactants are very important in enhancing the esthetics of Personal Care cleansing formulations. In general, they usually provide improved foaming, an enhanced rheological profile, better skin feel, and improved mildness. However, their use in cleansing formulations can also be problematic. Many of the commonly used secondary surfactants are not 100% active, may contain nitrogen, salt, or sulfate, and are petrochemically derived. Lauryl Lactyl Lactate was developed to deliver key formulation physical attributes, without any of the previously mentioned drawbacks. Synthesis, physical data, performance information, and basic formulations will be presented which demonstrates the utility of Lauryl Lactyl Lactate as a secondary surfactant in Personal Care formulations.

 

Roger Avakian
Vice President, Scientific Development
PolyOne Corporation

Roger W. Avakian, is currently Vice President, Scientific Development for PolyOne Corporation and is responsible for developing strategic technology "breakthroughs". He has been with PolyOne since January 2000.  Prior to joining PolyOne, Roger had held several technical and technical management positions during his 20 years at GE, including an assignment in Europe.  Roger is a Master Black Belt in the Six Sigma quality methodology and has over 60 issued U.S. patents, and several pending U.S. patent applications. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of California at San Diego.

PRESENTATION: Non-Halogen Flame Retarded reSound™ Development

ABSTRACT: PLA (poly lactic acid, also known as polylactide) has recently attracted a lot of interest and publicity in both academia and industry because it is derived from renewable resources and is commercially available. In durable applications however, PLA has inherent weaknesses in properties such as impact strength, heat resistance, and flame retardancy. These shortcomings dramatically limit the use of PLA in demanding applications, especially in electronics applications that require higher performance materials. This presentation discusses PolyOne’s successful efforts to address these stringent requirements in electronics while retaining bio-content equal or greater than 30 weight %.

 

Robert Barsotti, Ph.D
Research Scientist
Arkema Inc.

Educational Background: Bachelors of Science and Engineering in Materials Science Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 2002. PhD in Materials Science Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2006. Previous Experience: Technical and commercial development of Arkema’s Nanostrength block copolymers for thermoset and composite materials. Current Job Responsibilities: Research & development for Plexiglas® medical and biopolymer technologies.

PRESENTATION: Plexiglas® RNew Acrylic/Biopolymer Blends

ABSTRACT: Altuglas International, a division of Arkema Inc. has recently developed Plexiglas® Rnew, a new technology based on poly(methyl methacrylate)/biopolymer blends. These resins, containing ≥ 25% renewable carbon, are in line with Arkema’s commitment to sustainability while offering exceptional performance for transparent or opaque durable goods in medical, transportation, building and construction, and consumer applications. As opposed to many green plastics, where material performance must be sacrificed for bio-content, this technology allows for impact properties, chemical resistance and processability far superior to traditional acrylic products.

 

Lindsay Beck
Senior Packaging Engineer, Sustainability
ConAgra Foods

Lindsay joined ConAgra Foods in 2007, bringing with her seven years of packaging design and technical sales experience. During her tenure at ConAgra Foods she has held roles in package development for various shelf-stable food products and new product innovations. In her current role, Lindsay identifies sustainable packaging alternatives as well as solid waste reduction and diversion opportunities. She manages ConAgra Foods’ sustainability claims process and co-leads the company’s annual Sustainable Development Awards and Conference. Lindsay is a Certified Packaging Professional (CPP), a graduate of Michigan State University, and sits on the board of directors for MSU’s Packaging Alumni Association.

PRESENTATION: Commercialization of Bioplastic Packaging Offers Functional Advantages

ABSTRACT: Shifting the packaging industry to everyday use of sustainable materials is a long and complex journey. In this session, one company will share the story of how they reduced their reliance on petrochemical resources through the use of bioplastic films. ConAgra Foods, in collaboration with their packaging supply chain, brought cost, performance and sustainability innovation in flexible printed shrink films via application of post‐industrial recycled PLA films as a replacement for traditional commodity plastics. The discussion will include the basics of shrink band production and application, technical requirements, challenges overcome, and benefits gleaned from the implementation.

 

Gajanan Bhat, Ph.D
Professor & Director UTNRL
The University of Tennessee

After earning his MS and Ph.D. from Georgia Tech in textile and polymer engineering, Dr. Bhat joined the University of Tennessee, in August 1990, where his research covers nonwovens - melt blown, spunbonded and biodegradable, plastics recycling, sustainable materials, and high performance fibers. As the director of the University of Tennessee Nonwovens Research laboratory (UTNRL) he has started production of nanofibers from thermoplastic polymers by the meltblowing process, a revolutionary development for the industry. Dr. Bhat has published more than 200 research papers, has two US Patents, and has made numerous presentations at international conferences. He has served as the president of the Fiber Society, and is an active member of INDA, TAPPI and the Textile Institute.

PRESENTATION: Meltblown Ingeo Nanofibers: Current Status and Future Potential

ABSTRACT: It has been shown that PLA can be melt blown into microfiber nonwoven webs. With increasing interest in sustainability and demand for biodegradable products, there is need for submicron fibers from materials such as PLA. Using the nanofiber metlblown capability at the University of Tennessee Nonwovens Research laboratory (UTNRL), it was demonstrated that nanofiber webs could be produced from PLA in a continuous manner. The findings from this ongoing research to determine optimum processing conditions to produce PLA nanofibers will be presented.

 

Daniel Carraway, Ph.D
Founder & CEO
DaniMer Scientific LLC

Daniel has15 years of success in creating value through new products and processes utilizing his unique strengths in developing technology portfolios and business strategies for new products. He is the inventor or co-inventor of over 20 patents or pending patents. Daniel holds an MBA in Marketing Management from Columbia University, a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the University of Georgia and a MS and BS from Mississippi State University.

PRESENTATION: Lactides as Building Blocks for Adhesives and for Engineered Degradability

 

Carla Castagnero
President
AgRecycle, Inc.

Carla Castagnero is co-founder and President of AgRecycle, Inc., a composting operation headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has received degrees from Columbia University and Duquesne University.

AgRecycle was the first company to be issued a Pennsylvania General Permit for composting. AgRecycle operations are the largest source-separated composting enterprise within Pennsylvania. AgRecycle’s finished compost products penetrate diverse market sectors, from remediating abandoned steel mill sites to customizing fairway blends for golf courses.

AgRecycle celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011. AgRecycle has been actively composting food residuals since 1998 and compostable plastics since 2007.

CRADLE-TO-CRADLE PANEL, Compost: Compostable Plastics - A Composter's Perspective, Pennsylvania’s largest composter of source-separated organic materials will discuss the impact of accepting compostable plastics. The economic and physical considerations of compostable plastics will be detailed, beginning with the generators’ selection of products, through the transportation and composting process, then concluding with impact of these products on high-end finished compost products.

 

Mike Centers
Founder & President
Titus Maintenance and Installation Services, Inc.

Mike Centers is a 20 year recycling industry veteran and founder of Titus Maintenance and Installations Services, Inc., an industry leader in the installation of Material Recovery Facilities (MRF’s) and in supplying MRF maintenance services in the western U.S. He was also President of CMMA, LLC, a California based consulting services provider. While president of CMMA, Centers advised on the California Bottle Bill and Assembly Bill 32, wrote grants for several single stream MRF’s in California, and provided input to California’s Department of Conservation and the California chapter of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries. Centers has also been in general management positions with TOMRA Pacific in Fremont California, Strategic Materials, Inc., of Hayward, California and Allwaste Environmental Services of Houston.

CRADLE-TO-CRADLE PANEL, Recycle: Bioplastics at the MRF - The California Bioplastics Project, Hear the results of the state of California’s partial grant and partial industry funded project, kicked off in 2010, to pilot and test recycling methods for bioplastics at both MRF’s and large plastics recyclers.

  

Jeff Cernohous, Ph.D
CTO, Chairman & Founder
Interfacial Solutions LLC

Dr. Jeffrey Cernohous was born in 1971 and is a native of River Falls, Wisconsin. He received a B.S. in Chemistry from University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 1993 and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from University of Minnesota in 1997. After completing his graduate work, Dr. Cernohous joined 3M’s Adhesive Technologies Center and where he began research programs aimed at developing new materials having a controlled molecular architecture. In 2002, Dr. Cernohous joined 3M’s Dyneon organization as a Development Group Leader. In this supervisory role, he transferred the Controlled Architecture Materials program to this organization and took on the responsibility of developing this technology into a business for Dyneon.

In late 2003, he left 3M to found Interfacial Solutions, a materials development and transfer company. In his current role as Chairman and CTO, he is engaged in developing and commercializing new technologies and products for solving problems related to interfacial phenomenon in plastics and plastic composites. The company currently occupies a 40000 sq. ft., fully equipped plastics processing and characterization facility located in River Falls, WI. In 2006, Interfacial Solutions was named the St. Croix County Emerging Business of the Year. In 2010, the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs Network (WEN) named Interfacial Solutions one of “Wisconsin Companies to Watch”. The company was also named to the 2010 Inc 500, with a ranking of #304.

Throughout his career Dr. Cernohous has been an active scientific publisher. He is a named co-author on more than 30 scientific publications and more than 60 US patents and patent applications.

PRESENTATION: deTerra® Biobased Polymers Next Generation Materials for Durable Applications

ABSTRACT: Dr. Cernohous' presentation will include a brief overview of Interfacial Solutions, an introduction to deTerra biobased polymers, and a look at the next generation of deTerra biobased polymers.

 

Sutin Chamulitrat
Vice President, Bioplastic Group
PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited

Sutin Chamulitrat has been Vice President of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited responsible for the development of global bioplastic business. Prior to the current assignment, he has been engaged in various functions in polymer industry including strategy development, investment & business analysis and manufacturing. He spent most of his career in sales/marketing and market development serving many businesses such as elastomers, specialty fibers as well as other industrial polymers in Asia Pacific for various firms. He earned Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from Chulalongkorn University in 1991 and a Master of Science in Polymer Engineering from The University of Akron, Ohio in 1995.

PRESENTATION: How the World is Changing, as we Move Beyond Petroleum - A view from the Petrochemicals Mainstream

ABSTRACT: With a clear philosophy on reducing global impact of environmental footprint, as well as belief in profitable growth of green products, PTT Group has entered bio-plastic business with a strong commitment to boost the business into another level. In order to achieve the mission, strategic plans are put in place throughout the value chain, leveraging extensive experiences as an integrated regional chemical company and vision to be one of the significant global players. The involvement in alternative feedstock, leveraging manufacturing competency as well as clear value proposition in the market place will carry the venture to continue to be in the leading position globally, with Innovation and Partnership in every business elements.

 

Buzz Chandler
President
ASEAN Corporation

President and one of the three founders of Asean Corporation in 1989. The company entered the compostable product field in 2003, and embarked on developing new compostable products using natural fibers and bioresins at that time.

Buzz attended the University of Edinburgh and London School of Economics before returning to the US and graduating from Lewis and Clark college in Portland Oregon, where he and his wife still make their home.

PRESENTATION: The Neophyte's Journey of Product Development to Market Release 

 

Tom Clynes
Writer, Photographer, Speaker

Acclaimed journalist, photographer and author of Wild Planet, Tom Clynes, longtime Contributing Editor at National Geographic Adventure brings audiences along on assignment to the ends of the Earth, telling the stories of individuals who managed to shape once-ordinary lives into extraordinary, world-changing adventures. Tom’s provocative dramatic and inspiring presentation tells the stories of real people — environmentalists, field scientists, Ebola doctors, and more — whose heroic achievements are within reach of most of us. People who succeed in changing the world are not born, but self-made. Tom will help audiences discover the life lessons behind the success of people who dared to challenge and change the status quo.

PRESENTATION: The Art of Audacity

 

Paul D. Conway
Vice Chairman
Cargill

Paul Conway became Vice Chairman in June 2011 and has been a member of Cargill’s Leadership Team since October 2006. He was elected to Cargill’s Board of Directors in September 2008.  He joined Cargill from Law School in 1979 and held a number of merchandising roles in the United Kingdom, USA and Switzerland before becoming a Division Head of UK corn processing in 1989. Throughout the 1990’s he worked in the European processing businesses, becoming Executive Vice President of Cargill’s European Food Processing Businesses in 1997. In 2006 he moved to Asia as President/Regional Director. In 2009 he relocated from Asia to the UK.

PRESENTATION: Food Security 2050: Obstacles, Opportunities and Optimism

 

Joerg Dahringer
Trevira GmbH

After studies of chemical engineering at the University of Karlsruhe (degree: Dipl.-Ing. (TU)) Joerg joined Hoechst AG in 1991. Since this time he's been working in the fiber business and is responsible for the R&D activities in staple fibers for the Trevira GmbH.

PRESENTATION: Trevira fibre innovations based on Ingeo bioploymer

ABSTRACT: Overview about the innovations and fiber developments of Trevira GmbH based on Ingeo biopolymer for nonwoven applications which covers all relevant technologies like spunlace, wetlaid and airlaid.

 

Steve Davies
NatureWorks LLC

Steve leads communications & public affairs globally for NatureWorks LLC. He is responsible for the strategy, direction and management of the company’s external communications, media relations, issues management, and brand.

Previously as NatureWorks’ Global Marketing Director, Steve was responsible for market development with Ingeo natural plastic innovations in packaging, bottles, food serviceware, films, and durable electronics, and with Ingeo fibers in apparel, personal care, home and garden. Since joining NatureWorks in 2003, he has led fibers applications development, business development in apparel, home textile, and nonwovens markets, brand management, and marketing communications. Previously at Honeywell International, he held a variety of positions spanning process & product development, and applications and downstream business development in the polymers & fibers markets.

 

Julia Dolfen
Market Development, North America
FKuR Plastics Corporation

Julia studied Political Science and Economics with a main focus on Marketing at the Westfälische Wilhlems University in Münster (Germany) and the Radboud University in Nijmengen (The Netherlands). In 2008 she completed the Advanced International Study Program in Conflict Transformation at the European University Center in Stadtschlaining (Austria). In 2009 she obtained a Master in Security Policy and Intercultural Communication at the University of Hamburg (Germany).

In 2009 she joined the FKuR Kunststoff GmbH in Willich, Germany. In January 2010 she started working with the newly founded FKuR Plastics Corporation in Cedar Park, Texas. Julia is in charge of the direction and coordination of business development, sales and marketing activities in the US.

PRESENTATION: Nature as a Role Model – PLA Blends for Transparent Blown Multilayer Films

ABSTRACT: FKuR Kunststoff GmbH was founded in 2003 and is one of the leading Bioresin producers in Europe. The main target is the development and production of high value Bioplastics for a wide range of applications, most importantly sustainable packaging. Nature offers perfect examples on what properties truly sustainable packaging should have: it should protect the good naturally, should be easy to open and offer a residue free disposal. These are characteristics that industrial packaging can’t offer, but where bioplastics can come into play.

 

John Dorgan, Ph.D 
Professor of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Site Director
Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels

John R. Dorgan is currently Professor of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines where he also serves as the Site Director of the Colorado Center for Biofuels and Biorefining (C2B2). He received his BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and his PhD, also in Chemical Engineering, from the University of California at Berkeley where he was a Hertz Fellow. Subsequently, he completed postdoctoral studies at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany. He began his academic career at the Colorado School of Mines in January of 1993. Since that time, he has published over 70 peer reviewed papers on a wide range of subjects in polymer science and engineering. Professor Dorgan feels that ecological concerns are a predominant research motivator for the 21st century; humanity must develop sustainable systems to satisfy its need for materials and fuels. His efforts are aimed at improving the efficiency of present systems while working to develop new technologies that are inherently more environmentally benign and sustainable. His work emphasizes developing new bioplastics and bioplastic nanocomposites which are based on renewable resources. In 1999 he founded the small company PolyNew Inc. which develops customized bioplastic formulations. In 2005, he was elected President of the Bioenvironmental Polymer Society. In 2006 he helped organize C2B2, an industry sponsored research center involving faculty and staff from the Colorado School of Mines, the University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado State University, and the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

PRESENTATION: PLA Nanocomposites

ABSTRACT: Polylactide is a highly successful bioplastic with a number of desirable attributes. The PLA property window can be widened and modified in a number of ways through blending and through the formation of nanocomposites. In this work, we discuss both approaches. Blends of PLA with another renewable bioplastic, Nylon-11, have been studied. It is found that poor interfacial adhesion between the polymers is present; this finding motivated the synthesis of copolymers of lactic acid with undecanoic acid for use as a blend compatibilizing agent. In another study, the use of lignin - a byproduct of lignocellulosic biorefining - was studied as a modifying agent for PLA. Novel lignin-graft-PLA copolymers have also been created. Finally, both biodegradable cellulose nanowhiskers and mineral fillers such as silica nanoparticles have been chemically grafted with PLA. We report on the properties of these novel nanocomposites.

 

Rich Eichfield
VP of Business Development
Plastic Suppliers, Inc.

Rich Eichfeld is the Vice President of Business Development for Plastic Suppliers holding a bachelor’s degree in business from Rutgers University. During his 22 years with Plastic Suppliers, he has held positions as Inside/Outside Sales, Industry Manager for Flexible Packaging, Branch Manager and National Sales Manager. In his current position, Rich is the contact for EarthFirst® biopolymer films. This innovative plastic film is made from Ingeo biopolymer.

PRESENTATION: Achieving the Triple Bottom Line - Social, Economic and Environmental Profit

ABSTRACT: As the world becomes more sensitive to the use of our natural resources, the value of biopolymers become more evident. Finding fit for use, while addressing society’s needs at cost parity or better becomes the goal. The use of EarthFirst PLA films not only meets this requirement, they unlock the door for further innovation for the savvy brand owner. From full body shrink sleeves to innovative flexible packaging, this unique product and associated patented process expand the uses of biopolymer film offerings. Listen in and imagine how your organization can benefit in the near term.

 

Frank Ernst
Product Manager & Technical Services
Taghleef Industries GmbH

Frank Ernst graduated in physics at the University of Applied Science Rüsselsheim/Germany in 1991. During his career of now 20 years in the BoPP industry, he has worked in R&D, Technical Services, Production and Maintenance around the world. Now, he is the product manager for the new bioplastic films NATIVIA. Frank has been involved in bioplastic films for 6 years and is happy to build on his experience.

PRESENTATION: NATIVIA – the biaxial oriented PLA film for flexible packaging

ABSTRACT: NATIVIA is a bio-based BoPLA Packaging Film made of annual renewable raw materials. This presentation will give a brief overview about our production facility in San Giorgio di Nogaro in Italy. The raw material, we use for our film, is based on Ingeo PLA resin from NatureWorks. Further, we want to highlight some unique properties, which make the film suitable for all kind of packaging applications and segments like fresh produce, bakery, confectionery, snacks, dairy, perishable and many others. New developments and specific coating technologies will enhance the portfolio and open up an even wider application range. NATIVIA should not be seen as an alternative to existing substrates, but as a complementary product in the world of flexible packaging materials.

 

Andrea Fruth, Ph.D
Rhein Chemie Rheinau GmbH

Andrea Fruth is responsible for the bioplastics project and product development within the Engineering Plastics department at Rhein Chemie. Mrs. Fruth started her career with Rhein Chemie Rheinau GmbH, Mannheim, Germany in September 2008 in the Application Technology Department.Dr. Andrea Fruth studied chemistry at the Technical University Chemnitz, Germany, and received her diploma in 2004. Afterwards, she joined the group of Prof. Dr. Muellen at the Max Planck Institute in Mainz, Germany. Andrea Fruth earned her PhD from the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany, in 2009.

PRESENTATION: Additives for Bioplastics in Durable Applications

ABSTRACT: Bio-based polyesters like PLA are sensitive to polymer degradation due to hydrolysis. This deficiency of PLA can be overcome by using the additive approach of BioAdimide. This additive helps to reduce the degradation of PLA. First, it leads to a stable processing of PLA and to increase the level of re-grind material. Second, BioAdimide helps to increase the service life of PLA. This approach allows to expand the range of applications of PLA into durables. Furthermore, it helps to increase the level of PLA in polymer blends and, thus, it can help to make normal plastics more sustainable. 

 

Susan Freinkel
Author, Plastics A Toxic Love Story

Susan Freinkel, author of Plastic: A Toxic Love Story, writes about the intersection of science, culture, and the environment and the kinds of difficult issues that arise from humans’ seemingly ceaseless effort to control the natural world. In her book, Freinkel explores one of the most transformative inventions of the 20th century -- plastic built the modern world and yet it is so utterly ubiquitous that we rarely stop and give much thought to what it means that we are never more than three feet from something plastic. Using eight familiar objects as guides, Freinkel explores both the benefits and problems stemming from our tight embrace of synthetics. Some interlocking themes that Susan focuses on is plastic waste and pollution and the challenges of dealing with plastics at the end of their useful lives – is recycling the answer? ; sustainable design; and, the future of plastics -- the promise and problems of bioplastics.

 

Brian Glasbrenner
NA Sales Manager – Flexible Packaging
H.B. Fuller

Brian is the North America Sales Manager, for the Flexible Packaging market segment at HB Fuller.
Brian’s packaging knowledge stems from his time at NatureWorks LLC where he served first as the Global Marketing & Business Development Manager responsible for marketing and communications for film, sheet, and beverage packaging segments. Later Brian was the Director of the beverages, films, and cards market segments within the Americas region at NatureWorks LLC. In this role, Brian was responsible for all commercial and technical functions within these. Prior to this Brian has held positions as Senior Chemist in the Adhesives Industry.

Brian holds both a BS degree in Chemistry from the Institute of Technology and in Biology from the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

PRESENTATION: Laminating Adhesives, Enabling Sustainable Flexible Packaging

ABSTRACT: Today more than ever, packaging is moving to lighter weight and less material. The result, flexible packaging continues to see significant growth. Add to this the growth of sustainable materials for flexible packaging applications and now you have the challenge of putting these materials together while achieving the needed functionalty for the prodcut being packaged.

Adhesives for laminating are key enabling technologies for flexible packaging. Laminating adhesive often make up less than 2% by weight of the total package weight, however if the adhesive does not perform, the package fails, the product fails and with these failures sustainable benefits are lost. More specifically for sustainable flexible packaging, adhesives can offer performance benefits to the package making it perform much like tradtional flexible packages. Learn more about laminating adhesive can enable your sustainable flexible packaging efforts.

 

Monika Gneuss, Ph.D
VP/Sales & Marketing Manager
Gneuss, Inc.

Monika Gneuss received a Masters Degree in 1996 after studying Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University in Aachen, Germany. She received a PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 2000 from the same university. After 3 years as an R&D engineer in the plastics department of the IMM in Mainz, Germany, she joined Gneuss Kunststofftechnik GmbH in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany in 1999. In 2000 she was transferred to Gneuss, Inc. in Matthews, NC, as VP/Sales & Marketing Manager. Gneuss sells Filtration Technology, Measurement Technology and Processing Technology for the plastics industry.

PRESENTATION: Innovative PLA Processing: The MRS Devolatilising Extruder

ABSTRACT: Since its introduction in 2007 Gneuss’s Multi Rotation System extruder (MRS) has offered a new approach for devolatilisation. Thanks to its patented multiple screw section, the MRS makes a very large area available and permits an unmatched degassing performance. This presentation will introduce the MRS technology in more detail and present the results of processing PLA with this extruder.

 

William B. Goldfarb
President
Universal Dynamics Incorporated

Upon obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Business from Radford University, Bill has worked at Universal Dynamics in the positions Sales Engineer, Vice President of Integrated Systems and in 2007 became the company President.

PRESENTATION: The Economics of PLA vs. PET Resin Drying and Crystallization

ABSTRACT: An in depth comparative analysis of relative costs associated with drying and crystallization of PLA vs. PET resin. Dependent on throughput, savings may be significant resulting in improved bottom line profitability.

 

Richard A. Gross
CEO, SyntheZyme
Herman F. Mark Professor, NYU-POLY

Rich has more than 24 years experience working at the interface between biocatalysis, chemistry and polymers. Selected honors received include: recipient of the 2003 Presidential Green Chemistry Award in the academic category; 2010 Turner Alfrey Visiting Professor. Rich founded SyntheZyme LLC to commercialize technologies developed in his laboratory. He also holds the Herman F. Mark Professorship at NYU-POLY. He has over 360 publications in peer reviewed journals cited about 6000 times, edited 6-books, and has been granted or filed a total of 23 patents. Rich also serves as director of the NSF Industrial-University Research Center on Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing of Macromolecules at NYU-POLY.

PRESENTATION: Reactive blending compatiblized Ingeo/poly(ω-hydroxyfatty acid) blends: bioplastics that fill a gap

ABSTRACT: SyntheZyme’s biobased ω-hydroxyfatty acids, ω-HOFAs, when reactive blended with PLA, produce a unique family of completely biobased and biodegradable plastics with attractive physical properties. ω-HOFAs are produced by an engineered yeast in fermentations (volumetric yield 115 g/L, productivity 2 g/L•h). Isolation and purification of ω-HOFAs is facilitated by its excretion from the yeast and it’s precipitation from the fermentation medium by a simple pH shift. By a reactive blending method, blends of poly(ω-HOFAs) and Ingeo PLA are compatibilized resulting in a family of new bioplastics that retain high ductility and strength even at low contents of poly(ω-HOFAs). This paper will discuss the synthesis and properties of compatibilized poly(ω-HOFA)/Ingeo PLA blends and highlight how these blends can expand the portfolio of Ingeo PLA based products in the market.

 

Laurie Hansen
Executive Director
Western Plastics Association

Laurie Hansen Sheets is an independent lobbyist and public affairs consultant specializing in the development and execution of advocacy strategies at the state and local government levels. Hansen has over thirty years of experience as a lobbyist, public communications consultant, crisis issues manager, campaign and political initiatives director and top legislative staff member.

In addition to consulting, Ms. Hansen is the Executive Director of the Western Plastics Association, the major industry outlet for the plastics industry in the West. Before becoming an independent consultant, Hansen was the Western Region State and Local Public Affairs Director for the American Plastics Council (APC) and Council for Solid Waste Solutions (CSWS). APC and its predecessor CSWS were the lead trade associations for plastic resin manufacturers in the United States. Ms. Hansen created and managed the APC/CSWS state and local government affairs programs in fifteen western states.

Prior to joining the American Plastics Council, Ms. Hansen worked with the California State Legislature, in senior positions with members of both the Senate and Assembly. She was also a lobbyist for the state’s top educational lobbying firm and participated as a lead staff member in a number of state and local elections and ballot initiatives.

CRADLE-TO-CRADLE PANEL, Recycle: What Happens in California Doesn't Stay in California, Hansen brings a unique bottoms-up perspective of North American legislative developments and their implications for the industry.

 

Gary Hirshberg
Co-Founder & Chairman
Stonyfield Farm

Gary Hirshberg is the co-founder and Chairman of Stonyfield Farm, the world's leading organic yogurt producer. He is the author of Stirring It Up: How to Make Money and Save the World and a frequent speaker on topics including sustainability, climate change, sustainable economic development, organic agriculture, and the profitability of green and socially responsible business.

Since 1983, Gary has overseen Stonyfield’s phenomenal growth, from its infancy as a seven-cow organic farming school to its current $370 million in annual sales. Gary serves on several corporate and non-profit boards and is the chairman and co-founder of Stonyfield Café, a natural fast food restaurant company. In addition to receiving nine honorary doctorates, Gary has won numerous awards for corporate and environmental leadership.

PRESENTATION: Inventing a Win-Win-Win-Win-Win Future

ABSTRACT: Much of the 20th century's social and economic development was built on mythological foundations - for instance: The idea that the earth is a subsidiary of our economies - there for the taking and dumping; The idea that the earth is infinitely resilient to withstand humans' abuses; Even the very fundamental allowance in our economic theories for "externalities" - those direct consequences of our economic activities that do not appear on our income statements or balance sheets, and thus no one is held accountable for them.

Another myth is that food can be cheap. The problem with this one is that in fact we now know there are significant nutritional, environmental and social costs incurred in the production of so-called cheap food - we just don't pay them at the supermarket check-out. The net result of businesses and an overall economic system that is founded on myths is that economic successes for one party or constituency are always at the expense of another's. Someone or something always pays when one party wins.

This presentation will examine one company's 28-year efforts to address those myths head-on; to seek solutions that internalize externalities to the greatest extent possible and that create Win-Win-Win-Win formulae in which the conditions for all stakeholders - shareholders, employees, farmers, consumers, even livestock - can be enhanced. This is not only about how we can and must think differently, but also about proven actions and results that can encourage us all to embrace sustainability goals in all that we do.

 

Jim Hobbs
Vice President, Business Development
BioAmber Inc.

Jim Hobbs is Vice President of Business Development for BioAmber Inc., a pioneer in biobased succinic acid and renewable chemicals. Jim was previously VP Marketing/Sales and General Manager at Streater, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, where he managed profit and loss and led a team in establishing new business platforms.

Before joining Streater, Jim worked at NatureWorks LLC for 9 years in various roles, including Global Product Director, Managing Director of Japan and Global Commercial Director. Hobbs’ teams at NatureWorks led business development of a “new to the world” polymer in Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America. Prior to joining NatureWorks, Hobbs was at Dow Chemical for 11 years in various marketing and sales leadership roles. Jim has a Bachelor of Business degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

PRESENTATION: The Cutting Edge in New BioBased Building Blocks for New Polymers

ABSTRACT: Hear from BioAmber, the front runner in the biochemicals space, how cost effective biobased performance monomers are providing new formulations that can significantly broaden addressable bioplastics applications.

 

Rory Holmes
President
INDA

Rory A. Holmes is President of INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. INDA has represented the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry since 1968. The members represent the entire value chain of the industry, including Raw Materials, Equipment, Fabric Manufacturers, Converters and End Users. INDA’s main activities concentrate on Conferences, Expositions, Training Courses, Industry Statistics and Government Outreach.

PRESENTATION: Nonwoven Fabric Trends

ABSTRACT: The Nonwoven Fabric Industry produces products that surround you all day and night. The Diversity of products is substantial. Mr. Holmes will present statistics and growth areas of this worldwide market and the technologies that support it.

 

Chun-Chia Hsu
Project Manager
Far Eastern New Century Corporation

Chun-Chia Hsu is the Project Manager of Biopolymer technology for FENC R&D Center. He received his bachelor in Chemical Engineering in 2003 and M.S. in Polymer Science and Engineering in 2005 from National Taiwan University. He has worked 6 years for FENC. During the first three years, he worked in the area of environmental hot melt adhesives and engineering plastics. Then he joined the FENC’s biodegradable and bio-based materials group. Now he works in the areas of biodegradable synthetic-based copolymers and research and application of other bio-based materials.

PRESENTATION: The Far Eastern Group’s Green Innovation in Biodegradable & Bio-based Materials

ABSTRACT: Besides some companies in Japan and USA, Far Eastern New Century Corporation (FENC) obtained an authorization from NatureWorks since 2003 to produce PLA fiber under the brand name Ingeo. In addition to the fiber application, we are also committed to diversification of product development. We use the technology of copolymerization of lactide with other monomers and polymer to get various polymeric architectures to improve the PLA’s drawback.

 

Masatoshi Iji
Research Fellow, Dr. Eng.
NEC Corporation

Masatoshi Iji was born in Tokyo, Japan. He completed the master course of the department of environment chemistry and engineering of Tokyo Institute of Technology (1980) and received the doctor degree (2002) from it.　From 1980 to 1990, he joined Denki Kagaku Kogyo K.K. (Japan) and developed plastics used in electronic components. In 1990, he joined NEC Corp. and has been developed environmental conscious plastics including highly functional bioplastics in the labs. He is the author or co-author of more than 100 scientific and technical articles. He received eight awards from Japanese government and societies.

PRESENTATION: Highly functional PLA composites used for electronic products

ABSTRACT: We developed highly functional polylactic acid (PLA) composites to be used in durable products including electronic equipments. While fully preserving its high plant ingredient ratio, we have improved PLA’s practicability, and also endowed it with desirable new properties. A flame-retardant PLA composite was produced by mainly using a metal hydroxide and has been used in personal computers and projectors. Furthermore, we developed a PLA composite that performs shape memory by thermo-reversibly cross-linking PLA and a highly heat-conductive PLA composite with a cross-linked carbon fiber. To greatly improve the toughness of PLA, we have synthesized a self-assembling nano-siloxane particle with three layers.

 

David M. Jackson
Senior Research Technical Leader
Kimberly-Clark

David M. Jackon has a B Sc. in Chemical Engineering from University of Wales (Swansea) and a MSChE University of Washington (Seattle).  He is currently Senior Research Technical Leader in Kimberly-Clark Global Nonwovens Explore Development team in Roswell GA. He was a Materials and Process development scientist for Kimberly Clark Corporation since 1978 (33+ years), in both Neenah WI and Roswell GA locations. Developed tampon absorbents and covers, Coform and Air-Laid materials and processes for absorbent applications and wipers e.g. Light Days and Natural Care, Developed and commercialized disposable elastic composites and absorbent composites for Pull-Ups, Little Swimmers etc. Developed and commercialized dispersible base sheet and process for Cottonelle moist wipes. Jackson currently holds approx. 60 US Patents.  Current main interests include advanced wipe substrates and non-oil based polymers for absorbent and wiper composites. He also previously worked for Unilever and BP Chemcials as an intern process engineer.

 

Yoshinori Kasai, Ph.D
Manager of Environmental Harmony Materials Project
Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.

Dr. Kasai has a Ph.D in Chemical (2011) from Gunma University in Japan.  Currently he is the manager of the Environmental Harmony Materials Project in the Advanced Materials & Planning Division at Nissan Chemical.  Dr. Kasai has been with Nissan Chemical since 1994 as a researcher (1994-1997), in sales (1998-2000), and in planning (2001-present).

PRESENTATION: Nucleating Agents for Inducing the Crystallization of PLA

ABSTRACT: Since PLA has the good features, such as bio-based resin, biodegradability, high transparency, and the suitable melting point, it can be utilized for a broad use. However, in order to expand a long-lived product market, it is necessary to resolve many technical subjects. In this session, we will introduce the good performance additives. It can improve drastically the lateness of the crystallization speed which is one of the important issues.

 

Jaana Keskitalo
Product Manager, Food Service Board
Stora Enso

Jaana Keskitalo works as Product Manager in Stora Enso Packaging, Food Service Board. She is responsible for Cupforma and Trayforma product families. Jaana has been working for Stora Enso and plastic coating development in Karhula mill and is now belonging to Food Service Board sales team.

PRESENTATION: Combining the benefits of paperboard and bioplastics

ABSTRACT: The main raw material Stora Enso uses in its products is wood which is fully renewable. By using several kinds of plastic coatings board is suitable for many different food products. Stora Enso has also developed biopolymer coated board for food service end uses as well as food package. These board grades are compostable with maximal renewable content.

 

Joe Kuczynski, Ph.D
Senior Technical Staff
IBM

Dr. Kuczynski is a Senior Technical Staff Member in IBM’s materials and processes engineering laboratory in Rochester, MN. He is a twenty-seven year veteran of hardware development. Throughout his career, Joe has been instrumental in providing leading edge solutions with respect to photolithography for printed circuit boards, material and process development for electromagnetic compatibility coatings, elastomers, and ignition-resistant thermoplastics, and formulation of low-volatility, photosensitive epoxide adhesives for use within disk drive enclosures. Joe has also been responsible for materials and process development for optoelectronic connectors and metallized polymer interconnects. His current assignments include determining structure-property relationships of next generation laminate materials for RoHS compliance, resin-to glass cloth interfacial adhesion, and leading a global team focused on sustainability of IBM’s products.

PRESENTATION: Bio-based Materials for IT Applications

ABSTRACT: During the past decade, a shift of focus on greener alternatives to petroleum-based plastics has spurred the development of bio-based resins for plastic development. IBM is actively engaged with our supply chain in an initiative to drive sustainable solutions into our product portfolio by: a) identifying novel bio-based plastics for use in IT applications; b) exploring potential life cycle and performance impacts of replacing traditional plastics with bio-based alternatives; and c) exploring novel approaches to electronic design that incorporate bio-based or biodegradeable resins. Representative examples addressing each of these areas will be discussed.

 

Jesse Lee, Ph.D
Chemistry Technology Manager
Schlumberger

Jesse Lee received a Ph.D degree in Chemistry from Yale University, and conducted his postdoctoral research with Professor Richard Schrock at MIT. He joined Schlumberger in 1997 at Tulsa as a development engineer focused on polymer-based fracturing fluids. During the years 2000-2010, he managed new product development at Schlumberger product centers located at Sugar Land, Texas, and then Clamart, France. He currently holds the position of Chemistry Technology Manager, with the responsibilities of developing the relationship with external chemical companies.

PRESENTATION: Opportunities and challenges of using PLA fibers in the oilfield

ABSTRACT: Schlumberger has recently introduced several unique commercial applications of fiber-based technologies in the oilfield. The PLA fibers with controlled degradability is of particular interest, as it provides enhanced oil and gas production and also reduces environmental footprint. This presentation will focus on the key criteria of PLA fibers that are essential to the overall performance. Technical challenges that need to be overcome to further expand the usage of PLA fibers in oilfield will also be discussed.

 

Kate Lewis
Deputy Manager, BioPreferred Program
USDA

Kate is the Deputy Manager of BioPreferred, a program requiring all Federal Government agencies to buy and use biobased products designated by USDA. As Deputy Program Manager, Kate co-manages the marketing/sales, purchasing and evaluation of biobased products for the Federal, commercial and consumer sectors to advance the market for renewable bioproducts made from agricultural materials. She led the development of, and leads the implementation of, a voluntary biobased product certification and labeling effort launched by USDA in February 2011.

Previously, she was a senior sales and marketing manager for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR Program. She began her work in the environmental arena as a technical writer for an engineering and consulting firm. Kate has a BA in Rhetoric and Communications from the University of Virginia.

PRESENTATION: A Look at the First “USDA Certified Biobased” Food Service Products and Packaging Materials in 2011

ABSTRACT: Kate will present a summary level overview of all of the food service products/packages certified by USDA in the Agency’s first year of their new biobased product certification effort. The speaker will share the sales/marketing and usage story of selected certified products, and include the BioPreferred program’s plans to continue to increase the use of bioplastics in foodservice in multiple sectors.

 

Jim Lush
Regional Account Manager
Celplast Metallized Products

Jim Lush has been with Celplast Metallized Products since 1989, where he started as a production operator before moving into production and technical management. He was responsible for initiating & leading Celplast’s quality improvement program. Jim took his plant experience and moved into the role of Regional Account Manager and more recently has taken on responsibilities in the areas of market and product development. Jim is active in AIMCAL and TAPPI PLACE, having presented at a number of conferences. Jim is currently the secretary for the Division Council of TAPPI PLACE.

PRESENTATION: Modern vacuum technology - comparing PLA to other barrier substrates

ABSTRACT: During this discussion we will examine current metallizing; in chamber top coating; and Silicon Oxide coating processes and how they impact the barrier of PLA film. We will look closely at the barrier values achieved with PLA film and compare them to typical barrier substrates that are being used in the flexible packaging industry today.

 

Augie Machado
Laboratory Manager
Leistritz

Augie has worked in the extrusion industry since 1984 in a variety of capacities for both single and twin screw extrusion technologies relating to compounding, reactive processing, devolatilization, and product extrusion. In his current capacity as Laboratory Manager for Leistritz, he is responsible for process development efforts in North America relating to the Leistritz product line of co-rotating and counterrotating twin screw extruders and systems. He has given numerous presentations at industry events and has been involved in more than 1000 extrusion installations in his career.

PRESENTATION: Live Demonstration of Twin Screw Extruder Screw Designs

ABSTRACT: In this session, Augie Machado will hold a hands on demonstration of techniques for designing and building effective screw designs for biopolymer processing. Attendees will get to submit design challenges to Augie and watch him build the screw set using the building block concept inherent in modern twin screw equipment.

 

Shilpa Manjure, Ph.D
Manager, R&D
Natur-Tec® - a division of Northern Technologies Intl. Corp.

Shilpa received her Ph.D in Chemical Engineering from Clemson University, SC. Her background has been in product development and she has experience in polymer extrusion and lamination. Shilpa currently holds the title of Manager, R&D for Natur-Tec® products, a division of Northern Technologies Intl. Corp. (NTIC), where she works on specialty compounding of biobased and compostable materials and in collaboration with their JV in India - Harita-NTI Ltd. Prior to joining NTIC, she worked with the electronic materials group at Sheldahl in Northfield, MN as a Product Engineer for copper based laminates used in flexible printed circuits. Her career started as a Product Development Engineer for cast polyolefin films with American Profol in Cedar Rapids, IA. She has authored several journal and conference publications in the area of polymers. Shilpa is an active member of the Society of Plastics Engineers and serves on the Board of Upper Midwest Section. She is also involved in working groups organized by ASTM and US Composting Council for establishing universal standards for compostability, labeling and identification.

PRESENTATION: Growth and Opportunities for Ingeo Products in India

ABSTRACT: With a population of 1.2 Billion and plastics consumption of approximately 10 Million tons annually, India has a huge potential for growth of the Bioplastics market. While low consumer knowledge and non-existent composting infrastructure creates a challenge; new government legislations, plastic bag bans and an overall awareness on waste management issues are providing a platform for bioplastics to be promoted in India. As with any new material, cost and performance of these bioresins is compared with traditional plastics. Ingeo with its current price point compared to some other biopolymers in the market is the most favorable prospective. Niche applications where Ingeo is a part of a structure such as coated papers, flexible laminates and multilayered structures are gaining interest. Involvement at grassroots level for establishing closed-loop solutions of Ingeo based products will be key for a sustainable growth of these products in India.

 

Charlie Martin
President/General Manager
Leistritz

Charlie has worked in the extrusion industry since 1984. In his current position as President/General Manager, he is responsible for the Leistritz product line of twin screw extruders and systems in North and South America.

Charlie has given presentations at more than 100 worldwide events. In addition to authoring numerous technical articles and chapters, he is the author of the chapter entitled “Twin Screw Extrusion” for the SPE Guide on Extrusion Technology and Troubleshooting (2002), and the co-editor of the textbook entitled Pharmaceutical Extrusion Technology (2003). Charlie sits on the Board of Directors for both the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Extrusion Division and the Polymer Processing Institute, was the Technical Program Chairman for ANTEC 2008, and was the 2009-2010 Chairman for the SPE Extrusion Division. Charlie has 2 extrusion related patents.

Charlie earned his undergraduate degree from Gettysburg College, and his graduate degree from Rutgers University.

PRESENTATION: Comparing twin screw extrusion systems to process PLA compounds more efficiently

ABSTRACT: Twin screw extrusion is a preferred manufacturing methodology to process many PLA based polymer compounds that are converted into a variety of products, such as film/sheet for packaging, fibers and foamed parts. Bioplastic compounds are typically heat and shear sensitive, and often torque intensive, which necessitates hardware modifications for success. Experimental data will be presented comparing different twin screw extruder system configurations to provide guidance for processing PLA formulations more efficiently, and at lower cost . Examples will also be given of commercialized twin screw extrusion systems configurations for processing bioplastics into pellets, film/sheet and foamed profiles.

 

K. Min, Ph.D
Senior Vice President
LG Hausys. Ltd.

Dr. Min is a senior vice president of LG Hausys, the Korea’s largest industrial materials company. His responsibility includes R&D, new business development and intellectual properties management. He graduated from Korea’s Seoul National University with BS and MS degree in Chemical Engineering and received a Chemical Engineering Ph.D. degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA in 1988. His career includes research engineer in LG Chem (1989), planning manager of LG Chem Research Park (1994), LG Group Chairman’s Office (1995), strategic planning manager of LG Electronics Corporate R&D (1999) and director of technology strategy in LG Chem (2001). He is serving the current position from 2004.

PRESENTATION: LG Hausys' Interior Applications of PLA

ABSTRACT: LG Hausys, formerly the Industrial Materials Division of LG Chem, the largest chemical company in Korea, recently launched a series of PLA-based products for home and office spaces. We developed plastic floorings and wall papers of PLA as a first step to replace petrochemical based polymers such as PVC. In most of oriental culture, floorings and wall papers are subject to frequent skin contact and the petrochemical based polymers and their additives sometimes cause skin irritations. In a series of clinical tests, we proved PLA shows no or much less chances to skin problems. In this presentation, some technical issues in developing those products and the results of the clinical tests will be introduced.

 

Takashi Miyamoto
Vyloecol Project Leader
TOYOBO Co., Ltd.

Takashi Miyamoto studied polymer chemistry at Osaka University. He joined TOYOBO in 1988 and worked at the research center. His expertise lies in co-polyester, especially lactic acid based polyester for coating applications. After working as researcher for more than 15 years, he moved to TOYOBO head office and now he is Leader of Vyloecol Project. He focused on the research of new materials and new technologies from 1992 to 1993 and the development of lactic acid based polyester for coating applications from 1994 to 2003.

PRESENTATION: Amorphous PLA for coating applications

ABSTRACT: TOYOBO developed Vyloecol; amorphous lactic acid based resin for coating applications. It is soluble in general purpose organic solvents and it gives good adhesion to PLA film, cellophane and paper. The grades with high pigment disperse ability or high cross-linking ability are available. It has a high biodegradable property and some grades are listed in the positive list of BPS (BioPlastic Society in Japan). Main applications are adhesives, printing inks, paints and master batches. We have planned for the local production in near future.

 

Steve Mojo
Executive Director
BPI

Steve is the Executive Director of the Biodegradable Products Institute, which represents the leading manufacturers and users of compostable products in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia. As such, he has been instrumental in the BPI’s labeling efforts as well as in the harmonization of biodegradability and compostability standards in around the world, along with discussing the benefits of renewable resources.

This year mark’s Steve’s 22nd year in the in the field of biodegradable materials and composting. During this time he has worked and consulted for some of the leading manufacturers of compostable materials, prior to starting the BPI in 1999, with the help of Cereplast, BASF, NatureWorks and Novamont. Steve is also active participant in ASTM and ISO subcommittees for environmentally degradable plastics and has participated on the Advisory Board for the California Integrated Waste Management Board’s project on compostable materials, testified at the FTC’s workshop on the Environmental Marketing Guides. Additionally, he has served on the Board of Directors for the US Composting Council, where he led the development of the "Compostable Logo" certification program in conjunction with the BPI.

CRADLE-TO-CRADLE PANEL, Compost: Steve's perspective deals with the labeling challenges that manufacturer's will face as they start to use new biobased materials as well as the confusion and growing number of myth's surrounding biodegradability.

 

Eldridge M. Mount III, Ph.D
EMMOUNT Technologies LLC

Dr. Mount is an independent consultant in the coextrusion, extrusion, film, metallization and film converting industries. He is a leader in the development of metalized films for barrier applications and film laminations. His expertise is in oriented and coextruded polymer film product and process design and research. The design and implementation of extrusion systems and coextrusion die specification and system specification including installation and start-up. He is also recognized for effective trouble shooting of cast, mono and biaxial orientated film and sheet coextrusion melt casting and pinning, and film surface treatment by corona, flame and plasma systems. EMMOUNT Technologies, LLC offers consulting and technical training in film orientation, barrier technologies, coextrusion and extrusion and also measures polymer melt viscosity with a capillary rheometer.

Eldridge has over 35 years industrial experience in the extrusion and orientation of polypropylene and polyester films at ExxonMobil Chemical and ICI Americas Film Divisions. He managed the intellectual property of Mobil Chemical Films Division and has courtroom experience as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to SPE ANTEC, AIMCAL and TAPPI conferences, he is a member of the SPE Extrusion Division Board of Directors, and a Fellow and Honored Service Member of SPE. Appointed AIMCAL Metalizing Consultant in 2001 and a past VP of the Society of Plastics Engineers. He has a Bachelors degree in Chemistry from West Chester University and a ME and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute.

 

Manuel Natal, Ph.D
Global Segment Leader - Lactide Derivatives
NatureWorks LLC

BSc Chemical Engineering (1988), Universidad de Puerto Rico – Mayagüez. PhD Chemical Engineering (1999), University of Wisconsin - Madison. NatureWorks LLC, 2008–present, currently serving as Global Segment Leader for Lactide Derivatives. Previous 8.5 years (1999–2008) at Dow Chemical: worked on epoxides, glycols, polyurethanes businesses. Other Highlights: Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

 

Jim Nangeroni, Ph.D
Lead Applications Development Engineer
NatureWorks LLC

Jim Nangeroni is a Lead Development Engineer for NatureWorks, LLC. Jim has worked in the BioPlastics industry since graduating with his Doctorate in Chemical Engineering in 1988 holding various positions in R&D and New Applications Development. He joined the NatureWorks team in 1994 and since then has been instrumental in developing many of the extrusion grade products for film, sheet and foam. He is an inventor or co-inventor for more than a dozen patents related to formulation and processing of polylactide polymers and polyvinyl alcohol polymers.

 

Gary Noble
President / CEO
Bio-Plastic Solutions LLC

Gary Noble is President and CEO of Bio-Plastic Solutions LLC in Minnesota. BPS is a custom extrusion company started in 2000. In an effort to differentiate the company from their competitors BPS began development work on bio materials. The bio focuses on providing alternative products produced for the furniture, architectural and building industries. With over 9 years of bio development, the company received two patents and started marketing products in 2010. Prior to BPS Gary was President of K&G Manufacturing and held several senior positions at SPX Corporation. Gary holds a business degree from Minnesota State Mankato.

PRESENTATION: Bio-based Innovations for Building and Trade

ABSTRACT: The building and trade industries are looking for alternative materials and products to reduce the usage of PVC and other hazardous materials particularly within interior environments. Sustainable resins have improved over the years to meet more durable application expectations. Material performance, processability, supply and costs all play a part in the success for this industry and users. The presentation will share several current results and supplier support for utilization of bio resins.

 

Eita Ohmatsu
Managing Director
Risupack

I have 10 years experience in this company. I am in charge of sales director including Bio sales division. I have taken a important role of developing sales strategy to expand PLA food package.

PRESENTATION: Bio-package strategy in Risupack

ABSTRACT: Explanation of Risupack's bio-package strategy including: our short history of PLA (Ingeo) business progress, practical example of using PLA (Ingeo), key success factors for expanding PLA (Ingeo), next steps for further progress.

 

Steven L. Peterson
Director of Sourcing Sustainability
General Mills

Steve became the Director of Sourcing Sustainability at General Mills in August, 2010. Steve led External Manufacturing at General Mills 2005-2010. Previously, Steve was a member of the Integration team creating the combined Supply Chain resulting from the General Mills and Pillsbury merger.

Prior to joining General Mills, Steve had 15 years of experience with Pillsbury. Steve held positions of increasing responsibility within Supply Chain Operations and Sourcing, starting as a Commodity Analyst and lastly holding the position of Senior Director Ingredient Sourcing. Steve has been involved for many years in collaborative manufacturing and sourcing. Steve’s educational background includes a M.S. degree in Agriculture & Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota. Steve earned his B.A. degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN.

Steve resides in Golden Valley, MN with his wife, Dr. Mary Wilkens, and his three children Luke, Katie, and Jacob. Steve also owns and manages Peterson Farms, a grain and livestock operation in Paynesville, MN. Steve serves on several non-profit boards including Park Nicollet Foundation, Kinship of Greater Minneapolis, Presbyterian Homes, and the Paynesville Area Community Foundation.

PRESENTATION: General Mills Sourcing Sustainability

ABSTRACT: The ultimate 21st century sustainability challenge is "how to feed 2-3 billion more people while preserving the planet". Both the global community and individual corporations must embrace this challenge. Learn how General is beginning to address this challenge.

 

Brenda Platt
Co-Director, Institute for Local Self-Reliance
Director, Sustainable Plastics Initiative
Co-Chair, Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative

Brenda Platt is the co-director of the nonprofit Institute for Local Self-Reliance, based in Washington, DC. She has worked 25 years on waste reduction, recycling and composting issues. She currently directs ILSR’s Sustainable Plastics project and co-chairs the Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative, a coalition spurring the use of biobased products that are sustainable from cradle to cradle. The Collaborative has developed environmentally sustainability criteria for biobased plastics, and recently released purchasing specs for biobased compostable food serviceware.

 

Ken Powell
Sr. Manager, Green Materials Development
BD Technologies

Ken received his BS & PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Universities of Rochester (’81) and Delaware (‘87) and has spent the past 17 years at BD. He is currently responsible for the development of Greener materials for integration into the BD product portfolio. Prior to this, he led teams in the design and development of respiratory and infusion based advanced drug delivery devices. Before joining BD, Ken was at GE CR&D where he worked on new materials development through reactive processing of polymer blends. He currently holds 15 issued US patents.

 

Jed Randall
Research Scientist, Ingeo Product Development
NatureWorks LLC

Jed Randall is a Research Scientist and project leader for NatureWorks LLC. With 20 years experience with Ingeo, lactic acid and polylactide technology, Jed has developed expertise in polymer structure / properties relationships, polymer chemistry, materials science, polymer processing and product development. He has led several major initiatives over his career including polylactide thermal analysis / crystallization control, rheology modification and development of new Ingeo grades for extrusion foam and injection molding. Some of his work is presented in the literature through several publications and patents. Jed has dual degrees in chemistry and biology from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN.

PRESENTATION: New Ingeo products offer structure and property capabilities that enhance performance in fiber / nonwovens, injection molding and durables markets

ABSTRACT: New production capabilities will expand the Ingeo product portfolio by allowing the commercial production of grades for higher temperature resistance, lower shrink and faster production speeds. Fiber and nonwoven products will have reduced shrinkage and improved dimensional stability and broader asset utilization. Injection molding grades will have greater heat resistance and will contribute to lower molded part cost through faster cycle times and higher production rates. Come and hear information regarding the new offering features and schedule for commercial quantities.

 

Dan Sawyer
Managing Director, Asia-Pacific
NatureWorks LLC

Dan Sawyer holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. Since joining the company in 1995, Dan has worked in many roles with NatureWorks LLC. Dan’s positions over the past 17 years have ranged from his early days as a manufacturing laboratory technician, into roles in application and product development and TS&D roles. Upon return from 3 years supporting TS&D in Asia Pacific, Dan moved into the commercial side of the NatureWorks organization, managing bottle business development as well as recently leading the Asia-Pacific commercial organization. Starting in June 2012, Dan has assumed a Global Leadership role in New Business Development for NatureWorks, a new opportunity incubator for the company. Dan has presented on a wide range of biopolymer topics over the last 12 years to industry associations, customers, academic institutions and government organizations across the globe. He is currently a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers, the American Chemical Society and ASTM. Dan’s combination of commercial and technical experience over the past 17 years makes him uniquely prepared to evaluate new business opportunities for NatureWorks LLC. 

 

Ralf Taubner
Research Scientist
STFI e.V.

Ken is currently a research scientist in the Spunbond/Film Department of STFI e.V. He specializes in Reicofil4 spunbond/meltblown technologies with focus on biopolymers. He also handles administration and realization of research trials and customer service. Since January 2002 with STFI Ken was responsible for co-ordination and administration of European Research Projects. He studied Business, Economics and English at Kassel University, Western Oregon University and University College Dublin.

PRESENTATION: Application potentials of PLA spunbond bi-components and film composites

ABSTRACT: This presentation will show research work regarding biopolymer processing with Reicofil 4 spunbond and meltblown technologies in the past two years at STFI. Special focus will be both on bi-component and various composite technologies and its potential applications. Different biopolymers with reference to NatureWorks PLA Ingeo materials and its performance during and after processing will be illustrated in detail.

 

Sue Vang
Policy Associate
Californians Against Waste

Sue has been working on bioplastics issues at Californians Against Waste since 2010. She has a master’s degree in Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a B.S. in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning from the University of California-Davis. Prior to joining CAW, Sue was a Knauss Fellow at the National Science Foundation.

CRADLE-TO-CRADLE PANEL, Compost: Effectively Challenging Misleading Degradability Claims, For the past two years, Californians Against Waste (CAW) has developed and implemented an innovative and increasingly successful campaign to expose and challenge false and misleading environmental marketing claims. Hear Sue’s perspective how this has impacted the degradable additives industry.

 

Marc Verbruggen, Ph.D
President & CEO, NatureWorks LLC

Marc Verbruggen, with more than 20 years business experience, joined NatureWorks in 2008 as president and chief executive officer. NatureWorks makes plastics and fibers from plants, not oil. Marc was born in a small town close to Antwerp, Belgium, and received a PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Delft, the Netherlands. In spite of his doctorate degree, prior to 2008, Marc never worked in the aerospace industry but instead occupied various managerial functions in the European and U.S. high tech materials industry. As CEO of NatureWorks, Marc has been a board member of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, Washington D.C., Industrial Section since 2009, and in this capacity testified before the U.S. Senate on how to help grow the U.S. bioplastics and green chemicals industry. He has also presented before members of the European Parliament. Marc is married, and he and his wife enjoy vacations to the Bahamas, where he tries to stay as far away as possible from the telephone.

PRESENTATION: Fueling the Innovation Cycle

 

Justin Zeulner
Director of Sustainability and Planning
Portland Trail Blazers/Rose Quarter

Justin J. Zeulner, MBA, is the Director of Sustainability and Planning for the Portland Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter campus. Zeulner is responsible for the management and coordination of corporate sustainability initiatives for the Rose Quarter and Portland Trail Blazers. In addition, he directs management of transportation operations and acts as a liaison for community land-use and business affairs within the City of Portland and the local region.

PRESENTATION: Sustainability in Sports and Entertainment Venues

ABSTRACT: We will cover how teams and sports venues can achieve effective and exemplary environmental performance. This entails a deep look at management of energy, water, waste, transportation, purchasing, community involvement, partnerships, employee behaviors and inspiring change. Included in the presentation, will be an outline of financial performance, environmental enhancements and an in-depth analysis of food and beverage operations.