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[X] CLOSEMENU

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Mary Ann Remolador, maryann@nerc.org
Date: December 26, 2018

Building Better Recycling Markets Conference

Closing the recycling loop and building demand for mixed paper, mixed plastics, and glass. That is the topic of the Northeast Recycling Council’s Spring 2019 Conference. Attendees and exhibitors from the Northeast and throughout the nation will gather at the Chase Center on the Waterfront in Wilmington, Delaware on March 20 – 21 to discuss building more effective domestic recycling markets.  The Conference agenda and registration are now available.

Michael Hoffman, Financial Analyst of Stifel, will deliver the keynote address.  Mr. Hoffman will present an assessment of the impact of the domestic and global economy on recycling commodities in the near and distant future.  The Conference will continue with Jordan Tony, Sustainability Consultant with More Recycling, who will talk about recycled plastic resins that US-based manufacturers are using and the products they manufacture with them.  Mr. Tony will be followed by two additional industry experts who will present on how manufacturers are using recycled paper and cullet.

Three additional sessions will focus on how industry sectors are addressing post-consumer recycled content (PCR) in their products. Liz Bedard of the Association of Plastics Recyclers will talk about the importance of recognizing manufacturers that are proactive about using PCR materials. Brian Hawkinson, Executive Director of Recovered Fiber, AF&PA will speak about their perspective on the paper industry’s use of PCR.  Will Sagar, Executive Director of SERDC will talk about the economics of the glass recycling industry and the potential for demand-driven initiatives. In addition, Herb Northrop, Chief Operating Officer of Aero Aggregates will speak about the decision of their company to base its business model on the use of cullet.   

A session about government strategies that have affected the use of PCR in the US will follow.  Garth Hickle, an independent consultant and one of the session presenters, will speak about the impact of Extended Producer Responsibility on building demand for post-consumer recycled materials.  

For decades, NERC’s Conferences have been very successful in gathering audiences of government, industry, non-profits, and consultants for constructive dialogue.  Here are some remarks provided by past attendees:

  • “As a veteran in the recycling field, I’m delighted to say that I learned something new at NERC’s Conference.” Joanne Shafer, Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority (Pennsylvania)

 

  • “Attending NERC’s Conference solidified my interest in a career path in sustainable waste management. I met such a diverse group of people here that are collaborating to create solutions to these evolving problems in the industry. Everyone was intelligent, kind, and receptive to my exploration, and I am looking forward to returning to this conference someday as a professional.” Shannon Mulkern, Student, University of Massachusetts Amherst

 

  • “I was most impressed with the sophistication and depth of discussion of NERC’s Conference audience. Real issues being openly discussed was very refreshing.” Mitch Kessler, Kessler Consulting

 

  • "NERC's conferences consistently have very high quality speakers who motivate the attendees to take positive actions to improve recycling. The size and format of the conferences also promotes interaction." David Refkin, RRS

 

  • “I learned so much by being a part of the conference and look forward to attending many more.” David Colley, Fibre Box Association

Link to the Conference Agenda: https://nerc.org/conferences-and-workshops/event-agenda

Link to the Registration Form: https://nerc.org/conferences-and-workshops/conference-registration

For more information about the Conference, contact Mary Ann Remolador, Assistant Director & Events Organizer, at 802.254.3636.