📅October 27-28, 2026
📍Milwaukee, WI
FiberLean is the world’s leading independent supplier of equipment for the production of Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC). Our vision is to provide our customers with the world’s best MFC technology and support.
FiberLean’s proprietary grinding process allows the production of MFC from a wide range of pulps used in the paper, packaging, tissue, speciality and pulp-based product industries. This controlled milling approach results in a unique micro-structured network of cellulose fibrils which can be tailored to each application through adjustment of process parameters and selection of feed materials.
The robust and reliable design of the equipment enables continuous production of MFC at any scale, with onsite installations of grinders being modular to adjust production volumes to match each customer’s requirements.
The use of MFC in paper, packaging, tissue, speciality and pulp-based products can be leveraged to lower energy consumption, lower production costs, improve product quality and improve sustainability.
Kuraray is a leading global specialty chemical company that pioneers, manufactures and sells resins, chemicals, activated carbon, fibers, textiles, specialty dental materials and other highly functional products that improve the environment and enhance quality of life throughout the world. The company’s diverse product portfolio provides critical solutions for industries such as automotive, agriculture, aerospace, paper and packaging, oil & gas, medical and consumer goods.
Founded in 1926, Kuraray operates in 32 countries and regions. Its North America subsidiary, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI), was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Houston. Kuraray America operates top-of-the-line production and research facilities in Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia. The North American division produces nearly 80% of its extensive product portfolio domestically, emphasizing Kuraray’s deep commitment to local production.
Sustainability is at the heart of Kuraray America’s product innovation and operational excellence – from its use of renewable and recyclable feedstocks to instituting circular economy practices at its sites. Guided by three pillars—people, product and planet—the company is committed to safety, excellence and environmental responsibility. Central to Kuraray America’s mission is its global sustainability strategy known as Kuraray Group Medium-Term Management Plan “Passion 2026”. This strategic framework aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 63% by 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. By focusing on these goals and consistently leveraging pioneering technology, Kuraray continues its mission to deliver new sustainable solutions that support people and the planet
A born-and-raised Michigander, Eric relocated to New Jersey after obtaining dual bachelor’s degrees in Human Biology and Packaging from Michigan State University. He has spent the last decade in R&D and procurement roles for major CPGs like Unilever and Nestlé, developing a deep expertise in food contact packaging. Currently, Eric serves as a Principal Packaging Scientist for Nestlé Nutrition & Health, where he’s a part of a global rigid fiber unit to harmonize the company's ambitions within molded fiber and rigid paperboard technologies.
Dyan graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a Pulp and Paper Science and Engineering degree. Since graduating 18 years ago, Dyan has worked exclusively within the specialty papers market. started career with Ahlstrom in Taylorville, IL as a process engineer and worked her way up to quality manager. After 8 years, Dyan moved to Spring Grove, PA and started a chapter at Glatfelter which became Pixelle Specialty Solutions. Spent 11 years there as a development specialist and group manager for their engineered products division. There she oversaw various grades from specialty colors, archival quality, extrusion bases, office and medical papers, playing cards to food packaging (including specialty barriers). Dyan currently is utilizing her technical expertise at the Billerud mill in Escanaba, MI in her role as the quality and product development manager for the mill. Outside of work, she spend her days outside enjoying all sorts of outdoor activities with her husband and dogs.
Will Gramlich is a Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Maine. At UMaine, he is also cooperating faculty with the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) and the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI) as well as the Director of the Paper Surface Science Program. The research of his group focuses on sustainable polymers and materials, next generation paper coatings, biomaterials to control cell behavior, and fundamentals of polymer science.
Experience in global new business development in paper and board based packaging industry – focus on technology, processes and automation in retail and packaging. Corporate activities including venturing and spin-offs. Start-up founder and CEO. Currently a technology and business Innovator to accelerate technology transfer towards industry.
Breanna is a Senior Product Development Engineer at Amcor focused on the AmFiber Portfolio, paper-based packaging solutions. Her work with Amcor explores both 2D and 3D paper packaging solutions. Prior to her roles in R&D, Breanna has 10 years of Quality Management experience crossing many related industries: starch manufacturing, flexible healthcare packaging and paper converting. Breanna completed Bachelor’s degrees in both Chemistry and Biology from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at St. Norbert College.
Chip Daley supports clients with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) data reporting, regulatory compliance, strategic planning, and financial analysis. His work focuses on helping organizations navigate complex and evolving EPR requirements, build scalable packaging data systems, and identify opportunities to improve compliance outcomes while advancing broader operational goals.
Steve Ottone is the holder of a BS and MS in Wood Science from the Pennsylvania State University. His career started in the paper industry with work for Container Corporation of America, St. Regis Paper, and Champion International. He then moved to the supplier side, working in latex supply to the paper industry for Reichhold, Inc., Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex, and Mallard Creek Polymers. He worked for 7 years with a supplier of ground calcium carbonate into the paper industry. He’s currently a Technical Service Representative with Mallard Creek Polymers, a leading supplier of latex polymers for barrier coatings. His area of emphasis is polymer and rheology modifier solutions to barrier coatings needs.
Gary is a mission-driven professional focused on advancing Sustainability for high-volume consumer goods. Sustainability challenges us to think differently. It challenges us to innovate and build systems solutions. Gary’s 30-years of diverse professional experience with global brands has prepared him well for this mission.
Gary started as a research scientist for Kraft Foods. This cultivated curiosity as a challenger, and analysis skills for building disruptive innovations. This is also when Gary became committed to Sustainability after the launch of his first consumer package into retail.
Gary has served in a multitude of leadership assignments. Each uniquely demonstrating his strength and diversity. Gary’s experience includes Global Manufacturing Engineer in India with the Amway Corporation, Sr. Manager New Product Development with Newell Rubbermaid, Director of Purchasing and Packaging for a global chemical company, and he was the first to build the packaging department for The Home Depot. As an innovator, Gary led development of a disruptive fiber technology for BillerudKorsnäs called Fibreform, a 3D cold formable paper to displace plastics.
Gary served a rotation in public policy, strategy, and government affairs for an Israeli based certified compostable biopolymer company called Tipa.
Gary currently operates as a fractional professional helping a portfolio of clients advance their Sustainability and innovation strategies. Gary is actively accepting new clients.
Scott is the Founder of Nextep Partners LLC, a consulting firm that focuses on driving paper-based innovations and barrier developments for sustainable packaging applications.
Scott McNutt brings over 44 years of comprehensive paper industry expertise to the stage, with a distinguished career spanning papermaking, process engineering, operations management, and Lean/Six Sigma innovation. A recognized specialist in both upstream manufacturing and downstream converting, Scott possesses deep technical insight into the stringent end-use requirements for quick-service restaurant (QSR), flexible packaging, copy and bond papers, and specialized technical paper grades.
Scott began his career in specialty papers at Dunn Paper, establishing a strong foundation in process engineering, quality management, and product development. He later transitioned to Willamette Industries, where he contributed to pioneering efforts aimed at integrating state-of-the-art papermaking technologies into the U.S. fine paper sector. Following this, he managed production operations for Wausau Paper before ultimately returning to Dunn Paper in Port Huron to spearhead operational excellence and next-generation product innovation. Over his career, Scott has toured over 40 pulp and paper mills globally to evaluate and implement emerging manufacturing technologies.
Brad Hartong supports Application Development at Primient.
Brad’s career spans over two decades across both the chemical and paper industries. Much of his work has been focused on barrier chemistries development as well as paper coatings.
Brad earned a Paper Science and Engineering, BS degree from Miami University in Ohio as well as completed advanced degrees (Masters and PhD) in the same field from the Institute of Paper Science and Technology.
Dave Magda is the Sr. Director of Innovation & Business Development for Pixelle Specialty Solutions, headquartered in Spring Grove, PA. He has 35+ years of industry experience with multiple chemical suppliers and paper manufacturing companies. Dave holds a bachelor’s degree in Paper Science & Engineering and an MBA in Technology Management.
Dr. Sandeep Kulkarni is the founder and President of KoolEarth Solutions Inc., a technical consulting and business development company focused on helping companies develop and commercialize new sustainable packaging solutions as well as to improve the sustainability footprint of existing packaging and to reduce/eliminate packaging waste. He is also VP, Plastics and Packaging at Ubuntoo (www.ubuntoo.com), a unique environmental solutions platform to address plastic waste, plastic litter, food waste, sustainable fashion and so on.
Sandeep has over 20 years of industry experience working for several large packaging companies, such as International Paper, Neenah Paper and Georgia Pacific. Most recently he worked for PepsiCo, in the area of sustainable beverage packaging. His diverse expertise includes recycling, bioplastics, paper based as well as molded fiber packaging. Sandeep has 7 granted patents as well as several publications in industry journals. He has also served on conference advisory boards and has delivered several invited presentations, at international conferences, on the topics of sustainability and sustainable packaging. Sandeep serves as an Adjunct Professor at The Packaging School (a spinoff from Clemson University) as well as the North Carolina State University. Recently he was elected to serve as member of the Executive Committee of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) for 3 year term (2021-2024)
