Agenda

8:00am

Registration Opens

Set the Stage- Sponsored by Sekisui

8:55am

Opening Remarks

9:00am

Session I: Market Overview and Trends – Where is the paper industry going for the next 5-10 years?

Market Overview

9:30am

Sustainability & Other Market Trends From Brands

10:00am

The Future of Specialty Papers to 2028

Presented by Smithers

10:30am

Networking Break- Sponsored by Solenis

Session II: Regulatory Updates

Critical EPR Developments Shaping the U.S. Landscape: What You Need To Know

The rollout of EPR regulation has now officially begun; in the Spring, “obligated” Producers in Oregon will be reporting, and paying fees on the full year of Sales Data for 2024. Next in line, in the Summer, “obligated” Producers in Colorado will be reporting and paying fees on the first six months of Sales Date for 2025. What are the obstacles that face Brands? We will dive into the definitional structures and how those definitions could impact both downstream and upstream suppliers. Further, all three of the leading Western States (OR, CO and CA) have different material categories (for example, OR and CA have exempt Deposit Return System exemptions; CO does not) of various lengths, and therefore material di4erences in fee structures. We will unpack the barriers created by harmonization gaps, but also how Producers can avail themselves of the areas that do align. The presentation list of discussion points are as follows:

Present brief case studies that led to the current situation
Discuss the basic tenets of EPR
Present the current status of EPR in the US – adopter states and proposed states
Exploring significant challenges due to the complex political landscape in the U.S.
Addressing the obstacles faced by plastic and packaging producers
Harmonization barriers and the impact of fragmentation within the EPR framework
Sharing best practices for EPR implementation to maximize environmental benefits

Jason Bergquist | Vice President, US Operations, RecycleMe

11:30am

Re/Thinking Paper

In today's push for responsible production and consumption, paper is no longer just a fibre-based material — it's a powerful driver for innovation and sustainability. This presentation will explore paper's evolution from commodity to solution, focusing on the consumer and regulatory forces reshaping our industry and accelerating the paperisation movement, including EUDR and PPWR. Drawing on our European experience with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks now emerging at state-level in the US, we will examine infrastructure readiness across packaging materials and how paper's established collection systems support more favourable EPR implementation.

We will showcase how Mondi is reimagining the possibilities of paper packaging, unlocking next-generation solutions guided by our bold belief that every industry and application is within our reach. Our commitment to this vision is demonstrated through our latest product launch: Ad/Vantage Smooth White WS, developed specifically for the US market. This calendered white kraft paper combines bleached short and long fibre sulphate pulp to deliver high strength and wet strength performance for retail and food service applications such as food-grade interleaving paper.

Marco Macoratti | Head of Sustainable Packaging Solutions & Circularity for Retail brands, Mondi

12:00pm

Session III: Barriers and Coatings Updates

Press-applied Coating Study

One of the primary challenges to the growth of specialty paper lies in identifying market opportunities large enough to justify the allocation of paper machine time. This is particularly true for emerging barrier coating applications, which often start at small scales and may require capital investment before significant market demand is established.

Converters play a crucial role in developing these markets, as they are well-positioned to grow demand to volumes that justify mill-scale production. To enable this, barrier coatings must be applicable using conventional press equipment.

In collaboration with Heidelberg, Solenis is conducting an in-depth study to better understand press-applied coating performance. Multiple trials have been conducted using Heidelberg’s flexographic equipment to evaluate a range of barrier properties, including MVTR, OTR, OGR, Cobb, and heat sealability. Variables such as anilox cell volume and design, drying configurations, and paper substrates have been systematically examined.

This work is leading to the development of a comprehensive matrix that correlates coating types with rheological properties, coating pickup (gsm), anilox specifications, and substrate requirements. This presentation will share key findings from this ongoing collaboration and outline practical considerations for implementing press-applied barrier coatings at scale.

Presented by Solenis

12:30pm

Networking Lunch- Sponsored by Kuraray

Next-Generation Sustainable Paper Packaging: Functional Coatings, Performance, and End-of-Life Solutions

Next-generation sustainable paper packaging is increasingly recognized as an effective alternative to traditional packaging, providing essential protection against water vapor, oxygen, and grease. Achieving these functional properties while maintaining recyclability or compostability presents a critical global challenge.This presentation outlines how paper functional coatings work and demonstrates the development of a versatile platform capable of meeting diverse packaging needs. It emphasizes both product development pathways and end-of-life considerations, including recycling and composting, supported by biodegradable material properties.Practical experiences from Europe, such as insights from CEPI’s laboratory recycling protocols and the introduction of eco-modulated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), will be showcased. These strategies, balancing innovation with efficient recycling or composting processes, are relevant and adaptable globally.Practical examples will highlight the collaboration between material developers and recycling experts, illustrating effective pathways toward next-generation, sustainable, and functional paper-based packaging solutions.

Johannes Zipfel | Managing Director, Delsci

2:00pm

Plantic™ Extrusion Coatings for Recyclable, High-Barrier Paper Packaging

Kuraray’s Plantic™ Technology offers a breakthrough in sustainable packaging by combining high oxygen and grease barrier performance with recyclability, compostability, and repulpability. Derived from renewable high-amylose corn starch, Plantic™ enables brand owners to meet environmental goals without compromising product protection. This presentation focuses on the use of Plantic™ in extrusion coating of paper and paperboard, creating fiber-based packaging structures suitable for food and sensitive goods. Plantic™ coatings deliver outstanding barrier properties while maintaining compatibility with existing converting equipment and recycling infrastructure. Independent recyclability and repulpability testing conducted by Western Michigan University confirms that Plantic™-coated paperboard and multilayer flexible paper structures, meet industry standards for fiber recovery and is suitable for curbside recycling. These results validate Plantic™ as a viable alternative to conventional multilayer packaging that often hinders recyclability or is recovered at very low rates. Additionally, life cycle assessment (LCA) data demonstrates significant reductions in carbon footprint and environmental impact compared to petroleum-based barrier materials. Plantic™ supports circular economy principles by enabling compostable and recyclable packaging formats that align with consumer and regulatory demands. Attendees will gain insights into the technical performance, environmental credentials, and applications of Plantic™ coatings, empowering them to adopt scalable, high-performance solutions for sustainable packaging.

David Chacon | PLANTIC Technical Service & Market Development Engineer, Kuraray

2:30pm

Building Multifunctional Barrier Paper with Waterborne Coatings

Flexible paper packaging as an alternative to traditional plastic packaging continues to gain traction. However, to maintain momentum, robust coatings are needed to improve the inherently poor barrier properties of paper, especially against water, oil/grease, moisture vapor, and oxygen. While there has been reasonable progress toward barriers to individual coating performances, significant challenges remain in implementation of those barrier coatings into multilayer structures enabling multifunctional performance. We will discuss several challenges in constructing multilayer coatings on paper with representative examples. Fundamental insights into strategies for building better multilayer structures on paper will be shared. We will conclude with multilayer examples leveraging those insights which demonstrate simultaneous barrier against moisture vapor, oxygen, water, oil/grease which is desirable for flexible paper packages.

Brian Einsla | Senior Research Scientist, The Dow Chemical Company

3:00pm

Session IV: Paper Testing Methods and Research

Networking Break

3:30pm

Presentation details to come

4:00pm

Presentation details to come

4:30pm

Presentation details to come

5:00pm

Evening Networking Reception

8:00am

Registration Opens

Set the Stage- Sponsored by Sekisui

Opening Remarks

9:00am

Session V: Innovation & Technology in the Paper Industry

Cultivating innovations in starch: Improving performance for environmentally responsible packaging

Since development and use of synthetic, petroleum-based polymers in the 1950s, an estimated 6,300 million metric tons (MT) of plastic waste has been generated1 . Single-use plastic packaging represents the largest use market for plastics, making up 40% of total plastic production2 . The vast majority of that plastic waste has accumulated in the landfills or has contaminated our oceans, freshwater systems, and land. If the current trends continue, an anticipated 12,000 MT of plastic waste will enter the landfills or ecosystems by 20501 . Synthetic polymers are preferred for their cost effectiveness and high performance. However, plastics do not readily biodegrade so once they are introduced into the environment, they are persistent and some can take up to 1,000 years to decompose3 . Accordingly, there is an urgent need for a solution to environmental pollution and increased development of microplastics caused by nonbiodegradable plastics. There are a variety of greener solutions existing in the market that come with benefits and challenges. Starch is a plant-based biopolymer obtained from renewable sources that has a long history within the packaging industry. It has been leveraged for its environmental benefits and as a cost-efficient, widely available ingredient that provides increased strength, process efficiency, and surface property development of fiber-based packaging. In combination with novel modifications, starch can provide enhanced barrier properties (oil and grease resistance, oxygen transmission rate, water vapor transmission rate) that enable fiber-based packaging to replace traditional single use plastic packaging in markets such as fresh and shelf-stable food4,5 . Maintaining mechanical properties, such as processing stability, strength, and flexibility is crucial to delivering functionality. We highlight the potential opportunities to enhance the inherent properties of starch for environmentally responsible packaging that meets requirements of compostability and recyclability.

Co-presenter: Christina Odorisio, Research Associate, Advanced Research and Chemistry, Ingredion

Jake Finkelstein | Sr. Marketing Analyst, Industrial Ingredients, Ingredion

9:30am

Golden Run Analytics: Leveraging AI to Improve Paper Machine

This session explores the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in optimizing paper machine operations through the identification and enhancement of Golden Runs. These periods of peak operational efficiency are characterized by optimal machine performance, product quality, and resource utilization. It examines how AI systems leverage machine learning and advanced analytics to transform raw production data into actionable insights, enabling operators to replicate and sustain ideal conditions. The article investigates the defining characteristics of Golden Runs, the systematic approach of AI in identifying these optimal periods, and the various sophisticated algorithms employed for detection and analysis. Through comprehensive case studies and implementation examples, it demonstrates how AI-driven process control systems integrate multiple data sources and machine learning approaches to achieve significant improvements in production efficiency, quality consistency, and resource optimization. The article highlights the crucial role of real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and autonomous control systems in maintaining optimal operating conditions while reducing waste and energy consumption.

Varma Raju Sagi Venkatapathi | Technology Specialist, Honeywell International

10:00am

Session VI: Sustainable Solutions for Packaging

Paper as a Circular Solution: From Recycling Standards to EPR Readiness

Paper is one of the most recycled materials in the United States and is well-positioned to help brands meet their sustainability goals. This session from the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) will provide a timely look at industry challenges and opportunities shaping the future of paper and recycling. Learn about AF&PA’s updated recycling rate methodology, the refreshed voluntary standard for repulpability and recyclability, and the landscape of paper in composting. We’ll also unpack how states are implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, what it means for specialty papers, and how AF&PA is equipping stakeholders with the resources they need to adapt and succeed. Join us to explore how the paper industry is advancing circular solutions and helping brands meet evolving requirements.

Abigail Sztein | Executive Director, Recovered Fiber, American Forest & Paper Association

10:30am

Networking Break

11:00am

Sustainability Panel- TBA

Panelists to be announced

11:30am

Session VII: Bio-Based Barriers & Alternative Fibers

Transforming Paper: Affordable Functionalization for Green Barriers and New Market Opportunities

Cellulotech’s patented process revolutionizes paper by functionalizing it at low cost while keeping it fully recyclable and compostable in standard waste streams. This breakthrough transforms paper products into high-performance materials with barriers and functional properties that can replace plastics, waxes, silicones, and more. Beyond being a cost-effective and sustainable alternative, it unlocks entirely new high-value applications for the paper industry, creating opportunities in sectors such as hygiene, construction, and beyond.

Romain Metivet | Founder & CEO, Cellulotech

12:00pm

Technical and commercial insights on scaling functional, bio-based coatings derived from lignin

Lignin is one of the most bio-abundant materials on the planet and constitutes 30% of non-fossil organic carbon.  Lignin is a key derivative of paper making, with over 220 million tons generated each year.  AgWaste is also a primary source of lignin to include root vegetables, and husks of grains such as oats, wheat, and rye.  Today, much of that lignin is burned after harvest or used as a low-grade binder for applications such as filler in roads.  Earthodic has developed functional, bio-based barrier coatings using lignin.  This talk will explore the functional barrier characteristics of these coatings on paper, along with technical and commercial learnings as Earthodic scales production.

Natasha Melton | Head of Product Development, Earthodic

12:30pm

Networking Lunch

Return by 1:30 for the next presentation

1:30pm

Valorizing AgWaste for paper making - delivering a truly circular solution and engineering enhanced performance using Curran® MFC

Alternative fibers are gaining attention as feedstocks for specialty papers and packaging. CelluComp is advancing this trend by valorizing agricultural waste (AgWaste) as a viable fiber source. This presentation showcases a vision of full circularity through the creation of specialty paper made from a blend of AgWaste, wood fibers, and CelluComp’s Curran® MFC - micro-fibrillated cellulose derived from sugar beets. The resulting paper is then converted into bags used for the sale and distribution of sugar beets, completing the circular loop. The talk will highlight how CelluComp leverages Curran® MFC to engineer both mechanical and economic value, delivering a scalable and sustainable packaging solution. We’ll explore the commercial business case, Curran® MFC’s role as a key performance ingredient, and the technical validation process. This case study serves as a call to action, inviting collaboration to scale these impactful innovations for high-volume packaging applications.

Christian Kemp-Griffin | CEO, CelluComp

2:00pm