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Innovation Takes Root Releases Programing Schedule for September Conference

NatureWorks recently announced the full programing schedule for their sixth Innovation Takes Root: A NatureWorks Advanced Biomaterials Forum. The conference, to be held Sept. 10 to 12 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, Calif., will see speakers from Electrolux and PepsiCo join a lineup that will draw broad interest from brand owners, non-governmental organizations, and manufacturers who will set the direction for future Ingeo advanced materials innovation.

Innovation Takes Root (ITR) brings global thought leaders, sustainability professionals, marketers, and business leaders together with scientists and engineers from the biomaterials value chain. The forum offers full-scale immersion into rethinking and remaking products that will address the need for performance materials while still embracing the growing consumer preference for sustainability and the tenants of the circular economy.                 

In all, ITR’s program features over 60 speakers across six breakout sessions, four workshops, and two plenary sessions. The program will illustrate the latest developments in the market based on new product introductions and innovations in applications, processing, and converting amidst a broader context on changes around the world from a policy, legislative, and societal perspective.

The opening plenary session on Sept. 10 will feature David and Jonah Stillman discussing the expectations of future “Gen Z” consumers and how they will affect the biomaterials industry. Representing the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Mats Linder will speak on how the products and materials we consume fit into the construct of the circular economy. Dr. Norbert Schmitz, from ISCC, will present on certified sustainable agricultural practices. Omar Hoek from Ahlstrom, Marco Garilli from Electrolux, and Marc DeSchutter from Danone will then share examples of how brands and the supply chain can and must partner together to create real, sustainable solutions for materials and manufacturing.

Parallel breakout sessions over the next two days will explore market integrating presentations on key market drivers with new Ingeo product and application technologies. These sessions will highlight applications such as coffee capsules, tea bags, nonwovens for personal care, compostable food service utensils, 3D printing, foundry, flexible food packaging, and horticulture. Meanwhile, focused workshops designed to provide an in-depth exploration of industry critical topics and technical performance opportunities will be held in addition to the regular programming.

Innovation Takes Root organizers are expecting attendees from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and more. Registration is available on the Innovation Takes Root website at www.innovationtakesroot.com. Follow NatureWorks on Twitter (@natureworks) for the latest updates.

Publication date: 22/08/2018

Plastics Engineering

This project has been co-funded with the support of the LIFE financial instrument of the European Union [LIFE17 ENV/ES/000438] Life programme

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Last update: 2022-01-31