Charting the Unknown: Unraveling PFAS, Regulations & Industry Concerns
Tuesday, April 16, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Everlasting and pervasive, per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have garnered increasing attention by policymakers and regulators across the nation. This session seeks to educate the recycling industry about these widespread chemicals, their multi-layered legislative and regulatory patchwork and the specific challenges they pose to the industry. Join us as we explore the intricate world of PFAS and empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate this dynamic and challenging landscape.
Moderator: David Wagger, Chief Scientist/Director of Environmental Management, ISRI
Speaker: Erin Bulson, Ph.D. dissertator, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Sarah Grace Hughes, Senior Project Manager, Environmental Council of the States

DOT Compliance and Navigation: Tips from the Experts
Tuesday, April 16, 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections and motor vehicle (mv) stops can lead to violations and regulatory penalties and compliance reviews. This session will bring together a panel of experts that will provide attendees with tools to stay compliant with regulations as well as a better understanding of the challenges of regulatory requirements, how to comply with incomplete driver files, and record-keeping tools.
Moderator: Michael Hughes, VP, Safety, Casella Recycling
Speakers: John Irwin, Founder & CEO, CNS Companies, Inc.; Jared Kline, Client Services Director, CNS Companies, Inc.; Stephen Sosensky, Attorney at Law, The Sosensky Law Firm, LLC

Lower Your Risk, Lower Your Rates
Wednesday, April 17, 10:30 – 11: 45 a.m
Hosted by Young Executives Council

The recycling industry faces many hazardous risks industrywide that need to be controlled for a company to run safely and efficiently to be profitable. Electric vehicles (lithium-ion batteries), hot work, storing fuels, operational hazards to employees and third parties that cause injuries, and vehicle incidents are many but not all obstacles’ recyclers face daily. Due to the risks, recyclers face increasingly higher insurance rates. Your company may have the right procedures. How do you prove it? When do you have a chance to prove it? Hear from Industry experts on how and when to prove you are doing the right things and have what it takes to deserve best in class pricing from your insurer.
Moderator: Dr. Ryan Nolte, Sr. Director of Safety Outreach, ISRI
Speakers: Kenneth Kunze, CFI-I, Fire Prevention Specialist, IC Fire Prevention; Jason Maslin, Insurance Counselor, Bradley & Parker, Inc.

Building Relationships with Law Enforcement from the Perspective of Law Enforcement Leaders
Wednesday, April 17, 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
Law enforcement leaders from across the U.S. and members of the Law Enforcement Advisory Council for ISRI will discuss relationship building and the importance of having those relationships at different levels of law enforcement and the staff of the recycling industry. They will explain why this is important for both law enforcement and the recycling industry to stop theft of different materials. There will also be discussion of relationship benefits, how the recycling industry can assist in educating law enforcement about the industry and how the education around catalytic converters at a facility has assisted in relationship building and a better understanding of the industry.
Moderator: Todd Foreman, Director of Law Enforcement Outreach, ISRI
Speakers: Jeffrey Glover, Director of Public Safety, State of Arizona; Peter Lazear, 1st Sergeant, Virginia State Police

How to Manage Your Insurance Buy
Wednesday, April 17, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Topics will include: What is Underwriting? Identifying & Assessing Risk Exposure. Information Reviewed. Risk Selection. The Application Process. Some Insider Advice. This will assist with owners, CFO’s and/or anyone else involved in the procurement of insurance and understanding how safety plays a crucial role in the underwriting process. Learn about this from a team of underwriting recycling risk specialists who have over 80 years of insurance experience.
Moderator: Jerry Sjogren, Sr. Director of Safety, ISRI
Speakers: Susan Diecidue, AINS, Underwriting Manager, RecycleGuard Insurance Program; Lori Imbeault AINS, AU, Senior Underwriter, RecycleGuard Insurance Program; Patrick Murphy, CPCU, Senior Production Underwriter, AmWINS Program Underwriters Inc

It’s Getting Hot in Here: Heat Illness Prevention Best Practices
Thursday, April 18, 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.
It’s no secret that temperatures are increasing everywhere. In fact, July of 2023 shattered records as the hottest month ever recorded on Earth. With extreme heat expected again this summer, heat-related illnesses such as heat stress, exhaustion and stroke pose a significant risk to your employees — whether they are working indoors or outdoors. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is committed to combating heat illness by increasing site visits and issuing fines, which means that employers need to have an effective program in place. Join KPA EHS Operations District Manager, Joe Souza, to learn how to create and maintain an efficient heat illness prevention program. Attendees will learn more about risk factors for heat illness, types of heat illness, recommendations for keeping employees safe, training best practices, how to respond to extreme heat events (for workers both indoors and outdoors), emergency awareness and more.
Moderator: Jerry Sjogren, Sr. Director of Safety, ISRI
Speaker: Joe Souza District Manager, EHS Operations, KPA

Advances and Challenges in Battery Handling
Thursday, April 18, 2:00 – 3:15 pm
Safe handling of batteries entering the recycling stream is of utmost importance. Industry-wide best practices are important. This session will focus on current and updated best practices and regulatory requirements, as well as some of the challenges of acquiring insurance and maintaining safety in the electronics recycling sector.
Moderator: Andy Leyder, Chief, Research, Development & Technology (RD&T) Branch, Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, Pipeline, and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
Speakers: Markus McDonell, Sadoff Iron & Metal Co.; Brian Swab, Director, Business Transformation, Regency Technologies LLC-Stow; Chris York, Business Development, Redwood Materials

Automotive OEM Sustainability Driving Demand for Recycled Plastics Content
Thursday, April 18, 2:00 PM–3:15 PM PDT
Driven by new global regulatory requirements and a shift in consumer demand for more sustainable products, automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have set significant near-term targets for increased recycled content in each new vehicle which will ramp up dramatically between now and 2030. In this session, we will hear directly from major global automotive OEMs on their roadmaps for sustainability and how that translates to demand for recycled material from end-of-life vehicles.
Moderator: Adam Halsband, Managing Director, Forward Engineering North America, LLC
Speakers: Hendrik Mainka, Project Lead Sr, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.; Amanda Nummy, Sr. Polymer Materials Engineer, Sustainable Materials, Hyundai-Kia; Eric Walker, Chief Engineer, Honda

Green Collaboration: Shaping the Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Supply Chain Together
Tuesday, April 16, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
In this collaborative and forward-thinking session, “Green Collaboration,” we invite industry experts, recyclers, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the intricacies of the electric vehicle (EV) recycling supply chain. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on how to build a sustainable and cooperative framework to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the lifecycle of electric vehicles.
Moderator: Chih-Hsuan (Sandy) Pierce, Territory Manager, BASF
Speaker: Adina Renee Adler, Executive Director, Global Steel Climate Council (GSCC); Derick Corbett, Sr. VP, External Affairs, Pull-A-Part; Anthony Garbarino, CEO, Currents; Tommy Walters, Environmental Coordinator, River Metals Recycling LLC

Revving the Green Engine: Navigating the Economics of Vehicle Recycling, with a Focus on Electric Vehicles
Tuesday, April 16, 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
Join us for an insightful session that delves deep into the dynamic world of vehicle recycling, exploring the economic dimensions with a special emphasis on the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs). In this session, we will unravel the intricate web of economic factors shaping the recycling ecosystem, touching on traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and zooming in on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by electric vehicles.
Moderator: Thomas Novak, VP of Business Development, Schnitzer Steel Industries
Speakers: Guillermo Espiga, VP Head of Business Development, Nth Cycle; David Monk, New Business Development Manager, Ascend Elements, Inc.: Kirstyn Petras, Senior Price Reporter, Fastmarkets; Aaron Poynton, Chief Commercial Officer, A3 Global

Empowering Excellence: Electric Vehicle Battery Removal Mastery and Safety Protocol Training Overview
Wednesday, April 17, 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Embark on a transformative learning journey — a training class designed to equip professionals with the expertise needed for electric vehicle (EV) battery removal, testing and handling. This session will provide an overview and sneak peak of the program. Join us for an intense learning introduction and walk away with registration information for a certification program. Prepare for the EV future with the best practices today!
Moderator: George Steele, Transportation Safety Director, Reserve Management Group
Speakers: Daniel Majano, Electrical Safety Foundation; Chelsey Schneider, Energy Security Agency; Niel, Speetjens, VP of Delivery, Automotive Certified Training Academy LLC

EPA Listening Session on Improving Safety and Effectiveness of Battery Recycling through Collection Best Practices and Labeling Guidelines
Wednesday, April 17, 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants your feedback to help improve the safety and effectiveness of battery recycling through a new initiative to develop voluntary labeling guidelines and share best practices for battery collection. This session will help shape EPA’s engagement effort and potential products. Join us to share your experiences with collecting and managing batteries and battery-containing products and your thoughts about the benefits and challenges associated with battery labels. You will also learn more about EPA’s current engagement efforts and other ways that you can participate or provide feedback.
Speakers: Ellen Meyer, Economist, United States Environmental Protection Agency; Patrick Tallarico, Facilitator, PMT Consulting & Design

Currents of Cares: Navigating Electric Vehicle Shipping & Storage Safety
Wednesday, April 17, 2:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Journey with us towards ensuring the safety and integrity of electric vehicles throughout their shipping and storage lifecycle. As the world becomes more electrified, understanding and implementing best practices for EV and battery transportation, storage, and mitigation of thermal event is paramount for recycling industry.
Moderator: Mary Johnson, President/Creative Director, SYNAPSE
Speakers: Brett Brenner, Electrical Safety Foundation; Jeff Haltrecht, Executive, Call 2 Recycle; Robert Schneider, Director of Training and Education, Energy Security Agency

Artificial Intelligence in the Recycled Materials Industry
Hosted by Young Executives Council
Wednesday, April 17, 2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
Having a platform that aligns with current times in the recycled materials industry is a game changer – but that’s just the beginning. In the near future, cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI) innovations will help you work smarter, faster and more profitably than ever before. Learn how businesses like yours are adopting new technologies like large language models (LLMs), computer vision (CV), and more to improve productivity, cut costs, and improve worker safety. Hear from leading AI Consultants on the work they’ve done to revolutionize core workflows at companies from five to 500 people. The panel will feature experts from leading AI companies like Stability AI, the makers of a leading foundational image processing models, computer vision experts applying technology to worker safety and ergonomics, and AI consultants working for institutions ranging from private equity to education. Panelists will share case studies on how their work in AI has transformed analogous industries like manufacturing and logistics, and lessons learned along the way.
Moderator: Drake Hougo, Co-Founder + CEO, ReMatter
Speakers: Sid Grover, Managing Partner, Canterbury Lane; Josh Singer, Eigen Consulting; Dennis Xu, Co-Founder, Mem Labs

From Visionaries to Leaders. Breaking Barriers in the Recycled Materials Industry
Hosted by Women in Recycling Council
Tuesday, April 16, 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
In recent years, the essential role of women in the recycled materials industry has gained increased visibility, leading to more opportunities for female leaders. This shift increases diversity and creates equal opportunities, both of which are vital to the future growth and success of our industry. In this session we will highlight and celebrate the success of women in recycling who have broken barriers as leaders and visionaries and discuss how we can maintain momentum for future generations.
Moderators:Nina Grimes, Operations, TW Grimes Iron & Metal
Speakers: Susie Burrage, OBE, President; Bureau of International Recycling; Antonia Biggs Fuenzalida, General Manager, National Association of the Recycling Industry A.G.; Mary Wardle, International Past President, Association of Women in Metal Industries (AWMI)

Eco-Innovation: Next-Gen Technologies in Recycling
Thursday, April 18, 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Technological advancements are exponentially increasing in the recycling industry. Are you and your company aware of what exists today or what’s coming tomorrow to help advance and grow your business? Join industry experts discussing what used to be, what is available today and what the future holds for recycling. From disruptive technology like software advancements and artificial intelligence (AI), panelists will be discussing everything you need to know to get caught up and prepared for what’s next.
Moderator: Jennifer Betts, CEO, Recycled Media;
Speakers: Blake Gordon, GM – Digital Trading, Georgia-Pacific Recycling; Lisa Kagan, Founder, Buddy; Evan J. Schwartz, Chief Enterprise Architect; AMCS Group

Emotional Intelligence: Why it Matters
Thursday, April 18, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
An emotional intelligence workshop is designed to help individuals develop their emotional intelligence skills. The objectives: Define emotions and emotional intelligence (EQ) to distinguish emotional intelligence from other forms of intelligence. To list the criticality of emotional intelligence in work, life and relationships. To raise personal awareness. To develop self-motivation, productivity, commitment to profession, confidence and flexibility, empathy and communication skills. To introduce teams to the subject of emotional intelligence by identifying Daniel Goleman’s five pillars: Self-awareness, self-management, empathy communication skills and group dynamics. To identify our own emotions in a self-awareness exercise and be able to harness useful feelings. To hire emotionally intelligent team members.
Moderator: Olga Zamora, VP of Human Resources, ISRI
Speaker: Judy Ferraro, Shapiro Metals

Spotlight on Ferrous
Tuesday, April 16, 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Recycled iron and steel market participants had a challenging year in 2023 amid softer U.S. manufacturing output, the United Auto Worker (UAW) strike, commodity price volatility, industry consolidation and reduced export sales. With large U.S. steel capacity expansion plans in the works and rebounding global demand expected, 2024 should offer opportunities for growth. Join a panel of industry leaders and expert analysts to learn about where your steel recycling company can grow this year.
Moderator: Joseph Pickard, Chief Economist and Director of Commodities, ISRI
Speakers: John Ball, President, CRU North America; Amy Hinton, North America Scrap Editor, Fastmarkets; Blake Hurtik, Editorial Manager, Argus Media

Headwinds and Tailwinds: Global Trends and Developments that Will Impact Recycled Materials Industry
Tuesday, April 16, 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Demand for recycled materials by manufacturers will be driven by a multitude of factors this year, ranging from economic and social, to political and policy decisions. It is crucial that recyclers that trade are aware of potential headwinds (and tailwinds) that will impact their businesses. While global manufacturing is expected to grow globally in 2024, it will likely do so unevenly across different regions of the world. This panel of association executives will focus on market trends and recent developments around the world and will provide insight for recyclers that seek to trade recycled materials abroad.
Moderator: Jacqueline Lotzkar, Vice President, Pacific Metals Limited
Speakers: Roger Amarante, Founder and Executive Director, National Brazilian Recycling Instution; Julia Blees, Secretary General, European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC); Arnaud Brunet, Director General, Bureau of International Recycling; Amar Singh, Secretary General, MRAI, Material Recycling Association of India

Innovation in Partnerships and Processes for ITAD & Recycled Materials
Tuesday, April 16, 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The ITAD and electronics recycling industry is ripe with opportunity. In this session we will highlight those opportunities, including reverse logistics partnerships, technology, automation, software, AI and processing & outputs for particular material streams (e.g. e-plastics, critical metals, etc.).
Moderator: Matthew Young, President, Electronics Value Recovery, Inc.
Speaker: Joseph LaChance, Sales Operations Manager, Regency Technologies LLC-Stow; Jeff Gloyd Revenue Lead, BinIt; Patrick Nee, VP, Strategic Partnerships and Founder, Cyclic Materials

Spotlight on Nickel /Stainless
Tuesday, April 16, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
For North American nickel and stainless-steel recyclers, market conditions are increasingly being influenced by global market developments and supply chain issues. Uncertainty regarding nickel trading at the commodity exchanges and potential trade barriers have only complicated matters. Leading U.S. stainless steel producers and recyclers will share their insights on the big market developments you can expect this year.
Moderator: Doug Kramer, President, Kramer Metals
Speakers: Salim Bhabhrawala, Critical Materials Program Manager, U.S. Department of Energy; Joseph Pickard
Chief Economist and Director of Commodities, ISRI; Tamara Weinert, President and CEO BA America, Outokumpu Stainless USA, LLC

Spotlight On Paper – The Recycled Paper Industry, 2024 and Beyond
Tuesday, April 16, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Post COVID-19, the recycled paper industry has risen and then fallen and is now on a rise. What is in store in 2024 and beyond? Find out: the current state of the recycled fiber market, both domestically and internationally; the future trends of the industry; and how technology has been and will continue to benefit the industry.
Moderator: Marissa McNees, Managing Editor, Recycling Today Media Group
Speakers: Scott Byrne, Director, Global Sustainability Services; Sonoco Paper; Johnny Gold, President, The Gold Group Recycling Consultants LLC; José González, Director, AFRY, AFRY Management Consulting

Focus on Southeast Asia – Will it Always Be a Growth Market for Recycled Materials?
Wednesday, April 17, 8:45 – 10:00 a.m.
As Southeast Asia attracts new investment and grows as a global hub for manufacturing, it continues to be a growth market for the export of recycled materials from the United States and other countries. As governments in the region increasingly focus on environmental protection, sustainability and increasing recycling rates, will these actions dampen demand for imported recycled products? This panel will focus on developments in the region and how potential action by governments will impact market demand for exports of recycled materials.
Moderator: Josephita Harry, Vice President Sales – Non-Ferrous Metals, Pan American Zinc
Speakers: David, Chiao, President, Uni-All Group Ltd; Zulma Herrera, Chief Operating Officer, Davis Index; Terence Soh, Steel Plus Trading

Spotlight on Electronics
Wednesday, April 17, 8:45 – 10:00 a.m.
The Electronics Spotlight is a look into the future. What’s new from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and regulators? How will economic trends affect electronics reuse and recycling? And what other factors in technology, society, and the environment will impact electronics recycling businesses?
Moderator: Adam Shine, President, Sunnking Sustainable Solutions
Speakers: Holly Evans, Senior Vice President, Environmental Policy and Legal Affairs, Responsible Business Alliance; Mark Newton, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Samsung Electronics America; Michael Werner, Head of Sustainability Programs & Innovation, Global Sustainability, Google

Spotlight on Tires: Fire Safety Practices and Prevention Equipment
Wednesday, April 17, 8:45 – 10:00 a.m.
ISRI’s Tire and Rubber Division is set to deliver an informative session on the latest developments in ISRI’s Fire Safety Practices for Tire Recycling Facilities. Additionally, they will be facilitating a discussion on the most recent technological enhancements and innovations in fire safety and prevention equipment. This comprehensive document, collaboratively crafted by ISRI-member companies, showcases practical approaches and cutting-edge advancements in fire prevention and safety for tire processing operations.
Moderator: Kyle Eastman, VP, Crumb Sales & Development, Liberty Tire Recycling LLC
Speakers: Glenn Cohen, Alberta Environmental Rubber Products; Troy Hess, Mahantango Enterprises Inc; Mike Hinsey, Liberty Tire

Spotlight on Aluminum
Wednesday, April 17, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
The U.S. aluminum recycling industry continues to transform itself as major aluminum mill expansions are raising questions about domestic recycling capabilities in a supply-constrained world. Disruptive trade measures, geo-political risks and the transition to electric vehicles are all shaping the outlook for the recycled aluminum market. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the trajectory of the U.S. aluminum recycling industry with our panel of industry experts.
Moderator: Neil Neuberger, Trader, Intra American Metals Inc (Intrametco)
Speakers: Mary Hlepas, Vice President of Purchasing Imperial, Group-Minerva; Joe Tomolo, Trader – Aluminum, Sims Alumisource; Ibrahim Yucel, Principal Consultant, CRU Group

Spotlight on Recycled Plastics Industry: COVID to Post COVID
Wednesday, April 17, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
COVID-19 presented many challenges to the recycled plastics industry and those challenges continue. Find out what challenges 2024 will bring including technology, legislative issues and other external pressures on the industry.
Moderator: Ganesh Nagarajan, Sr. Director, Plastics Waste Management
Speakers: Nina Bellucci Butler, CEO, Stina Inc.; Cherish Changala, Vice President, Sustainability & Public Affairs, Revolution; Kate Eagles, Program Director, Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR); J. Scott Saunders, GM, KW Plastics, Recycling Division

Collaboration Between U.S. and Chinese Recycled Materials Industries
Wednesday, April 17, 2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
China had been historically the largest recycled materials importer in the world, but in recent years, it has sought to enhance its environmental and sustainability practices by increasing domestic recycling rates. Meanwhile, since implementation began more than five years ago by the Chinese government, its National Sword policy has reduced imports of recycled materials, such as plastics, paper and certain metals. However, many manufacturers within China have expressed a desire to increase recycled imports, particularly of certain metals. This panel will evaluate ways that U.S. and Chinese recyclers can continue to collaborate, despite certain headwinds impacting trade in recycled materials.
Moderator: Randy Goodman, Senior Trader, Sigma Recycling Inc. & Gemini Corp
Speakers: Ross A. Friedman, DL Hudson Limited; Li Shilong, Chairman, China Recycling Industry Alliance (CRIA); Fan Xin, CEO, Shanghai Metals Market

Spotlight on Copper
Wednesday, April 17, 2:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Recyclers of copper and copper alloys are looking forward to a better 2024 as global copper mine supply disruptions and the increased demand generated by electrification have put copper in the spotlight. The resurgence of secondary copper production in the U.S. has only added to the bullish outlook. This year’s ISRI Spotlight on Copper brings together major industry participants and analysts for a conversation about the future of U.S. copper recycling that you won’t want to miss.
Moderator: Brian Shine, CEO, Manitoba Corporation
Speaker: Adam Estelle, Vice President, Copper Development Association; Edward Meir, Senior Commodity Analyst, Marex; Joseph Pickard, Chief Economist and Director of Commodities, ISRI

Basel Updates
Thursday; April 18; 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.
The latest decisions by the Basel working groups will impact electronics recycling beginning in January 2025. This panel will focus not just on the technical regulations as well as the actions processors need to take. A review of the current challenges in e-plastics will also be a part of this innovative session.
Moderator: Adam Shaffer, AVP, International Trade & Global Affairs, ISRI
Speaker: Craig Boswell, President, HOBI International Inc.; Paul Hagen, Principal, BEVERIDGE & DIAMOND PC; James Puckett, Executive Director, Basel Action Network

ISRI Century Club presents Back to the Future III
Tuesday, April 16, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
ISRI’s Century Club consists of retired or semi-retired industry experts who continue to network with their peers, maintain friendships and share their wisdom with tomorrow’s recycled materials industry leaders. Members have a combination of age and years of active participation in ISRI that meets or exceeds 100 years. This informal panel workshop will focus on the industry’s values, growth and future of the family business. With a combined experience of over 300 years, club members hope this will not only be a learning experience but a celebration of the proud heritage of the recycled materials industry and association.
Moderator: Barry Hunter, Principal (retired), Hunter Alloys LLC
Speakers: Ron Donn, Consultant, Monico Alloys; Arnold Gachman, Chairman, Gamtex Industries LP; Melvin Lipsitz, Jr., CEO & COB, M. Lipsitz & Co Ltd; Jeff Padnos, President, Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Company

Marketing Over Branding: How Focusing on Marketing Actually Builds Brand
Wednesday, April 17, 8:45 – 9: 45 a.m.
In the ever-evolving world of recycled materials, distinguishing between branding and marketing is paramount. “Marketing Over Branding” is designed to illuminate how a strategic marketing approach can organically cultivate a robust and enduring brand within the recycled materials sector. Through practical strategies, real-world examples and industry insights, this session will equip attendees with the tools to leverage marketing’s power, enhancing their brand presence and driving business success.
Speakers: Jennifer Betts, CEO, Recycled Media; Brett Ekart, CEO, United Metals Recycling; Stuart Kagan, Co-Founder, Buddy

Family Businesses – Valuation, Financing and Sale
Wednesday, April 17, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
The ever-changing recycled materials industry has created new challenges for private business owners in making major strategic decisions. Large dominating players have changed the landscape and thus changed the alternatives available. Alternatives can include: Maintaining the status quo. Passing the business on to the next generation. Minority sale internally or externally. Making acquisitions and becoming a consolidator. Majority sale to a strategic or financial investor. Full sale of the business to a strategic acquirer. Many of the above options include specific needs for financing and care should be given to deciding the structure of and the amount financed. Financing issues include: Asset base or cash flow financing. The level of leverage needed to finance the overall capital structure. How to approach banks and other financing sources. What is a competitive interest rate in today’s volatile financing market. Topics that will be covered: How to value a recycled materials company in today’s market. How to frame the question of the strategic alternatives. How to handle the process of transition. How to approach family issues. How to finance a transition. Materials will be presented by three seasoned professionals that have a combined 75 years of experience with over 50 in the recycling industry.
Speakers: Vincent Pappalardo, Managing Director, Brown Gibbons Lang & Company; Andrew Pappas, Managing Director – Head of ABL Metals Group, BMO Bank North America; Hubert de la Vauvre, Director – Metals and Advanced Metals Manufacturing, Group, Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

Fishing in Other Ponds: Creative Workforce Solutions
Tuesday, April 16, 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Finding and keeping the right employees is always a challenge. How can your company look for talent in new places, and in new ways? This session will feature ISRI members who have successfully used innovative hiring techniques and partnerships to fill their workforce needs. Speakers will share stories and tips for training employees from the ground up using apprenticeship systems, hiring individuals with disabilities, programs to widen candidate pools to more diverse populations and giving people leaving the criminal justice system a second chance. Attendees will walk away with practical examples and resources to help their HR departments and managers build creative new partnerships to find great people.
Moderator: James Emmett, Founder/CEO, James Emmett & Company
Speakers: Kari Bliss, Principal Sustainability, PADNOS; Carol DeBellis SCP, SPHR, GPHR, SVP Human Resources, ERI; Mark Hodgson, Regional General Manager, SA Recycling; Stef Murray, Chief DEI Officer & VP of HR, Radius Recycling, Kathleen Parks, Senior Director, Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.

Be a Star Supplier: Supporting Your Customers’ Sustainability Goals
Tuesday, April 16, 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
How can you make sure your customers know about the benefits of recycling, and how can you make it easy for them to see our industry as crucial to their sustainability success? This session will focus on how recyclers can support their customers’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals and reporting by providing data for environmental tracking, formalizing policies, answering supplier surveys and sharing their social impact stories.
Moderator: Christopher Bedell, P.E, General Manager, Corporate Legal Affairs, Nucor
Speakers: Amy Brackin, Liberty Tire Recycling LLC; Tim Ridderbos, General Manager, Circular By Shapiro; Bart Van Cromvoirt, VP Corporate Sales and Development, ATH Mechanical & Recycling

Fiber-Based Packaging Recyclability
Wednesday, April 17, 8:45 – 10:00 a.m.
The ISRI Fiber Recycling Readiness Tool, a science-based online resource, assists brands (and packaging companies) as they begin changing current packaging materials to fiber-based packaging. The tool assesses whether the packaging will flow through the current recycling infrastructure in the U.S., given pressure points in the current recycling system. During this session, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the development of the tool, its advantages and plans for the future.
Speakers: Bret Biggers, Sr Economist, ISRI; Leonard Zeid, Executive VP Brokerage and Marketing, Midland Davis Corp.

Environmental Justice in Action: Collaborative Strategies and Lessons Learned for the Recycled Materials Industry
Wednesday, April 17, 2:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Environmental justice has become a vital component to discussions on permitting, land use and various aspects of our industry. In this session, attendees will gain valuable insights from those who have successfully engaged with government and collaborated effectively with local communities to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Join us to learn from real-life experiences and discover strategies for fostering positive results that benefit everyone involved.
Moderator: Brandi Harleaux, CEO, South Post Oak Recycling Center
Speakers: Kristy Ellenberg, Director, Collaborative Partnerships, DHEC Environmental Affairs, SC Department of Health & Environmental Control; Michael Jensen, Senior Counsel and Director of Regulatory Affairs, WM; Jessica Lally, Solid Waste Planner, HDR; Scott Miller, Chief Corporate Counsel (SHEC & Compliance), Sims Metal Management

Brands & Recyclers Bridging the Gap
Wednesday, April 17, 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
Brands and materials recovery facilities (MRFs) have a mutual interest in understanding what drives each other’s operating decisions in determining recyclability. Brands must ensure the safety of their products from point of manufacture to consumer use. MRFs process this packaging into bales that can then be used again, completing the recycling process. Listen as well-known brands and MRFs discuss these issues and figure out ways they can work together to create more recycled materials.
Moderator: Scott Byrne, Director, Global Sustainability Services, Sonoco Paper
Speakers: Shannon Gay, Director, Recycling & Environmental Policy; WM; Dan Liswood, Closed Loop Partners, Jason Pelz, VP Sustainability-US, Canada, Central America & the Caribbean, Tetra Pak, Inc; Amy Uong, Sr. Recycling Manager, Nestle Nespresso USA

Implementing an ESG Program from an ITAD/Recycled Materials Operator’s Perspective
Wednesday, April 17, 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
As recyclers, and therefore leaders in sustainability (ESG), positioning yourself accordingly is important. This session will complement the general ESG/Sustainability track by focusing on practical experiences of ITAD/recycled materials operators as they respond to client requirements and set themselves apart.
Moderator: Kristen Hildreth, AVP, Government Relations & Strategic Partnerships ISRI
Speakers: Stephanie McLarty, Head of Sustainability, Quantum Lifecycle Partners LP; Kali Smith, Director of Sustainability, Sunnking; Amanda Tischer Buros, Director of OEM Soltions, Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations

Taking Sustainability to the Next Level: Data, Emissions & Reporting
Thursday, April 18, 2:00 – 3:15 pm
This panel will explore environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting and emissions calculations for recycling companies. It will dive into the latest reporting requirements on ESG, including new laws in the U.S. and Europe, what customers are expecting in terms of carbon emissions transparency and what resources ISRI has created to help recycled materials firms navigate through it all.
Moderator: Susan Robinson, Recycling and Sustainability Consultant, SusanKRobinson Consulting
Speakers: Natalie Betts, Assistant VP of Sustainability, ISRI, Stan Chen, CEO, United Metal Recycling; Corinna Kester, Manager, Ramboll