Keynotes Address Sustainability and Renewable Biobased Products

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Due to its heavy reliance on natural resources, water, and energy, the pulp and paper industry has a long been associated with environmental concerns. However, a significant transformation is underway as the industry embraces sustainability and renewable biobased products to mitigate its ecological footprint. This shift is not only vital for reducing its environmental impact but also for ensuring the industry’s long-term viability.

Sustainability
But, is sustainability truly possible? According to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), the answer is yes. “Paper products are made from trees, a renewable resource, and recycled paper. About 80% of U.S. paper mills use some recycled paper fiber to make renewable products like packaging, office paper, newspaper, and paper towels.” (https://www.afandpa.org/news/2023/paper-industry-sustainable). But, sustainability efforts constantly need to be improved in order to reach industry goals and meet consumer demand.

Jamie Tiralla, Director of Strategic Communications at AF&PA, is the keynote speaker at this year's Pulping, Engineering, Environmental, Recycling and Sustainability (PEERS) Conference, November 5-8, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. Her presentation titled, “Advancing the Industry’s Sustainability Achievement through Collaboration & Partnerships,” focuses on sustainability and innovative solutions within the pulp and paper industry. During her presentation, Tiralla will share insight into how the forest products industry has made significant progress towards advancing sustainability since the launch of AF&PAs Better Practices, Better Planet initiative, and how the industry can work together to achieve common sustainability goals and reduce its overall environmental impact. Tiralla’s keynote is on Monday, November 6.

Learn more about PEERS Keynote

Biobased Products
The incorporation of biobased products in the pulp and paper industry can play a pivotal role in sustainability efforts.
By using biomass renewable products as a source of energy or as a raw material in the production of other products, the industry can reduce the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Mark DeAndrea, Chief Executive Officer of Centrisys Renewables, will keynote TAPPI’s International Bioenergy & Bioproducts Conference (IBBC), which is co-located with PEERS. His presentation on Tuesday, November 7 will address how industry assets and supply chains, currently at risk from declining demand for many core products, can be used to break down and convert biomass into valuable renewable biobased products. With an unprecedented demand for reducing the use of fossil fuels and single use plastics, converting traditional pulp mills into biorefineries can be a visionary step towards a sustainable future.

Learn more about IBBC Keynote

Hot Topics Breakfasts
The popular PEERS/IBBC Hot Topics Breakfasts, November 7 – 8, are designed to dive deep into some of the most relevant and timely issues facing the industry today. Each morning, attendees gather over breakfast to engage in lively discussion and exchange ideas with industry leaders, experts, and peers.

Open to all conference attendees, the event includes a complimentary buffet breakfast followed by peer discussions in a roundtable format. Pre-registration is required. Key topics addressed include:

• Sustainable and Circular Forest Bioeconomy
• Lab-to-Market Commercialization of Bioproducts
• Alternative Fuels for Lime Kilns
• Recovery Boiler Audits
• Pulp Mill Washing
• Pine Chemical Recovery and Markets
• Reliability Engineer Role
• Reburned Lime for Residual Carbonate Analysis
• Soap Separation Improvement
• Fluff Pulp Characterization
• Wildfires
• Bioler Upgrades

Learn more about Breakfast topics

PEERS and IBBC Registration
Attendees can attend the technical programs for both conferences for only one registration fee. They can also visit the exhibit floor where key suppliers reveal their latest technologies. In addition, attendees can experience the New Technology Showcase, Student Poster Competition, and multiple networking events.

Register Today. Mills receive special discount pricing.

For more information about the technical programs, exhibits and events, visit TAPPIPEERS.org and TAPPI-IBBC.org.