Sustainable Materials Management Planning & WMU Paper Pilot Plants Tour

4601 Campus Drive,Kalamazoo MI 49008

01 November, 2022

Description

Creating a circular economy and sustainably managing materials are among the greatest challenges faced by producers, consumers and policymakers. Circular economy processes strive to: eliminate waste and pollutionbetter value products and materials and regenerate natureThese can be powerful tools to combat the negative effects of climate change. It is easy to see why the idea of a circular economy, which offers new ways to create a more sustainable economic growth model, is taking hold across the globe. Institutions, governments and cities play a crucial role in creating and enabling conditions for a circular economy to emerge and thrive. Join us on Tuesday, November 1 to be part of the discussion to explore how the right policies can accelerate the move to a circular economy that drives innovation and investment. At this program you will learn about an initiative with Kalamazoo County (and six other Southwest Michigan counties) to engage business and community stakeholders in its sustainable materials management planning. During this session, you will have an opportunity to provide input regarding your business’ challenges and suggestions. The input collected during roundtable discussions will play a part in creating a shared vision for a regional circular economy, which will allow our community to establish and realize economic, environmental and societal ambitions. As part of the program, attendees are invited to tour and get a behind-the-scenes look at the WMU Paper Pilot Plants! The WMU Paper Pilot Plants provide workforce and facility solutions for research, product development and education. We serve Western Michigan University, the public and educational communities within the paper, printing and allied industries. Our public partnerships provide a valued workforce supplement and open access to pilot plant facilities and personnel. Presenters: Rachael Grover, Director of Planning And Development, Kalamazoo CountyDaniel Schoonmaker, Executive Director, West Michigan Sustainable Business ForumLon Pschigoda, General Manager, WMU Paper Pilot PlantsTBD | Schupan Program Details: 3:00 – 3:15 p.m. - Registration 3:15 – 4:00 p.m. - Presentation4:00 – 4:40 p.m. - Roundtable discussion4:40 – 5 p.m. - WMU Paper Pilot Plant tours and networking