How can plastics companies improve their bottom lines by adopting green business principles? How truly sustainable are sustainability strategies — or is this just another passing fad? Why should I care what my company's carbon footprint is, and how do I even begin to find out? How do I trim waste and how can I turn energy management into a competitive advantage?
Two dozen presenters will tackle these and similar pressing issues when they convene Nov. 5-7 in Chicago at Sustain '08: Plastics Business Summit, organized by the Society of the Plastics Industry Inc. and Plastics News.
The event will involve firms from all parts of the supply chain and across diverse end markets — from automotive, construction and medical to packaging, retail and electronics. Processors will hear directly from their original-equipment and brand-owner customers about what is expected of them as environmental scrutiny intensifies.
Among the companies presenting are American Honda Motor Co. Inc., GE Healthcare, Herman Miller Inc. and Nestle Waters North America, plus recyclers Maine Plastics Inc. and MBA Polymers Inc., processor Berry Plastics Corp., resin supplier LyondellBasell Industries AF SCA, auxiliary equipment maker Frigel North America Inc., and design firms IDEO and Bresslergroup Inc.
Experts including a Federal Trade Commission official will offer advice about dealing with the media and avoiding ``greenwashing'' — making unsupportable claims about the environmental benefits of your products.
Keynote speaker Andrew Winston, co-author of the best-selling book Green to Gold, is among several leading green-business consultants who will address the event, which includes an optional, Nov. 5 energy-management workshop to help attendees slash their energy bills by understanding how to measure and manage energy consumption.
Full details are available at www.sustain08.com.