Agenda

4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Welcome Reception and Student Posters
Madren Center Grand Hallway
Celebrate the next generation of talent while reconnecting with friends and colleagues at the FRESH Summit Welcome Reception. In addition to enjoying Clemson hospitality, meet students and hear about their research on a range of sustainability topics.

6:00 pm – 7:45 pm

Dinner and Keynote Presentation
Madren Center Grand Ballroom
Dinner sponsored by Aramark & Clemson Home
Keynote sponsored by Clemson Public Service & Agriculture

Keynote Presentation
United States Environmental Protection Agency: National Sustainability Strategies

The National Recycling Strategy and the Plastics Strategy are the first two in a series of strategies to support EPA’s vision of a circular economy for all. A circular economy reduces material use, redesigns materials to be less resource-intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.

The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling program provides grants to implement the National Recycling Strategy to improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure; support improvements to local post-consumer materials management and recycling programs; and assist local waste management authorities in making improvements to local waste management systems. Lastly, the United States 2030 Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal is the first-ever domestic goal to reduce food loss and waste. The goal seeks to cut food loss and waste in half by the year 2030.  The presentation will include an overview of these strategies toward a more sustainable U.S.  

Welcome

Anne Barr
Executive Director, Sonoco FRESH
Clemson University

James P. Clements, Ph.D.
President
Clemson University

Introduction

Howard Coker
President & Chief Executive Officer
Sonoco

Keynote Speaker

Grant Cope
Senior Counselor to the Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Dessert & After Dinner Drinks
Madren Center Owen Pavilion
Reception sponsored by the South Carolina Farm Bureau
Enjoy networking with fellow attendees, faculty and students while enjoying the outdoor Owen Pavilion lakeside location.

Special Musical Guest

Jennifer Goree
Singer-Songwriter
Clemson Instructor for Sustainability Leadership

8:00 am – 8:15 am

Registration
Madren Center Grand Hallway

8:15 am – 9:45 am

Breakfast and Keynote Presentation
Madren Center Grand Ballroom
Breakfast sponsored by Genera

Keynote Presentation
The Path to 2030: Delivering a Sustainable Future
The world currently finds itself just past the halfway mark of an ambitious journey to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations in 2015. 

The 17 goals have provided a framework to bring together governments, organizations, and companies to deliver a better, more sustainable future. As the 2030 deadline approaches, activities must be scaled to ensure that the SDGs can be met.

Join Jim Doucette, Global Consumer Sustainability Leader, EY LLP US, to learn about the progress made during the first half of the SDGs program, lessons learned, and the pathway forward. Presentation will be followed by Q&A.

Welcome

Anne Barr
Executive Director, Sonoco FRESH
Clemson University

Introduction

Kim A. Wilkerson
Chair, Board of Trustees
Clemson University

Keynote Speaker

Jim Doucette
Principal – EY-Parthenon
Global Consumer and Retail Practice Leader

9:45 am – 10:00 am

Break

10:00 am – 10:45 am

Fireside Chat
10-Year Compass: Trends and Implications for a Circular Packaging System
Madren Center Grand Ballroom
There is a growing movement to see packaging become circular through either recycling, composting or reuse. But while these discussions are happening in sustainability and policy circles are they trickling down to packaging designers and innovators? The Packaging Compass, a ten-year forecast by AMERIPEN and PMMI looks at plans for packaging design as shared by 394 CPGs and discusses the implications for policy and recovery system investment.

Please join Rebecca Marquez, Kyla Fisher and Scott Byrne in conversation as they share insights, track how this applies to the SDG’s, international concern regarding plastic packaging and domestic efforts to increase recycling and composting.

Scott Byrne (Moderator)
Director, Global Sustainability Services
Sonoco

Kyla Fisher
Program Manager
Ameripen

Rebecca Marquez
Director, Custom Research
PMMI Media Group

10:45 am – 11:15 am

Coffee Break
Coffee Break sponsored by Siegwerk

11:15 am – 12:05 pm

Breakout Sessions – Sustainability Across the Value Chain

On-Farm Sustainability: The Intersection of Agriculture, Technology and Sustainability
Meeting Room I
Agriculture is responsible for approximately 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which presents a unique opportunity for more sustainable crop production that helps address climate change, food security and economic resiliency. This panel will explore various aspects of sustainable agriculture, including climate smart practices, technology and innovation, popular misconceptions and the opportunities for collaboration at the beginning of the supply chain that can support larger initiatives to achieve circularity.

Chase Kasper (Moderator)
Senior Deputy Director
Clemson University Research Foundation

Kendall Kirk, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Agricultural Technology
Clemson University

Don Taylor
Founder & CEO
AmplifiedAg

Kelly Tiller, Ph.D.
Founder & Chief Strategy Officer
Genera

Supply Chain and Logistics: Implementing Effective Sustainability Strategies and Testing to Standards
Training Room II
Requirements to ensure sustainable outcomes in supply chain and logistics are extremely complex – especially when products change hands multiple times and can be damaged in transit, which undercuts the potential to achieve sustainability goals. This session provides an excellent opportunity to ask experts your questions about the most effective ways to think about this aspect of sustainability strategies, along with approaches to measuring impact. After brief presentations, the discussion will be opened to the audience making this is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights.

Greg Batt, Ph.D.
Director, Packaging Dynamics Lab
Clemson University

Evan Laskaris
Vice President, Managed Transportation
RXO

Compostable Packaging: What Does Success Look Like?
Meeting Room II
Compostability is rapidly becoming a widely touted strategy to achieve circularity in packaging. However, what it means to be compostable can be complex, and the path to significant scale-up will take a well-coordinated effort. Panelists representing compostable material R&D, packaging conversion, certification and organics recycling will provide insights to what is required to achieve large-scale adoption. The panel will also discuss near-term strategies that will help advance compostable packaging.

Duncan Darby, Ph.D. (Moderator)
Professor, Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences
Clemson University

Margaret Eldridge
Certification Director
Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)

Brent Greiner
Vice President of Technology
Charter Next Generation

Aspen Hattabaugh
R&D Environmental Specialist 
Atlas Organics

Asem Mokkadem
President
Tellus Products

Advanced Recycling: Industry Perspectives on the State of Technology and Adoption
Seminar Room I
More than $8B has been invested in plastics recycling technologies over the past 5 years, a majority of which has gone to support advanced recycling technologies. These technologies complement existing mechanical recycling methods, with the goal of allowing more types of plastics to be recaptured and remanufactured into new plastics and products. Join industry experts for an update on the state of the technology and adoption of advanced recycling as a complement to traditional forms of plastics recycling.

James Sternberg, Ph.D. (Moderator)
Assistant Professor of Sustainable Packaging
Clemson University

Bill Barlow
Sustainable Innovation Manager
Printpack

Jonathan Quinn
Vice President of Marketing & Sustainability
Accredo Packaging, Inc.

Understanding and Seizing Opportunities in Sustainability
Seminar Room II
Have you wondered about the types of sustainability attributes that consumers seek? If so, please join moderator James Gaubert, Clemson University Senior Lecturer in Marketing, and Sally Stephenson, Euromonitor International Global Consultant for Partnerships and Sustainability, as they discuss approaches to understanding and advancing opportunities in sustainability. 

Sally will present Euromonitor International’s latest research drawing from industry and consumer input in 40 countries which examines consumers’ purchasing behavior and awareness of sustainability claims (on packaging and beyond), and discusses where brands are investing in sustainability. Following the presentation, Mr. Gaubert will moderate audience Q&A.

James Gaubert
Senior Lecturer, Department of Marketing
Clemson University

Sally Stephenson
Global Consultant, Partnerships and Sustainability
Euromonitor International

12:15 pm – 1:45 pm

Lunch and Keynote Presentation
Madren Center Grand Ballroom
Lunch sponsored by SC Department of Agriculture

Introduction

George Askew, Ph.D.
Vice President for Public Service & Agriculture
Clemson University

Student Gift Bag Presentation
Gift Bag sponsored by PepsiCo

The student-designed gift bag has quickly become a highlight of the FRESH Summit! Join Haley Appleby, Senior Lecturer and Project Mentor, Emma Eason, Sustainable Packaging Materials Commercialization Packaging Engineer at PepsiCo Foods, and Clemson students to learn more about their design process to develop the 2023 Surprises for the Summit gift bag.

Haley Appleby
Senior Lecturer, Food, Nutrition and Packaging Science
Clemson University

Emma Eason
Packaging Engineer
PepsiCo

Remy Schimick
Packaging Science Student
Clemson University

Sponsor Remarks

Hugh E. Weathers
Commissioner
South Carolina Department of Agriculture

Keynote Presentation
PepsiCo Foundation: The Creation of Innovative and Sustainable Solutions
As the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo – the PepsiCo Foundation invests in the essential elements of a sustainable food system to help communities thrive. Working with local non-profits and global experts, the potential of people and communities is supported by investing in sustainable solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, safe water and economic opportunity. The PepsiCo Foundation strives for tangible impact in the places where PepsiCo’s associates live and work and to be a pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) force for good.

C. D. Glin
President, PepsiCo Foundation
Global Head of Philanthropy, PepsiCo

1:45 pm – 2:00 pm

Break

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Breakout Sessions – Successes in Sustainability

From Innovation to Scale Up
Meeting Room I
Innovation is undoubtedly a key to advancing sustainability, but developing new concepts and successfully achieving scalable solutions can be challenging. Learn about the innovation process from four industry veterans whose organizations have built successful track records in taking new ideas from concept to implementation, while maintaining an on-going commitment to supporting a culture of innovation.

Maria Velissariou, Ph.D. (Moderator)
Founder, Maria Velissariou Consulting LLC
Managing Director, Kirchner Group

Carlton Gibbs
Senior Manager, Packaging Development, Global R&D
Mars

Greg Johnson
Director of New Business Development
Sustana Fiber

Wayne Koeckeritz
Product and Zero Waste Specialist
Eco-Products

Giselle Rodriguez
Environmental Integration Innovation Manager
Walt Disney Company

Fresh Produce Successes in Sustainability
Seminar Room I
The level of food waste that occurs in production and distribution presents extensive challenges, and has also sparked innovations that have led to successful innovations. Industry leaders representing three high impact approaches to successfully reducing food waste will present insights to working closely with other stakeholders in the food value chain to mitigate food waste while also identifying opportunities to convert waste into economic opportunity.

Josh Mellinger (Moderator)
Chief Revenue Officer & Global Head of Carbon
Perennial

Matthew Aronson
Chief Revenue Officer
Verdant Technologies

Chalmers Carr
Owner/CEO
Titan Farms

Ashley Rawl
Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Product Development
WP Rawl

Paper as a Sustainable Packaging Solution
Meeting Room II
Paper packaging is often viewed by consumers as the panacea of sustainable solutions. However, achieving full recyclability while balancing environmental goals and functionality has taken extensive research and the development of new materials and technologies. Join industry experts to hear about the journey to full sustainability and the importance of understanding consumer perceptions of paper packaging formats in driving wide scale adoption.

Pat Layton, Ph.D. (Moderator)
Director, Wood Utilization + Design Institute
Clemson University

Shannon Anderson
Senior Project Manager
Quad

J. Alan McDowall
Business Development Manager
Bostik

Tom Pollock
Director, Strategic Partnerships
GreenBlue

Leveraging Data to Inform Action in Reducing Food Waste
Seminar Room II
ReFED is well known for engaging food system stakeholders in the fight against food waste through the promotion of data-driven solutions and the opportunities they offer for environmental, economic, and social returns. As a resource partner for the Pacific Coast Food Waste Commitment (PCFWC), ReFED is working with businesses and jurisdictions in a pre-competitive format to reduce food waste along the West Coast – and serve as a model for similar collaborations across the nation.

Join Jackie Suggitt for a case study on the PCFWC, as she illustrates this new approach to data collection and demonstrates how that data is being used to drive action. PCFWC partner organizations will join the discussion, offering perspectives from different industry sectors. This session will include time for Q&A, along with exciting updates on a newly launched whole-chain food waste reduction pilot, a new program that dives into specific nodes in the supply chain to recommend high-impact and cost-effective solutions to waste. 

Marie Davis (Moderator)
Field Implementation Manager, Enterprise Sustainability
Aramark

Alex Nichols-Vinueza
Program Manager, Food Loss & Waste
World Wildlife Fund

Jackie Suggitt
Director of Capital, Innovation & Engagement
ReFED

Gabrielle Tiven
Senior Partner
LIDD

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Coffee Break
Coffee Break sponsored by Eco-Products

3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

Final Keynote Presentation
Embedding Sustainability in Sports: The Ripple Effect
Madren Center Grand Ballroom
Keynote sponsored by Clemson Athletics Properties Company
The impacts from sporting events don’t stop when the big game ends. This is exemplified by scope 3 emissions, the indirect emissions throughout the value chain that involve a wide variety of stakeholders. Material procurement and waste diversion fall into scope 3 and represent an important engagement and emissions reduction opportunity that is relevant across industries. 
 
Learn from the context of sports venues and large-scale events on how any industry can address its indirect environmental impacts. As the sports and entertainment industry continues to measure and manage its footprint, see how they are leveraging these findings to influence suppliers, vendors, employees, and fans around thoughtful environmental management. WM’s sustainability advisory team was formed over 20 years ago, and today the team manages onsite and remote sustainability programs across North America for a variety of customers – including businesses and events of all sizes.

Kevin White (Introduction)
Deputy Director of Athletics
Clemson University

Lee Spivak
Senior Manager, Advisory Services
WM

4:15 pm – 4:20 pm

Closing Remarks
Madren Center Grand Ballroom

Anne Barr
Executive Director, Sonoco FRESH
Clemson University

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Bonus Session: University Tech Transfer and Innovation Perspectives
Madren Center Bellsouth Auditorium
Regardless of your industry or market segment, it is probable that at some point your organization will collaborate with a university’s research enterprise. While both sides value research and the outcomes of research, there are key differences and approaches that should be understood prior to research engagement. Technology transfer, innovations and intellectual property may have certain drivers – or constraints – that may not be apparent to potential industry partners.

Attendees of this session will gain an understanding of the different types of research collaborations between academia and industry, key issues to consider when engaging, points to consider from both the academic and industry perspective and multiple areas in which mutual understanding will be critical to success.

Chase Kasper
Senior Deputy Director
Clemson University Research Foundation

5:15 pm – 6:15 pm

Walking Tours of Clemson University
Pre-registration required – Tours are full
Transportation leaves from Madren Conference Center and walking tours conclude at the “Tailgate Tiger Style!” Reception – so be sure to don your college swag – and comfortable walking shoes – before the tour begins!
Please note: The level of interest from our attendees in campus tours has been tremendous. The tour buses have reached capacity so unfortunately, we will not be able to accept any more tour reservations.

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Tailgate Tiger Style!
Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design & Graphics
Reception sponsored by Sonoco FRESH Industry Advisory Board
Tailgating at Clemson is legendary – and we want you to experience it! Don your favorite swag from your own alma mater and join us for an evening of music from the Tiger Band, games, some of our favorite game day fare… and a special visit from the Tiger himself! We’ll also feature the best of industry partnerships together with the next generation of talent throughout The Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics. Labs will be open and hosted by students, and activities will be held throughout the building, including:

• CU Shop, Clemson’s Eye Tracking R&D lab demonstrations
• Social Media Listening Center “pop-up” demonstrations
• Advanced Print Lab
• Prototyping and Esko Lab tours hosted by students

Shuttles will run between the Sonoco Institute and the Madren Conference Center.