Reusable Packaging Learning Center at PACK EXPO International 2024

Time (CST)

Session Title

Presenter

Sponsor

10:00 - 10:30

State of the Industry: Megatrends Shaping the Promise of Reusable Transport Packaging

Reuse systems for supply chain packaging have a long record of performance and benefits.  Four major global trends are taking reusables to new heights of business advantages.  Learn how developments in technology, automation, policy, and metrics are making reusable packaging an essential component for the future of product distribution.

Tim Debus, President & CEO

10:30 - 11:00

A Conversation with Cummins About Sustainable Packaging Goals

Cummins Inc. is a global power technology leader that designs, manufactures, distributes and services a broad portfolio of power solutions including combustible engine, electric and hybrid integrated products. In 2019 Cummins adopted their “Planet 2050” long-range business strategy to address climate change, natural resource conservation, and partnerships for positive environmental impact in their communities. The action plan includes initiatives to reduce solid waste through reusable packaging. In this session, Todd Farwell, Global Packaging Director for Cummins, joins RPA’s Tim Debus in a conversation about the company’s ambitious sustainability goals and their experiences with reusable packaging systems.

Todd Farwell, Global Packaging Director, Cummins Inc.

Tim Debus, President & CEO, Reusable Packaging Association

11:00 - 11:45

Panel:  How Adopting Reusable Packaging Systems in Supply Chains Achieve Corporate Sustainability Objectives

Corporate sustainability initiatives produce more than environmental protection, social well-being, and good governance. Sustainability can achieve material cost savings, operating efficiencies, supply resiliency, and brand loyalty. Reusable packaging systems help companies pursue, maximize, and validate gains in sustainable business. In this panel discussion learn how reuse systems can deliver more on sustainability objectives.

Moderator: Jessica Bonsall, ESG Director, 48forty Solutions

George Aultman, Vice President Strategic Development, Vantage Plastics

Patrick Owens, Chief Sustainability Officer, MARRAD

Gobi Saha, President, Kal-Polymers

Karin Witton, Global Head Sustainability, Tosca

12:00 - 12:30

Successful Automation

Mike Stencyl

1:00 - 1:30

Maximizing Success when Implementing Reusable Totes and Pallets

Set your company up for success when implementing reusable totes and pallets in your supply chain. Reusable packaging offers advantages across your supply chain, including increased productivity, improved uptime, less waste and more. To gain these advantages right away, companies are seeking ways to efficiently convert to reusable packaging as quickly as possible.  Attend this session to learn best practices including communicating your vision, change management ideas, finding advocates in your business, determining automation requirements, piloting a trial and implementing your program. We will walk through a successful implementation.

Bob Klimko, Director Market Development

1:30 - 2:15

Panel:  How to Get Started with Technology and Reusable Packaging

As the widespread adoption and deployment of reusable transport packaging assets such as pallets, bins, and containers continue to expand, the industry is increasingly applying technologies to enable visibility across the supply chain network. This industry expert panel will discuss best practices, learnings, and key questions to consider when investing in technology-enabled reuse.

Moderator:  Rob Franzo, Principal, Mitten Communications

Timothy Dobson, Sales Manager, PMG Labels 

Dave Horvat, Chief Executive Officer, Real Time Intelligence

Michael Vaughan, Senior Project Manager, ORBIS Corporation

Clay Kobernick, Vice President Category Management, Rehrig Pacific

2:30 - 3:00

Packaging in 2025 and Beyond: How AI Can Accelerate Process and Insight To Your Packaging Program

We will explore the opportunities for use and success of AI within packaging operations for warehouse, inventory, and transportation applications. The session will educate about the role of AI in business applications, where to start with AI to maximize successful adoption, and considering the impact of introducing this advanced technology within your company operations.

Michael Schwabe, Director of Market Intelligence

3:00 - 3:30

Pallets 101: Sustainable Choices for a Resilient Supply Chain

Join us for an insightful session that delves into the various types of pallets utilized in modern supply chains and their impact on sustainability and efficiency. This session will cover the lifecycle of pallets and their critical role in fostering a circular economy. Attendees will gain valuable insights and actionable takeaways to help them make informed, eco-friendly decisions within their operations.

Jessica Bonsall, ESG Director

Jr Vernon, Chief Strategy Officer

3:30 - 4:15

Panel:  Turning 25: Reflections on Twenty-Five Years of Industry Development and Association Impact

Happy 25th Birthday RPA. RPA was founded in 1999 as a non-profit trade group that is dedicated to the commercial growth and success of reusable packaging systems in supply chains. Join this conversation between RPA’s executive committee members and hear about decades of developments in the industry and association, including a few stories from those on the front lines of commercial successes and setbacks that shaped the business and organization today.

Moderator:  Tim Debus, President & CEO, RPA

Kevin Mazula, Chief Executive Officer, RM2, RPA Chairman

Samantha Goetz, Director Marketing Communications, ORBIS Corporation, RPA Vice Chairperson

Ben Stoller, Director, Plasgad USA, RPA Past Chairman

Dan Ahrens, Director, Customer Solutions & Zero Waste World, CHEP Americas

Time (CST)

Session Title

Presenter

Sponsor

9:30 - 10:00

Industrial Manufacturing: How Your Products Become Digital

Explore how RFID, barcode, and advanced labeling technologies including BrandSecureSystem.com can enhance efficiency and accuracy in your operations. Join our experts to discover the future of industrial identification and product lifecycle management.

Julian Gruska, Account Executive

Timothy Dobson, Sales Manager, PMG Labels

10:00 - 10:30

The Impact a Comprehensive Pallet Life-Cycle Services (CPLS) Program Can Have on Your Supply Chain

Have you ever wondered how to maximize the environmental and financial benefits of the wooden pallets in your supply chain? Join this session to learn how Comprehensive Pallet Life-cycle Services can build a circular economy within your own supply chain and help you “Secure, Sustain, and Save”. This session will feature case study results based on two organizations with global supply chains.

Damon Williamson, Vice President National New Pallets

10:30 - 11:00

Drive Warehouse and Storage Efficiency with Versatile Bulk Packaging

As today’s companies look to reduce waste and optimize space in their warehouses, plastic sleeve pack systems offer a fully reusable alternative to corrugated gaylords that have a limited life.  Attend to learn how to make the switch from corrugated gaylords to reusable sleeve pack systems to drive distribution efficiency, increase plant cleanliness and improve sustainability in your supply chain.

Mike Ludka, Senior Product Manager

11:00 - 11:45

Panel:  How To Get Reuse Scaled in the Retail Sector

Reuse in the business-to-consumer setting is nascent in the United States. Join the U.S. Plastics Pact in a panel discussion on the reuse report it is doing with Closed Loop Partners to understand what consumer goods products are most primed for returnable packaging, and what brands and retailers need to make reuse successful. Panelists will discuss what role a harmonized, precompetitive approach to reuse needs to be to scale it in the US.

Moderator:  Olivia Merritt FitzGerald, U.S. Plastics Pact 

Mike Newman, Chief Executive Officer, Returnity Innovations

Pierre Vergnes, Senior Manager R&I Packaging, Danone

Mike Roxas, Packaging Engineering Manager, Ahold Delhaize USA

12:00 - 12:30

How to Be Smart in a Complex Supply Chain World

Every supply chain has a story, but do you know yours? In this session, we’ll reveal the unseen risks lurking within your supply chain and show you how to transform them into unmatched trust and transparency. Discover the power of end-to-end traceability to enhance safety, ensure compliance, and build lasting consumer confidence, turning your supply chain’s untold story into a compelling narrative of success.

John DiPalo, Chief Strategy Officer

1:00 - 1:45

Panel: What Makes an Excellent Reusable Transport Packaging Application in Retail – Learnings & Examples

As reusable packaging continues to grow to meet the evolving market trends and industry needs of sustainable supply chains, there are key learnings to consider before implementing reusable assets across their supply chain and transportation and logistics network ecosystem. This industry panel discussion will share learnings and highlight examples, including the large home appliance industry, where reuse opportunities exist across retail channels.

Moderator:  Todd Hoff, Executive Vice President, RPA

Brandy Boaz, Key Account Manager, Georg Utz

Derick Foster, Industrial Design Manager, Rehrig Pacific

Bianca Robinson, Chief Innocation Officer, ALPAL

Dan Ahrens, Director, Customer Solutions & Zero Waste World, CHEP Americas

2:00 - 2:30 

Streamlined Supply Chains: Simplified IoT Solutions for Operational Excellence

With over 75 years of global experience in packaging and logistics innovation, Nefab invites you to explore how easy it can be to enjoy the simplicity of a unified supply chain powered by Nefab IoT solutions. Join us for an insightful discussion on how we partner with leading customers to drive resource efficiency for a sustainable future. Our expert presenters will walk you through how Nefab’s IoT solutions save resources in the global supply chain and provide real-time visibility on tracking of assets. We will also be joined by our esteemed partner Rolls-Royce and provide details on the success we have achieved together.  Learn how we’re helping businesses save resources for a better tomorrow.

Daniel Beever, Head of SaaS Business Development

Ben Hughes, Key Account Manager for Rolls Royce

Seth Piercefield, Logistics Manager, Rolls-Royce Defence

2:30 - 3:00

Powering Cost Savings through Partnership: Wis-Pak & Rehrig Pacific’s Reusable Packaging Strategy

Explore how the collaboration between Wis-Pak and Rehrig Pacific resulted in $3.4 million annual savings by leveraging reusable packaging solutions. Through a joint cost-benefit analysis, the partners demonstrated how reusable shells reduced costs, enhanced efficiency, and minimized waste. Attendees will learn how strategic partnerships can drive impactful results in supply chain management.

Jeremy Wicks, National Account Manager

3:00 - 3:45

Panel:  Sleeve Packs: The What and Why of This High-Performing Reusable Product Category

Reusable sleeve packs are a bulk shipping unit consisting of a pallet base, a top lid, and a corrugated plastic foldable sleeve. These products are known for their light weight but rigid and durable properties, folding characteristics for maximum shipping density, and customization capabilities to meet unique supply chain specifications. As companies are looking to get more uses out of their bulk packaging, sleeve packs offer performance and economic solutions. Experts from this product category share their knowledge and experiences about the expanding market applications and product advantages.

Moderator: Paul Kamholz, Vice President of Sales, Cabka

Axel Breitkreuz, Vice President Sales, ID Plastics

Dan Delorey, Reusable Packaging Specialist, Technology Container Corp.

Matt Shuert, President, Shuert Technologies

Jorge Preciado Carpio, Chief Executive Officer, Hiperpack

4:00 - 4:45

Excellence in Reusable Packaging Awards Ceremony 2024

Celebrate the winners of RPA's 13th annual award program and learn about the award-winning products and case study applications in the categories of Reusable System, Design Innovation, and Product Technology.