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Agenda

The 2025 program is here! This year's event will feature programs from The Paper and Packaging Board, H.B. Fuller, Dow Chemical, Ocean Conservancy, ScrappMotogo, ISTA, EFI and more!

Join the mailing list to stay up-to-date on the latest agenda announcements or click the date buttons below to view the break down of each day.

Registration and Exhibit Hall Opens
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Carmen Berry | Conference Producer, Smithers
Session I: Market Overview – Trends and Current State of the Industry
The E-Commerce Packaging Market: Where Sustainability Meets Smart Technology
E-commerce packaging is rapidly evolving, driven by consumer demand for eco-friendly materials, personalized experiences, and technological innovation such as smart labels and automated fulfillment. In this presentation, you will learn how trends will impact the overall market size and growth of e-commerce packaging.
 
John Sherwin | Project Director, Smithers
Presentation details to come!
Presentation title to come
Abstract details to come
 
Networking Break
Time to connect with fellow attendees
Session II: The Brands Perspective: Ecommerce Packaging
Awaiting Speakers
Abstract details to come
Awaiting Speakers
Abstract details to come
Networking Lunch
Until 1 PM
Session III: Regulatory Updates Impacting E-commerce Packaging
Panel: EPR and LCA Impacts Update
This presentation will discuss:
  • What does this mean for the future of EPR implementation?
  • LCAs are not required in all EPR legislation but how can LCAs impact companies who are looking at EPR and the future of their packaging?
  • Will these two impact each other when trying to implement any regulatory updates to packaging?

Panelists:
Anja Brandon, Director of Plastics Policy, Ocean Conservancy
Sandeep Kulkarni, Technical Consultant, Association of Plastic Recyclers
Jason Berquist, Vice President of US Operations, RecycleMe
 
Session IV: Recycling – What is the real deal and how do we improve?
In the Fold: Policy Updates & Innovation Trends in Paper Packaging
Paper is one of the most recycled materials in the United States and well-positioned to help brands meet their sustainability goals. In this session, get the latest from the American Forest & Paper Association on our updated recycling rate methodology, innovative examples of paper packaging, and what’s happening as states are implementing extended producer responsibility legislation.
 
Shoshana Micon | Manager of Recycling and Packaging Sustainability , American Forest & Paper Association (AFPA)
Using Bin-frastructure Data to Power Zero-Waste Strategies
As global momentum toward sustainability accelerates, businesses and customers alike are reimagining waste management through the lens of zero waste. This presentation explores the intersection of customer sentiment, corporate case studies, infrastructure readiness, and emerging policy frameworks to chart a viable path toward a zero-waste future.
 
Mikey Pasciuto | Chief Sustainability Officer, Scrapp
Networking Break
Time to connect with fellow attendees
Session V: Brand and Retailer expectations for E-commerce
Panel: Meeting the Demands: Navigating Brand and Retailer Expectations for E-Commerce Packaging
In this session, we will explore the evolving landscape of e-commerce packaging from the perspective of both brands and retailers. Key topics will include the growing demands for optimized fulfillment processes, efficient delivery methods, innovative packaging design, transparent tracking systems, and the increasing pressure for sustainability in packaging solutions. Attendees will gain insight into the expectations of retailers, as well as actionable strategies to meet these requirements and enhance the customer experience in the rapidly changing e-commerce environment.

Moderator: TBD  

Panelists:
Lior Krasnosky, Senior Program Manager, Amazon
Other panelists to be announced!
Session VI: Supply Chain Innovation
Scaling Circularity: How Reusable Packaging Can Transform E-Commerce Logistics
As the push for sustainability in e-commerce grows, retailers and logistics providers face increasing pressure to reduce waste while maintaining operational efficiency. Enter the LimeLoop Exchange—a scalable, technology-driven solution that enables businesses to seamlessly integrate reusable packaging into their supply chain. In this session, we’ll explore how circular logistics can drive cost savings, enhance customer experience, and reduce environmental impact, all without disrupting existing fulfillment processes. Through real-world insights and data-backed results, we’ll discuss the key challenges and opportunities in implementing reusable packaging at scale, offering practical takeaways for brands looking to future-proof their supply chain.
 
Chantal Emmanuel | CTO, Co-Founder, LimeLoop
Reusable E-commerce Parcels System Achieves 100% Return Rate for Hundreds of Delivery Cycles
E-commerce is rapidly changing based upon numerous factors and variables including supply chain disruptions, consumers desiring faster delivery, while requiring more sustainability, delivery concerns and stress impacting customer retention including: cost, theft, damage, uncertain delivery times.
 
David Ruth | Founder & CEO, Motogo, LLC
Future-Based Innovations: Next Gen Solutions Foundational to Supply Chain Resilience
With the demand for wood materials exploding, paper and packaging is swiftly shifting to accommodate industry needs while balancing market, regulation, and operational pressures. However, there is a solution that exists at the intersection of these issues: Next Gen materials. Scaling Next Gen materials – which utilize low-carbon, alternatives for textiles, paper, and packaging – reinforces supply chain resilience by using materials that are abundantly available in key manufacturing hubs and reducing the strain traditional supply chains put on natural resources. These innovations have already proven crucial to the next era of the packaging industry, and this moment is a unique opportunity for brands to engage with a rapidly expanding market.
 
Joshua Martin | Senior Corporate Campaigner, Canopy
Presentation details to come!
Abstract details to come
Networking Reception
Registration and Exhibit Hall Opens
Welcome
Session VII: New technology in E-commerce Packaging
A new digital cloud application for ISTA members focused on collection and sharing of data, collaboration with stakeholders, and optimization of resources through effective package design.
ISTA Digital is a new cloud application focusing on data collection, collaboration, and packaging design. Tailored for ISTA members, ISTA Digital introduces exciting new tools to streamline packaging design, development, and testing, while emphasizing damage reduction and goals for sustainability.
 
Matt Thompson | VP- Program & Market Development, ISTA
Transforming Packaging Operations with the X5 Nozomi
This session will present a fully automated system producing up to 600 digitally printed, right-sized, fully erected boxes per hour. Designed for retailers, brands, and 3PLs, this system integrates seamlessly into fulfillment workflows for unprecedented efficiency and sustainability. Attendees will learn how the X5 Nozomi sets a new standard for packaging efficiency, sustainability, and brand engagement. This session will cover:
  • How the X5 Nozomi automates pick/pack/ship operations with in-line printing, cutting, folding, gluing, and box erecting
  • The benefits of integrating with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for streamlined workflows and reduced labor costs
  • Sustainability advantages, including up to 26% less corrugated use, ~50% lower GWP emissions, and reduced fuel consumption
  • New opportunities for on-box advertising, personalization, and brand expression
  • Alignment with emerging right-size packaging regulations.

Kerry Sanders | VP Market Development, EFI
Session VIII: Reusability, Recyclability and Innovations in Adhesives and Tapes
Reusable, Curbside-Recyclable and Plastic-Free: The Modern E-Comm Packaging Puzzle
Regulatory trends and consumer demands are creating an increasingly difficult puzzle for brands and retailers; transitioning to durable, reusable shippers but concurrently eliminating plastics from their packaging portfolio. Learn how Returnity partnered with leading fiber packaging manufacturers to combine reuse system efficiency with product innovation to solve this price, policy and PR problem.
 
Mike Newman | Chief Executive Officer, Returnity
Panel: Innovations in Adhesive Barrier Coatings and Adhesive-Coated Tapes for E-Commerce Packaging
In the rapidly evolving world of eCommerce, packaging plays a pivotal role in ensuring product safety, customer satisfaction, and brand integrity. This discussion will delve into the innovative solutions provided by adhesives barrier coatings and adhesive- coated tapes, which are revolutionizing eCommerce packaging. Topics of discussion include:
  • Technological Advancements in Adhesive Barrier Coatings
  • Overview of the latest innovations in adhesive barrier coatings and their applications in eCommerce packaging
 
Panelists:
Melissa Seiberg, Global Marketing Manager, Packaging Makers, H.B. Fuller
Stephanie Aich, R&D Technical Manager, Global Adhesive Coated Solutions, H.B. Fuller
Ashley Kresen, Global Strategic Marketing Manager, Barrier Coatings, H.B. Fuller
Clark Reifsnider, R&D Technical Manager, Global Barrier Coatings, H.B. Fuller
 
Networking Break
Time to connect with other attendees
Session IX: Striving for Zero Waste and More Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable Plastic Solutions for Responsible E-Commerce Packaging
The rise in E-commerce has resulted in more demand for packaging volumes. This growth has also been accompanied with the need for higher-performing packaging solutions, which can protect the shipped product from potential damage due to higher touchpoints in e-commerce shipping as compared to traditional brick and mortar. Furthermore, the environmental impact of packaging has become a pressing concern. Sustainable packaging solutions are crucial for reducing waste, lowering carbon footprint, conserving resources, and overall, responsibly using plastic packaging. This talk dives into sustainable solutions for ecommerce packaging including options for downgauging, reuse, and PCR incorporation. Dow’s partnership with brand owner, Boox, to develop 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) containing reusable polymailer is one example of a value chain collaboration that led to sustainable packaging options. This innovative design combined with a holistic approach of supply chain contributed to the success of sustainable e-commerce packaging. In another case study, Dow collaborated with original equipment manufacturer, Karlville, to incorporate 50% PCR and downgauge a returnable polymailer. This package design also received How2Recycle label from the Association of Plastic Recyclers and held up to conversion and end-performance standards. The adoption of sustainable packaging practices and materials that are functional and environmentally better enables all stakeholders in the value chain, from resin suppliers to brand owners, to promote long-term environmental stewardship and meet the increasing consumer demand for sustainability without sacrificing packaging performance.
 
Arunima Saxena | Senior Research Specialist, Dow Chemical
Paper and Poly: Making the Best Material Choices for Your Business
As companies respond to the increasing consumer demand for sustainable solutions and the growing complexity of packaging regulations, the pressure to adapt swiftly can be considerable. However, taking a strategic, thoughtful approach to evaluating material options can lead to significant long-term benefits, including cost savings, enhanced operational efficiency, and strong sustainability outcomes, all while ensuring your choices align with your business objectives.
 

Eva Caspary | Sustainable Packaging Specialist, Pregis
Presentation details to come!
Abstract details to come
Closing Remarks