Aug 14, 2018   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Full Innovation Takes Root Program Released Featuring New Speakers for September 2018 Conference

NatureWorks announced today the full program for the sixth Innovation Takes Root: A NatureWorks Advanced Biomaterials Forum. Innovation Takes Root (ITR) draws brand owners, global thought leaders, sustainability professionals, marketers, and business leaders together with scientists and engineers from the biomaterials value chain. The forum offers a full-scale immersion into rethinking and remaking products that will address the need for performance materials while embracing the growing consumer preference for sustainability and the tenants of the circular economy.

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Innovation Takes Root is expected to draw a global audience of over 300 attendees who are looking to ...

Innovation Takes Root is expected to draw a global audience of over 300 attendees who are looking to rethink and remake products so they align with tenants of the circular economy. (Photo: NatureWorks)

ITR's program features over 60 speakers across six breakout sessions, four workshops, and two plenary sessions. The program will illustrate the latest developments in the market based on new product introductions and innovations in applications, processing, and converting amidst a broader context on changes around the world from a policy, legislative, and societal perspective.

Speakers highlight new applications innovation driven by brand owners and consumers.

Parallel breakout sessions over two days will each explore a market integrating presentations on key market drivers with new Ingeo product and application technologies. Sessions will highlight applications such as coffee capsules, tea bags, nonwovens for personal care, compostable food serviceware, 3D printing, foundry, flexible food packaging, and horticulture.

Workshops go in-depth on critical industry issues and technical topics.

Focused workshops designed to provide an in-depth exploration of industry critical topics and technical performance opportunities are available in addition to the regular program:

Open plenary will highlight how incoming generations and evolving consumer preference is driving innovation up the materials supply chain.

The opening plenary session on September 10 will kick off with father/son team, David and Jonah Stillman. As experts in emerging generational characteristics and workplace trends, the duo will describe expectations of future “Gen Z” consumers and workplace colleagues and how this will affect the biomaterials industry. Representing the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Mats Linder speak about how the products and materials we consume fit into the construct of the circular economy, a restorative and regenerative model embraced by brands globally. Just as important as the re-use of materials or end-of-life considerations for products, the way in which materials are sourced is a concern at the forefront. Dr. Norbert Schmitz, from ISCC, will present on certified sustainable agricultural practices and how essential they are to creating biomaterials that live up to their sustainable ideals. Omar Hoek from Ahlstrom, Marco Garilli from Electrolux, and Marc DeSchutter from Danone will then share examples of how brands and the supply chain can and must partner together to create real, sustainable solutions for materials and manufacturing that align with brand commitments to delivering superior consumer products alongside pledges for sustainability.

Innovation Takes Root will be held September 10-12, 2018, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California. Organizers are expecting attendees from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and more. Register now on the Innovation Takes Root website, and follow NatureWorks on Twitter (@natureworks, #ITR2018) for the latest updates. For more information about NatureWorks and Ingeo, visit natureworksllc.com.

About NatureWorks

NatureWorks is an advanced materials company offering a broad portfolio of renewably sourced polymers and chemicals to the packaging, polymers, fibers, and chemicals markets. With performance and economics that compete with oil-based plastics and fibers, naturally advanced Ingeo™ polymers are valued for their unique functional properties and used in products from coffee capsules and electronics to diapers and wipes. Creating performance through chemistry, Vercet™ lactide-based solutions help innovators realize significant, measurable performance and cost advantages in products such as CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers), toners, and surfactants. NatureWorks is jointly owned by Thailand's largest ASEAN leading integrated petrochemical and refining company, PTT Global Chemical, and Cargill, which provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services to the world. www.natureworksllc.com; follow NatureWorks on Twitter @natureworks

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