Call for proposals – Australian Plastics Recovery Conference 2024

The Australian Industrial Ecology Network (AIEN) is pleased to invite all interested to join for the 1^st Australian Plastics Recovery Conference to be held from 12 to 14 March 2024 at the Novotel Melbourne Preston. 

This three-day event themed “Making domestic headway within a global challenge” will explore potential opportunities for Australian industry and what the plastic/polymer re-use/recycling sector might develop in the future.

The improved management of plastic waste streams across the economy is critical if we are to:

• Reduce the impacts of plastic waste and microplastics on the environment, our food chains and our health;
• Maximise the benefits available from sustainable use of plastics while minimising the adverse impacts associated with overuse; and
• Mitigate the impacts of climate change through reduction in the carbon footprint associated with the production, use and recovery of plastics.
• Support brand owners in rolling out product stewardship programs for the collection and recycling of used packaging materials.

Furthermore, improved management of plastics within the Australian economy will likely open-up many commercial opportunities for resource use minimisation, re-use and recycling including:

• Minimisation of otherwise valuable resources reporting to landfill;
• Empowerment of the Waste Industry, Local Government and State Government to drive the agenda for improved outcomes and plastic related resource management targets; and
• Creation of new “lower carbon footprint” industries based upon improvements in plastics resource utilisation and management.

This conference will bring together policy experts from all levels of government, industry leaders and early industry adopters to highlight the opportunities in Australia’s approach to plastics and waste plastics management. It will also provide participants with an opportunity to engage, network, discuss and help shape policy, programs and investment in Australia’s increasingly important resource management sector.

 

The Program Committee is now inviting submissions for presentations addressing a number of key topics, outlined below. Other topics may be considered at the committee’s discretion:

• Overview of the Australian and International plastics management landscape highlighting new emerging industries/technologies that are focused on better managing plastics/polymers as a valuable resource.
• The race towards net zero – the role and potential for improved management of plastics in reducing Australia’s aggregate carbon footprint.
• Recent developments in the Australian plastics recycling sector.
• What are the most legitimate uses for plastics/polymer resins across the economy?
• Current policies, programs and investments to advance Australia’s aspiration of optimising the sustainable management of plastics and polymers across the economy.
• Techniques, processes and industries seeking the improve the management of plastics in sustainable avoidance, re-use and recycling systems.
• Innovation in product stewardship programs for the collection and recycling of used plastic packaging.
• An international perspective of the role of plastics and polymeric materials in a robust circular economy.
• Commercial opportunities for agricultural producers in bioplastics production and utilisation.
• Utilising compostable plastics to maintain/improve the productivity of soils and even restoring degraded environments – the science, commercial opportunities and benefits.
• Government investment programs available to support industry development and the national plastics resource management economy.
• Approvals, licencing, social licence to operate and community relations.
• Case studies or proposals serving as potential templates in addressing the collection, segregation and aggregation issues facing the economy.
• Case studies on developing industries across Australia’s and the global plastics resource management sector.

The committee will review the abstracts and advise if your paper has been accepted for an oral presentation or a poster presentation.

Opportunities for sponsorship are also available. Please contact at info@aien.com.au for a prospectus.

The closing date for submission is Monday 15 January 2024.

Sponsorship of the Australian Plastics Recovery Conference will provide your organisation with the opportunity to increase your profile and enable you to promote your organisation and its services whilst supporting a major professional event for participants at the forefront of advancing Australia’s shift away from fossil fuels towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Attracting a national and international, senior level audience from Australia, the conference offers an unparalleled opportunity for high-level networking and the development of serious business contacts.

There is a wide variety of options available to suit most budgets. Download the sponsorship prospectus from the conference website or contact us today on 0400 449 100 or email info@aien.com.au to discuss your requirements.

For further information about the conference, please visit plasticsrecovery.au or contact the Australian Industrial Ecology Network on 1300 446 303 or email info@aien.com.au.

The closing date for submission of abstracts is Wednesday 31st May 2023.

www.aien.com.au

www.plasticsrecovery.com.au