Two-day conference and exhibit to focus on technical foundations of successful sustainability programs.

Summit Publishing Company’s Greener Package and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ (AIChE) Institute for Sustainability are combining resources to produce a new conference focused on the technical foundations of successful sustainability programs. Sustainable Packaging Symposium 2011—Advancing the Greener Supply Chain, slated for March 16 to 18, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, will examine the pivotal role of packaging in implementing sustainability across the business supply chain.

The first collaboration between the organizations, the event will bring scientists and engineers with cross-industry expertise in sustainability together with packaging professionals looking for real-world solutions. Presentations will cover the value proposition for sustainable packaging, how to avoid “greening” in isolation, and data and analysis measurement tools, including life cycle assessment, eco-efficiency measures, and total cost assessment. The symposium will span all areas of packaging, including bioplastics, compostable vs. biodegradable, waste management and recycling, renewable resources, reusability, and source reduction. Attendees will explore technology and materials innovations, as well as current best practices of global companies.

“Sustainability plays a pivotal role in the packaging supply chain, yet critical questions remain,” says Christine Smallwood, Greener Package director of business development. “Our engagement with the Institute for Sustainability offers packaging industry professionals and a robust group of scientists and engineers the opportunity to come together and share insights on how to unleash sustainable packaging within a least-cost portfolio, while optimizing environmental outcomes.”

Darlene Schuster, executive director of the Institute for Sustainability, emphasizes that the symposium is “specially designed to match the interests of sustainability and packaging professionals who are employed by raw materials manufacturers, brand owners, converters, suppliers, and retail professionals and the engineers and scientists who can help them implement sustainable solutions.”

Two full days of education will include keynote presentations, technical sessions, panel discussions, a tabletop exhibit area, and ample time for networking. Proposals to present are being accepted through Jan. 15.