Preliminary Program
The program addresses key issues critical to the advancement of our industry. Attendees will gain valuable insights through keynote presentations, panel discussions, roundtable discussions and networking opportunities.
Stay tuned for speaker announcements and updates as we finalise the program.
Wed 4 Dec, 2024, Young Professionals Network Breakfast
Wed 4 December
7:30 am - 8:30 pm
Registration opens 7:00 am
Card Room
Are you aged between 25 and 40? Join the Appita Young Professionals Network for breakfast on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 7:30 am at the Distinction Hotel.
This is a great opportunity to connect with our community of young professionals and learn about the benefits of participating in Appita YPN activities. Start the conference with a delightful breakfast, network with peers, exchange ideas, and build valuable connections within the pulp and paper industry. Be part of the YPN community and discover new opportunities for growth and success.
Wed 4 Dec, 2024, Industry Forum
Wed 4 December
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Registration opens 8:00 am
PROGRAM COMING SOON!
The pulp and paper industry in Australia and New Zealand is at a critical juncture, with volatile energy markets, escalating costs, and resource constraints significantly impacting operations. This event brings together industry leaders and experts to engage in a deep discussion on what must be done to ensure the sector's resilience and sustainability.
Participants will explore the current energy market dynamics and assess the necessary steps to enhance operational resilience across the industry.
The program will feature the New Speaker Competition Finals, which will kick off at 3:30 p.m. Be sure to join us for this exciting finale!
Wed 4 Dec, 2024, New Speaker Competition Finals
Wed 4 December
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Applications are now open for the 2024 Appita New Speaker Competition Runoffs. This is an exciting opportunity for emerging voices in the pulp and paper industry to showcase their knowledge and presentation skills. Applications close on 1st August. The winners of the run-off competition will present at the Appita Conference Wed 5th December.
The winner of the New Speaker Final will receive a $2,000 professional development grant, and the runner-up will receive a $1,000 grant. This could include overseas travel, attending a training course, conference or mill visits, visits to research institutions, etc. It could also be used as an add-on to work-related travel but must be used within the next 12 months.
Speaker Finalists also receive:
Awards Trophy
Professional video recording of their presentation(s)
Professional Photographs 'in action' on stage
KEY DATES RUNOFF
Australian Runoff – 17th October 2024, 10:30 am BioPRIA, Monash University
New Zealand Runoff – 17th October 2024, 7:30 pm, Copthorne Hotel, Rotorua, New Zealand
Final - 4th December, Distinction Hotel, Rotorua, New Zealand
Submission deadline - 1st August 2024
The winners of the Runoff Competition will receive a trophy, a cash prize, and a complimentary registration to attend the Appita Annual Conference in New Zealand. Each runner-up will receive a cash prize. The competition is restricted to three entrants.
Wed 4 Dec, 2024, Appita Awards Dinner - Skyline Rotorua
Wed 4 December
6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Skyline, Rotorua
Buses leave from the Distinction Hotel at 6:30 pm
The Appita Awards Dinner will be held on Wednesday, 4 December, at the spectacular Skyline Rotorua restaurant.
To begin their Skyline Rotorua adventure, delegates will be treated to a leisurely uphill Gondola ride, during which they can enjoy extensive views of Rotorua, the surrounding lakes, and geothermal areas.
This is an opportunity to meet with friends and colleagues to celebrate and recognise achievement and success in our industry, the evening promises to be a memorable occasion with great local food and fine wine!
Thur 5 Dec, 2024, International Fibre Packaging Symposium - Recyclability and Beyond
Thur 5 December
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Registration Opens 8:00 am
The International Fibre Packaging Symposium - Recyclability and Beyond aims to bridge the gap in understanding global fibre packaging recyclability protocols and standards to enable the Australian and New Zealand industries to meet sustainability targets and maintain market access.
This symposium brings together experts and industry leaders worldwide to discuss and share insights on the latest advancements and best practices in fibre recyclability. Attendees will learn about various recyclability protocols, understand their applications in different markets, and explore strategies to enhance the sustainability of fibre-based packaging.
This symposium will give participants valuable knowledge and tools to help their organisations meet sustainability targets, navigate complex recyclability standards, and ensure continued market access in an increasingly eco-conscious global market.
PROGRAM
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8:00 am |
REGISTRATION OPENS |
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9:00 am |
MIHI WHAKATAU |
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9:05 am |
WELCOME - Host: Dr Alex Foster (Scion) |
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9:15 am |
OPENING KEYNOTE Mr Ulrich Leberle, Raw Materials Director, Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) (Belgium) |
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9:45 am |
A how-to guide on recyclability evaluation of paper products - a European perspective (Virtual) Ms Marie Geissler, Project member "Smart & Circular Solutions", Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS) (Germany) |
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10:15 am |
Improving the recyclability of fibre-based packaging in Australia. An introduction to the APCO Method for Reliability Assessment. Dr Warren Batchelor, Deputy Director, Bioresource Processing Institute of Australia (BioPRIA) (Australia) |
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10:40 am |
MORNING TEA BREAK |
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SESSION “FIBRE RECYCLABILITY” Chair – Dr Alex Foster |
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11:10 am |
Repulpable and recycling certification in the US. (Virtual) Mr Lon Pschigoda, General Manager - Western Michigan University (WMU) Paper Pilot Plants (USA) (Virtual) |
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11:35 am |
PANEL / ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION: Fibre recyclability protocols: Which protocol applies to which market and why it is important to use the correct one (including comparing the key features)? Dr Warren Batchelor, Deputy Director, BioPria |
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12:15 pm |
Industry perspective on sustainable packaging challenges. Speaker TBC |
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12:40 pm |
LUNCH BREAK |
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SESSION “FIBRE-BASED PACKAGING INNOVATIONS” |
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1:40 pm |
What to consider when developing renewable fibre-based packaging materials - A packaging design perspective. Michael Grima, Director, qDesign Enterprises (New Zealand) |
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2:05 pm |
When research meets industry: A Scandinavian perspective on how to tackle sustainable fibre-based packaging challenges. Mr Tomas Anderson, Head of Key Accounts, Research Institute of Sweden (RISE) (Sweden) |
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2:30 pm |
PANEL DISCUSSION: The role of fibre-based packaging solutions in a bioeconomy. Dr Alec Foster, Portfolio Leader “Sustainable Materials”, Scion |
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3:20 pm |
ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION Delegates will provide feedback on the key takeaways from the session and any next steps or actions that could/should be taken. |
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3:30 pm |
AFTERNOON TEA |
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SESSION “ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS” – FACILITATED BY |
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4:00 pm |
TOPIC 1: Sustainable fibre-based packaging challenges. |
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4:20 pm |
TOPIC 2: Taking action with impact. |
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4:40 pm |
Summary, Next Steps & Session Close |
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4:45 pm |
AFTER THE SESSION NETWORKING, DRINKS AND NIBBLES |
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Thur 5 Dec, 2024, Technology Immersion Day
Thur 5 December
8:45 am - 12:40 pm
Registration Opens 8:00 am
PROGRAM COMING SOON!
Join us for Tech Immersion Day, where we’ll explore the latest data analytics and digital tools transforming the pulp and paper industry. The day begins with a tech panel featuring insights from industry leaders who will showcase how they’re using advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and data analytics to optimise processes and enhance decision-making.
Following the panel, the Appita Young Professionals Network will host a hands-on Data Visualisation and Analysis workshop designed specifically for pulp and paper engineers.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical skills and stay ahead in the industry.
Fri 6 Dec, 2024, Scion Tour
Fri 6 December
9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Proudly hosted by 
Join us for an exclusive look into Scion - one of the leading research facilities dedicated to advanced packaging development. This event is designed to provide valuable insights into Scion's packaging research programs and capabilities to support the industry. Registration is essential due to limited seats. (Max 40 attendees).
About Scion
Scion's multi-disciplinary research teams provide the full range of skills needed for any given project with the option of calling on our national and international partners to help bridge gaps between ideas, research and technologies and commercial needs.
Scion has laboratory and pilot scale capability in pulp, paper, biopolymers and biocomposites manufacture and testing, providing manufacturers with the R&D support they need on one site. It's range of testing and analytical services includes compression and creep testing, supply-chain testing, biodegradation and compostability. They also understand regulatory compliance of packaging, particularly in the food contact area. These services can be used to help manufacturers meet regulatory standards, customer specifications, codes of practice or to troubleshoot problems.
Scion’s lab tour will showcase a range of facilities and capabilities, including:
• Pulp and Paper testing (including repulpability)
• Moulded fibre thermoforming
• WHITE room
• Biodegradation laboratory
• Food contact compliance
• Extrusion laboratory
• And more