ReMA Senior Economist Bret Biggers gave two presentations at Western Michigan University’s (WMU) Fiber Recycling Course, sponsored by its Paper Pilot Plant along with its partner TAPPI, with ReMA being a sponsor, earlier this month. Biggers provided expertise to participants during two sessions, ReMA Grade Structure and Material Characterization and ReMA Legislation and Regulation Driving Sustainability. The annual WMU program offers a full view of the circular economy of fiber recycling and provides an opportunity for industry veterans to broaden their knowledge, and gives those new to the industry a view of the entire process of fiber recycling.
Biggers’ session, ReMA Grade Structure and Material Characterization focused on topics such as, Federal Reserve Board economic projections, recycled materials producer price index (PPI) price percent changes, and the federal fund rate and its effects on recycled paper. He also addressed ReMA’s recycled paper Specifications structure, and provided details on ReMA’s Fiber Recycling Readiness tool that provides a free guide for manufacturers and engineers to use at the start of the packaging process.
During his session on ReMA legislation and regulation, Biggers discussed the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in everyday products, including carpeting, and the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act, which, when fully passed by Congress, will provide identification for national composting infrastructure, and evaluate federal recycling practices. The Recycling Infrastructure Act, when fully passed by Congress, will provide rural communities without access to recycling grant funds. Biggers’ presentation also delved into the definition of sustainability and how we arrive at a sustainable planet. Environmental justice permitting was discussed, along with a backgrounder on SEC disclosures.
While in Michigan, Biggers visited several recycled materials facilities in the area. Biggers participated in site visits to Schupan and Padnos.
