Brian Bandow

We're pleased to introduce Brian Bandow as the new paper machine and laboratory specialist for WIST.

  

Brian's duties span activities in both WIST and the paper science and engineering department. He will assist in operating and maintaining the pilot paper machine and equipment in support of the PS&E undergraduate program. For WIST, Brian will support the institute's industry-focused contract research laboratory projects. His work will include outreach, research, testing, analytical and paper machine services to industry and other clients.

  

Brian brings a wealth of experience in papermaking and in related industries. At Badger Paper Mills in Peshtigo, Brian's positions included technical manager, product development manager and director of business development. He has worked as a technical sales representative and technical manager for companies including American Cyanamid and Eka Nobel Paper Chemicals. Most recently he provided lead technical support at Joerns Health Care.

  

Brian has a bachelor's degree from UW-Oshkosh and did post-graduate studies at UW-Eau Claire. When he's not working, Brian enjoys family life, classic cars, photography, camping, hunting and canoeing. 

Opportunities for sustainability gains in food and beverage packaging exist from the supply chain through end-use and end-of-product-life solutions, speakers at Focal Point 2014 told conference delegates. The conference was held at the Dreyfus University Center at UW-Stevens Point October 14.

  

The agenda ranged from a panel discussion on sustainable sourcing of fibers to presentations on compostability and recycling solutions. News coverage of the event by WSAW television of Wausau, WI, highlighted how the packaging industry is working to improve sustainability.

  

Craig Culver

The conference opened with a keynote address from Craig Culver, cofounder and CEO of Culver's. The restaurant chain has grown in 30 years from a single family-owned restaurant in Sauk City to more than 500 locations in 22 states. Culver described sustainability initiatives undertaken by the company including recycling in the restaurants, use of packaging made from recycled material, and construction of a LEED-certified restaurant in Baraboo. Following his presentation, Culver stayed for a lively question-and-answer session of nearly half an hour.

  

Other presenters were Tim Haggerty, Plant Director, Ocean Spray; Daniel Daggett, Director, Product Stewardship and Sustainability, Sealed Air; James Kahn, Commercial Manager, Braskem; Robyn Buma, Global Procurement Director-Paper, Avery Dennison; Ian Lifshitz, North American Director of Sustainability & Stakeholder Relations, Asia Pulp & Paper; Scott Peplinski, Director of Sustainability and Product Stewardship, NewPage Corporation; Shawn Stevens, attorney and equity partner, Gass Weber Mullins; Paul Corcoran, Director of Business Development, Asia Pulp & Paper; Nicole Bookhout, National Account Executive, and Megan Moore, Process Engineer, Placon; Michele Riggs, Biodegradable Technical Specialist/Environmental Technician, Cedar Grove.

  

The conference concluded with a tour of UW-Stevens Point's new Faustel Coating and Laminating Pilot Line. A selection of conference photos is on the WIST website.

  

We published our latest annual report in October. The 36-page report reviews the research and laboratory services advances made by WIST, including the cellulose pilot and processing laboratory under development, as well as work in compostability testing and specialty paper development. You can read it all online here.

  

  

  

Hear from inspiring speakers, exchange ideas and best practices in sustainability, network with peers, and participate in break-out sessions on specific topics at the seventh annual Sustainable Business Conference December 3 in Milwaukee. This year's venue is the Harley-Davidson Museum. Register soon - conference attendance is capped at 400 and early registration discount ends in six days.

  

Morning Sessions

• Sustainability Metrics: Development and Use
• The Employee Value Proposition/Engaging Employees
• CFOs and Sustainability
• Women in Sustainability
• Targeting Zero Waste

Afternoon Sessions

• Using Sustainability with Your Supply Chain
• Communicating Sustainability
• Business Preparation for Climate Change
• Sustainability, Transportation and Logistics
• Small Business and Sustainability