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The Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology is in the
College of Natural Resources at UW-Stevens Point, which is widely regarded as the nation's
leading undergraduate natural resource program.

 
WIST  News
January 2015
In This Issue
Special composting workshop offered
Join WIST and IPS Testing in Orlando
Free courses in papermaking
Research, Education, and Laboratory Services
 

pilot paper machine 

 

 

 

WIST provides laboratory services, research and education to create sustainability solutions for businesses and organizations. Technology and ideas developed by WIST and its partners will spur economic growth in Wisconsin and the region and help all of us preserve a healthy environment for future generations.

 

WIST operations are supported in part by funding from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.


Follow-up Links

 

 
World-leading companies  at composting workshop represent industry breadth
 
    
Representatives from world-leading companies and organizations in composting, compostable materials and compostable waste management headline a special composting workshop to be held February 25 in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
  
"Opportunities and Challenges in Organics Diversion" is being offered in conjunction with the Wisconsin Integrated Resource Management Conference. The three-hour workshop is being hosted by the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology. It is open to conference and non-conference attendees.
  
The goal of the workshop is to assist pragmatic decision making for those considering industrial composting as a waste management option in their own communities. But in addition to its interest for policy makers and solid waste managers, the workshop holds value for packaging manufacturers and converters, who will learn about the current thinking on composting initiatives and gain insight into how new product development may dovetail with this movement.
  
The workshop presenters include:
  • Tim Croll, Solid Waste Division Director, Seattle, Washington, among the leading recycling municipalities in the nation for more than 20 years;  
  • Norma McDonald, North America Sales Manager, Organic Waste Systems, Inc., a world leading company in the biodegradability and compostability testing of different types of materials, and in waste management consultancy;
  • Michele Riggs, Biodegradable Technical Specialist, Cedar Grove Composting, one of the largest urban composting operations in North America; 
  • Susan Thoman, Vice President of Corporate Development, Cedar Grove Composting, one of the largest urban composting operations in North America;
  • Mark Williams, Vice President of Market Development, BioBag Americas, Inc., the world's largest brand of ASTM D6400 certified compostable bags and films with operations in more than 20 countries;
  • and Rhodes Yepsen, Marketing Manager, Novamont North America, a world leading producer of compostable biopolymers.
For more details about the composting workshop,including presenter bios and more about the program, click here.
  
The workshop fee is just $50. Register online here.
  
To learn more about the Wisconsin Integrated Resource Management Conference, click here.
WIST and IPS Testing
will be at SustPack in Orlando
Visit us at our exhibit at SustPack 2015. A joint offering of GreenBlue's Sustainable Packaging Coalition and Smithers Pira, in association with Packaging Digest, the conference will bring together key stakeholders from the packaging industry. The agenda is packed with presentations by leaders in sustainable packaging.
  
Along with IPS Testing, our partner in providing comprehensive testing, analysis, research and development services for the paper, nonwovens, packaging and consumer products industry, we will be hosting an exhibit booth and will be available to discuss your business needs. SustPack is March 31-April 2 at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida.
  
Find all the conference information and register here.
Seats still available in two papermaking courses offered free in spring

Paper Machine
Papermaking courses feature hands-on sessions on the UW-Stevens Point pilot paper machine and in paper testing and analysis labs.
In fall 2014 WIST debuted new courses in papermaking additives and formation. The courses will be offered tuition-free one more time, in spring 2015. The normal course fee is $800.
  
The courses were developed with grant funding from UW System and are being piloted without cost to participants. In return, participants must complete a course evaluation and another survey six weeks after taking the course. Participants' supervisors will also be asked to complete a survey about the course and its effectiveness.
  
Attendees last fall gave the courses high marks in evaluations and overwhelmingly said they would recommend the courses to others. 
  
More information about the courses is on the WIST website here.
  
Space is limited to 16 participants in each class so don't delay in registering. Click on the links below to register online.
  
For Measuring and Controlling Formation, April 16-17, click here.
  
For Introduction to Papermaking Additives, April 30-May 1, click here.