This three-day virtual conference will explore the key challenges and practical solutions surrounding corporate commitments on plastics. We’ll emphasise the role of business in moving towards to a circular economy, eliminating single use and making the right plastics sustainable.
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The speakers

Marika Lindstrom

Unilever

Vice President, Procurement - Packaging and Beauty & Personal Care

Archana Jagannathan

PepsiCo

Senior Director Sustainable Packaging

Gian De Belder

Procter & Gamble

Technical Director, Packaging Sustainability

Aline Casagrande

Anheuser-Busch InBev

Circular Packaging Global Director

Werner Bosmans

European Commission

Directorate General Environment

John Kotlarczyk

Walgreens Boots Alliance

Senior Director, CSR and Waste Reduction

Joe Franses

Coca-Cola European Partners

Vice-President, Sustainability

Erik Troelsen

Director, Packaging Design & Procurement

View all speakers

Agenda highlights

Plastic targets: Frank and open debate with leading brands on how and when we can reach ambitious plastics targets
Sustainable packaging: How to navigate conflicting data points to maintain competitive advantage and promote sustainable design
Legislative changes: Detailed explanation of existing and upcoming legislation and the significant business impacts
Science-based drivers: The latest scientific research and evidence on the effects of microplastics, and how business can work to minimise environmental risks
Partnerships that deliver: Practical guidance into company collaboration that works in practice and delivers results
Circularity at scale: What is needed to bring scale to current programs and circular innovation

Recycle, recycle, recycle: The latest developments in alternative recycling techniques and how business can enable a sustainable market for recycled materials
Plastics and COVID-19: What are the effects of COVID-19 on the demand for and use of plastics, and how will this impact on movement towards a circular economy
Working groups: Engage face to face with other attendees through practical, problem-solving groups designed to tackle specific issues around plastics use
Financing change: How business can work with investors to create sustainable funding models for innovation
Consumer insights: Explore how business can effectively communicate with consumers to create sustained changes in purchasing behaviour

View full agenda

Why attend an IF virtual conference?

Discover best practices from industry leaders and get detailed, practical guidance on how to effectively implement policies

Meet & network with an influential audience of key stakeholders through speed networking sessions and pre-planned 1:1 meetings

In-depth problem solving around the key issues within hands-on deep dive workshops and face to face discussion

Making connections at The Future of Plastics Forum 2020

How can attendees network virtually?

Speed networking

No need to hang around the coffee cart to begin making connections - join our virtual speed networking for a series of quick-fire 1:1 meetings. Often the highlight of our virtual events, you will have the opportunity to meet a range of attendees within a short amount of time. Then, follow up with new connections and schedule longer, private meetings to continue the discussion.

Group networking

During group networking sessions, attendees are placed in small groups for more relaxed, informal networking. Groups are rotated so you have the chance to meet a variety of people and leave with fresh connections and potential partners.

Schedule meetings

Often at our online events, discussions begin in the chat boxes during sessions and continue behind closed doors for more in-depth conversation between interested parties. Our platform enables you to reach out to other attendees and arrange 1:1 and group meetings. Maximise your impact at the event, and effectively manage your day.

Working groups

During working group sessions all attendees join intimate, face-to-face calls to enable a genuine dialogue and ensure engagement. These sessions are a great opportunity to connect with other attendees who share a common interest and kick-start the conversation.

"...the team did a fantastic job and I was blown away by how engaging and effective the virtual format was...the virtual speed networking was wildly effective and should be used at all events moving forward. Virtual or in person."

Than Baardson / CEO/ Unseen

"The Innovation Forum team practiced what they preached and innovated to create a really excellent virtual event. The diversity of sessions both in terms of content and technical style kept the audience engaged so that there was real user experience of attending a conference. Upsides such as the "speed networking" should remain part of the conference formula if /when we all meet face to face"

James Streeter / Founder and Director / Viridian Advisory

"The conference was very valuable use of my time; increasing my network, reminding me of some key areas of focus to consider and learning from others."

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"It’s hard to imagine a virtual conference running more smoothly or effectively – congratulations to the entire Innovation Forum team."

Kevin O’Donnell / Global Director, Sourcing & Operations Sustainability / General Mills

"I very much enjoyed the virtual conference - from plenary sessions to working groups. There was a great variety of topics and such knowledgeable industry speakers."

Jeffrey Engels / Director, Livelihoods & Economic Opportunities / Pact Inc.

What’s different about this forum?

Innovation Forum is:

Candid: Entirely off-the-record discussion that enables open and honest disclosure from speakers and genuine participation from the audience.
Practical: A clear focus on the practical and actionable guidance that can drive change throughout industries and supply chains.
Focused: We provide enough time, resources and expertise to the issues that really matter. We don’t skate the surface, but get to the crux of the issues to provide in-depth, constructive discussion.

Innovation Forum is NOT:

A PR platform: Enthusiastic speakers are NOT given free rein to fill a session presenting their companies, allowing no time to actually get to the crux of the issues.
A talking shop: This is NOT an opportunity for a group people in a room to simply agree with everything said, regardless of outcomes.
All promise, no delivery: We will NOT promise what we can’t deliver. The issues covered are complex. They won’t be solved at a two-day conference. But we will help deliver progress through in-depth, constructive and practical advice around specific issues.