Join us for a comprehensive workshop series focused on the dual pathways of plastic recycling: mechanical and chemical processes. This three-session series, with each session lasting two hours, will provide participants with a thorough understanding of the current challenges, innovations, and future directions in plastic waste management.
In each session, David Nix will deliver detailed presentations, beginning with an overview of different plastic polymer types and their characteristics, then progressing to the latest advancements in chemical recycling technologies. Topics will also include the environmental impacts of plastic waste, the lifecycle analysis of recycling processes, and best practices for sustainable material recovery. Each session consists of a 90-minute presentation followed by a 30-minute Q&A discussion, providing participants the opportunity to delve deeper into specific topics, clarify technical concepts, and explore practical, real-world applications.
This workshop is targeted at environmental professionals, industry stakeholders, and individuals passionate about advancing sustainable recycling practices. Join us to deepen your technical knowledge and contribute to the development of more effective plastic recycling strategies.
Agenda
(Click each session to expand)
March 31, 2025
Duration: 2 Hour
Outline
Part 1: What is Plastic? Why are there different types?
Plastics 1 & 2
PET
HDPE
Plastics 3 & 4
PVC
LDPE
Plastic 5
PP
Plastics 6 & 7
PS
Other
Part 2: Why use different plastics? Properties | Processes | Additives
Property Differences
Soft vs Hard
Flexible vs Stiff
Fragile vs Durable
Clear vs Colorable vs Black
Processing Differences
Injection Molding
Roto Molding
Extrusion
Additives in Plastic
Different types of additives
Part 3: Identifying Characteristics
Picture of 6 cups made of different materials
Which of these is better for the environment?
Which of these is actually being recycled?
What are the most effective for their application?
Which ones have the best marketing?
Rank in order of cost
Picture of for takeout boxes made of different materials
Which of these is better for the environment?
Which of these is actually being recycled?
What are the most effective for their application?
David Nix is the president and owner of Green Group Consulting and Green Group Reprocessing. In his 34-year career in the plastics industry, his focus has been on polypropylene and recycling. He began his professional life working for two of the largest polyolefin producers in the world, LyondellBasell (Himont/Montell) and Braskem (Epsilon/Sunoco). In his 18 years with these corporations, he held positions in sales, marketing, product development, product management, production, asset management, sustainability, and recycling.
After building experience in the plastic industry, David ventured out by starting a small recycling business and contracting with various privately owned companies. His expertise and skill set helped him develop a large customer base that routinely relied on his technical knowledge. A pivotal role in David’s career was a return to Braskem as the Sustainability and Recycling Leader for the United States. He relished the opportunity to create recycling programs for a large corporation that could begin to make big impacts in the use of recycled resin.
Continuing his vision for greater recycled resin usage and positively impacting the world, David and his son Harrison Nix started Green Group Consulting – a consulting business that interfaces with all aspects of the plastics value chain. They work with MRF’s, collectors, equipment manufacturers, additive producers, mechanical and chemical reprocessors, compounders, converters, brand owners and investors.
Carrying on their commitment to recycling, David and Harrison bought a post-consumer polypropylene recycling business in Albert Lea, Minnesota and renamed it Green Group Reprocessing. The homopolymer PCR product they make is unmatched in the industry. They use a reverse logistics collection system and maintain a proprietary wash system that produces consistently high-quality resin. They have improved production and are adding capacity with new equipment installations.
David holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte.
This workshop is ideal for environmental enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone interested in contributing to a more sustainable future through effective plastic recycling strategies.
Why Should You Attend?
Are you involved in the plastics industry and looking to understand the complexities of plastic recycling? Whether you're a material supplier, brand owner, policymaker, or recycler, mastering the challenges and solutions in mechanical and chemical recycling is key to advancing sustainability!
Do you want to understand why recycling plastics is so difficult and what the latest advancements in both mechanical and chemical recycling methods are?
Are you a material supplier interested in how your products can be more effectively recycled?
As a brand owner or policymaker, do you need to learn about the environmental impacts and best practices for achieving more sustainable plastic use?
Are you a recycler seeking to improve your processes and enhance the efficiency of plastic waste management?
If the answer is YES to any of these questions, this workshop is for you! Join David Nix for an engaging and informative series, offering in-depth presentations and interactive discussions on the latest in recycling technologies and sustainability strategies.
This educational program is provided as a service of SPE. The views and opinions expressed on this or any SPE educational program are those of the Speaker(s) and/or the persons appearing with the Speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc. (SPE) or its officials, employees or designees. To comment or to present an opposing or supporting opinion, please contact us at info@4SPE.org.
Refund Policy
30 days prior to the event start date a full refund minus a $50 processing fee will be granted. No refunds after. Please contact customerrelations@4spe.org for assistance with registration.
Copyright & Permission to Use
SPE may take photographs and audio/video recordings during the conference, pre-conference meetings and receptions that may include attendees within sessions, networking areas, exhibition areas, and other areas associated with the conference both inside and outside of the venue. By registering for this event, all attendees are providing permission for SPE to use this material at its discretion on SPE's websites, marketing materials, and publications. SPE retains ownership of copyright to all photographs and audio/video recording obtained at this event and attendees may request copies of any material in which they are included.
Anti-Trust Statement
No discussion among members, volunteers, or staff, which attempts to arrive at any agreement regarding prices, terms or conditions of sale, distribution, volume, territories, or customers;
No activity or communication which might be construed as an attempt to prevent any person or business entity from gaining access to any market or customer for goods or services or any business entity from obtaining services or a supply of goods;
No activity or communication which might be construed as an agreement to refrain from purchasing or using any materials, equipment, services or supplies of or from any supplier; or
No other activity which violates anti-trust or applicable laws aimed at preventing unfair competition.
