WIST will host a workshop on industrial composting February 25, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Wisconsin Integrated Resource Management Conference in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. The workshop, "Opportunities and Challenges of Organics Diversion," 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 feasible 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 session will open with an overview of challenges in composting and the use of compostable garbage bags in organics diversion. Presenters will then provide insights into successful implementation and deployment of industrial composting programs on a county scale by showcasing examples of successful programs and best practices as well as addressing the challenges of establishing a composting infrastructure from the beginning. The session will conclude by presenting the new frontiers and challenges in composting practice as well as compostability standards and innovative packaging solutions.

  

For more details about the composting workshop,including featured presenters, click here.

  

Register online for the workshop here.

  

To learn more about the Wisconsin Integrated Resource Management Conference, click here.

  

Papermaking courses feature hands-on sessions on the UW-Stevens Point pilot paper machine and in paper testing and analysis labs.

This fall WIST debuted new courses in papermaking additives and formation and a revamped Hands-on Papermaking course. If you missed taking these new papermaking professional courses, we have good news. The courses will be offered tuition-free one more time, in spring 2015.

  

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 this fall gave the courses high marks in evaluations and overwhelmingly said they would recommend the courses to others. Here are a few representative comments from course evaluations.

  

"This course does a good job explaining Paper Formation and how it affects numerous other paper qualities, as well as how it can be manipulated and improved." - Andy Pope, NewPage Corporation

  

"Coming from the maintenance side of paper production, I have received a better view of my customer (operations) and his/her needs to tune and adjust their equipment to make a quality sheet." - Rodd Wilson, NewPage Corporation

  

"Great way for someone new to paper or a seasoned professional to obtain the skills needed to be successful." - Cory Nackers, Account Manager, Expera Specialty Solutions

  

More information about the three 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 Hands-on Papermaking, March 26-27, click here.

  

For Measuring and Controlling Formation, April 16-17, click here.

  

For Introduction to Papermaking Additives, April 30-May 1, click here.

  

We've set the date for the fifth annual annual Focal Point Conference -- mark your calendar to join us at UW-Stevens Point on Tuesday, October 20. Recent conferences have focused on innovations in sustainable packaging, and have featured top-notch, industry-expert speakers and an audience of accomplished professionals. Whether you've attended every year or are considering registering for the first time, watch for more information about the conference including session topics and featured speakers in upcoming newsletters.