Webinar | Connecting the Dots: Joining the Circular Economy in Tennessee

Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 2:00pm CST

Tennessee manufacturers are more motivated than ever to integrate post-industrial and post-consumer material into supply chains, and to keep waste and by-products out of landfills. The Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation (TDEC), Tennessee Recycling Coalition (TRC), and the US Business Council for Sustainable Development (US BCSD) are working with a broad range of stakeholders to drive the development of Tennessee’s circular economy and recirculate materials back productively into the economy.

In this webinar, we’ll dive into the Tennessee Materials Marketplace - a program that connects Tennessee organizations to develop and scale new reuse and recycling market opportunities. Manufacturers are using the Marketplace to source materials and find new solutions for challenging wastes and by-products, recycling companies are uncovering new customers and end-markets, and entrepreneurs are using the program as an innovation platform to build new reuse and recycling businesses. Education providers, governments, nonprofits, and artists are also participating to “connect the dots” between organizations that have materials available and those that need them.

Attendees will learn how to get engaged, hear updates from 2019 program successes, and hear how TDEC and TRC are engaging with manufacturers in the state. We'll discuss materials and process trends, how to post listings and tips on marketing materials for success, and provide guidance for interacting with other businesses through the Marketplace program. Additionally, TDEC will discuss the state’s sustainability assistance programs for the manufacturing sector, Tennessee Green Star Partnership and Tennessee Sustainable Spirits programs as well as recent pollution prevention outreach activities.

Who should attend: Operations and plant managers at Tennessee businesses producing waste and by-product materials; purchasing and R&D roles at manufacturers looking to source post-consumer and post-industrial materials; recycling, remanufacturing and materials processing solution providers; recycling companies looking to develop new end-markets; organizations supporting Tennessee’s circular economy and sustainable business practices; and entrepreneurs interested in building new reuse and recycling businesses in Tennessee.