EPR Expert to Keynote FuturePack ForumEPR Expert to Keynote FuturePack Forum

All eyes are on California as the mighty state pens its extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for packaging. The newly named leader for the state’s Producer Responsibility Organization — Rachel Wagoner, Executive Director for California at Circular Action Alliance (CAA) — will speak about this in an intimate Fireside Chat during the first FuturePack Forum.

FuturePack Forum is a half-day workshop taking place on Wednesday, February 5, during WestPack at the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo (February 4-5; Anaheim, California). I have the pleasure of interviewing Wagoner during the workshop from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Wagoner brings more than 25 years of experience in sustainability, recycling, and environmental public policy in California. In her role, she supports all aspects of CAA’s California program including supporting producers, collaborating with local governments, helping communities and haulers deploy recycling services, engaging with critical stakeholders, and building capability.

Prior to joining CAA, she was the director of CalRecycle. She was responsible for overseeing and reforming CalRecycle’s long-standing recycling and waste management programs, building EPR, disaster debris recovery, and organic waste recovery and recycling programs.

Related:First-of-its-Kind Sustainability Forum has Limited Seats

Wagoner was also the architect for California’s first ever, statewide Zero Waste Plan. Prior to leading CalRecycle, she was deputy legislative secretary to Governor Newsom, advising on energy, environmental protection, natural resources, agricultural, and communications legislation on behalf of the governor. She also spent more than 20 years working as a committee consultant to the California State Senate.

Expect a frank discussion.

At FuturePack Forum, Wagoner and I will talk about the recent sustainability saga in the US and how California got to where it is today with its Senate Bill 54, the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. The law aims to reduce single-use plastic waste in California.

We’ll also explore what I see as some of the flaws of EPR.

“A healthy debate is part of this conversation,” Wagoner says. “This is a new principle in government interaction and we really should have an honest conversation about what are the benefits and the risks associated with this new regulatory structure.”

Register to attend FuturePack Forum by registering first for WestPack at the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo, and then selecting FuturePack Forum as an add-on.

See the full agenda here.