Event Program

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Registration Opens

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Scrap Tire Work Group (Work Group members only)

Thursday, May 16, 2024  

8:30-9:00 am: Welcome & Opening Remarks
Speakers: John Eunice, Deputy Director, Georgia EPD; Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association; Dick Gust, CEO, Tire Industry Association

9:00 am: ‘Reinventing the Wheel’ - New Tire Technology Update Panel
Tires require constant technological evolution and innovation from manufacturers. Hear from tire manufacturers about recent tire technology updates and future developments that promise to change the industry landscape. Discover the interplay between tire advancements and tire recycling processes as well as how the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping the tire industry and influencing recycling initiatives.
Speakers: Ian Coke, Pirelli; Jay Spears, Continental; To be announced
Moderator: Maureen Kline, Pirelli 

10:00-10:20 am: Refreshment & Networking Break

10:20 – 11:20 am: 2023 US Scrap Tire Management Report and Innovation in the Scrap Tire Processing Industry Panel
USTMA is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of current scrap tire market conditions and we’ll preview expected trends. While the Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted innovation within the industry, tire recyclers have shown remarkable resilience and determination in evolving and enhancing operational efficiencies. Leading tire recyclers will discuss innovative efforts and provide insights into ongoing collaborative initiatives aimed at expanding market opportunities.
Speakers: John Sheerin, USTMA; Lavon Detweiler, Entech; Andrew Meurer, Liberty; Joe Pickard, ISRI
Moderator: Charlie Astafan, CM Shredders

11:20 – 12:20 pm: Emerging State Issues
The Scrap Tire Workgroup has been instrumental in facilitating networking and collaboration within state scrap tire programs since its establishment in 1998. Workgroup members will provide a comprehensive state program update highlighting the latest trends. The panel will also share best practices from state programs, including one that expanded its rubber modified asphalt market.
Speakers: Channon Cohen, ODEQ; Sara Knapp, GA DNR; Brittany Woodward, KY EEC;  
Moderator: Brian Gaboriau, CO DPHE  

12:20 – 1:30 pm: Lunch & Networking Break
Learn more about the Tire Recycling Foundation and what this new entity will mean for the future of the end-of-life tire industry. This presentation will discuss TRF’s efforts toward high-impact interventions, funding for research and innovation and its goal to increase strategic collaboration to expand tire recycling markets in a meaningful way.
Speakers:  Bill Hall, RRS; John Sheerin, USTMA

1:30 – 2:30 pm: Tire Materials and Tire Recycling
The tire manufacturing industry has been powering a collaborative approach to finding an alternative to 6PPD, a tire additive that serves critical safety and performance functions in a tire. USTMA experts will review the industry's efforts around challenging environmental topics like 6PPD, Zinc and Tire and Roadwear Particles (TRWP - microplastics). The panel will examine how research and scientific advancements can tackle such material-related challenges in various markets. A discussion on the obstacles encountered and the valuable insights gained along this transformative journey will also be shared.
Speakers: Julie Panko, ToxStrategies, LLC.; John Atkinson, SUNY Buffalo; Dr. Punya Rath, University of Missouri
Moderator: Tracey Norberg, USTMA 

2:30 – 3:30 pm: Legislative and Regulatory Update
In this Legislative and Regulatory update, significant state and federal activities impacting the tire recycling sector will be discussed. This panel will examine compliance requirements in the new Connecticut Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, including emerging concerns and challenges facing industry stakeholders, drawing valuable insights from experiences in Ontario and all of Canada.
Speakers: Sean Moore, USTMA; Resa Dimino, RRS Signalfire; Steve Meldrum, Chair of CATRA (Canadian Association of Tire Recycling Agencies)
Moderator: Joe Pickard, ISRI              

3:30 – 3:50 pm: Refreshment & Networking Break

3:50 – 4:50 pm: International Trends affecting the US tire recycling markets Panel
This session will focus on tire recycling trends in Europe, shedding light on potential impacts on U.S. markets. Focal points will include the UN Plastics Strategy, the EU's prohibition on intentionally added microplastics in synthetic turf, and EU export dynamics. Special guests with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Tire Industry Project will explore the concept of Sustainable and Circular Markets within the framework of the Recycled Tire Hierarchy.
Speakers: Alex Van Gelderen, ETRMA; Carol Hochu, TRAC; Andy Thompson, Bridgestone, Tire Industry Project
Moderator: Stratton Kirton, Liberty             

4:50 pm: Closing Remarks 

5:00 pm: Networking Reception

Friday May 17, 2024

7:30 – 8:30 am: Breakfast

TRACK 1

8:30 – 9:00 am: Outlook for TDF
Industry experts will provide a comprehensive analysis of Tire Derived Fuel (TDF) markets in a rapidly decarbonizing environment, examining regulatory trends, market dynamics, and technological advancements shaping the landscape of the primary TDF markets.
Speakers: Louis Baer, PCA; Mike Sorcher, M.A. Associates, Inc.
Moderator: Terry Gray, TAG Resource Recovery 

9:00 – 9:30 am: Outlook for TDA
Industry Experts will review the current status of Tire Derived Aggregate (TDA) markets. Regulatory trends, market trends and technology updates will be examined. A Tire Derived Aggregate State of Knowledge will be previewed.
Speakers: Joaquin Wright, GHD; Dr. Hany El Naggar, Dalhousie University
Moderator: Terry Gray, TAG Resource Recovery 

9:30 – 10:30 am: Recycling Tires into New Molded Products Panel
Purchasing preferences and federal law are aligning to offer lucrative opportunities for companies specializing in molded and extruded products. The automotive industry's increasing focus on sustainability also presents a promising avenue for partnerships geared toward tire recycling. This session will explore the current landscape of the products market, both the barriers to growth and the potential opportunities for expansion and assess emerging prospects such as the utilization of rubberized concrete and the development of flexible pavements.
Speakers: Bill Robbins, RubberForm; Art Dodge, Ecore; Tim Vander Heiden, SafePath Products
Moderator: Ghenti Bhardi, Tech Salvadori

10:30 – 10:45 am: Refreshment & Networking Break

TRACK 2
8:30 – 9:30 am: Rubber Modified Asphalt - State of Knowledge, State Specifications and Market Opportunities
Rubber Modified Asphalt offers a wide array of advantages in terms of performance, eco-friendliness, and cost-efficiency. This presentation will probe these advantages as well as its application. A detailed analysis of the current state specifications will be provided, along with an examination of potential market prospects at the state and federal levels.
Speakers: Dr. Bill Buttlar, University of Missouri; Kirsten Clemmens, MI EGLE; Richard Duval, FHWA
Moderator: Nick Scoufaras, USTMA 

9:30 – 10:30 am: Rubber Modified Asphalt – Strategies for Implementing Panel
Leading state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) across the country are actively facilitating the adoption of rubber modified asphalt by establishing and refining standards based on insights gained from pilot projects and neighboring states' practices. Speakers will discuss the numerous uses for rubber modified asphalt, offering unique advantages as well as addressing important considerations for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
Speakers: Dr. Red Clark, Asphalt Plus; Joseph Shacat, NAPA; Jeff Smith, Cactus Asphalt; Doug Carlson, Liberty Tire Recycling
Moderator: Mary Sikora, Scrap Tire News 

10:30 – 10:45 am: Refreshment & Networking Break 

GENERAL SESSION RECONVENES

10:45 – 11:15 am: Pyrolysis& Gasification State of the Market
Tire manufacturers are actively involved in programs dedicated to advancing reclaimed/recovered carbon black and sustainable carbon black markets and are committed to sustainability goals that drive the recycling of old tires into new ones. Pyrolysis companies also play a crucial role in expanding this circular market. The presenter will address why the United States lags behind other world-wide regions as well as identify some challenges and opportunities the industry faces in establishing a circular tire supply chain that includes advanced recycling processes. 
Speakers: Andreas Kyriakou, Weibold Consulting  
Moderator: Denise Kennedy, DK Enterprises 

11:15 – 12:00 am: Manufacturers CEO Panel - Growing Sustainable and Circular Markets
This Fireside Chat with the current and former Chairmen of USTMA’s Board of Directors will look at their role as Industry leaders in sustainability and innovation and share perspectives on the future of tire manufacturing and the role of the industry in supporting tire recycling. 
Speakers: Alexis Garcin, Chairman and President, Michelin North America, Inc.; Paolo Ferrari, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. 
Moderator: Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO, USTMA 

12:00 – 1:00 pm: Lunch & Networking Break

1:00 – 2:00 pm: Collaborating to Grow Sustainable and Circular Markets Panel
Sustainable and circular market development depends on collaboration and cooperation between the range of stakeholders throughout the value chain: manufacturers, distributors, retailers, collectors, processors, tire derived material end users, and, states, equipment suppliers and academics. TIA and USTMA are listening to the industry in transforming STREF to enable robust collaboration. This collaborative vision will deliver recycling market performance that could not be achieved working independently.  
Speakers: Nicolas Nicolaou, US Autoforce; Bruce Bart, Ecogreen; Channon Cohen, Scrap Tire Workgroup; Thomas Boehme, Genan
Moderator: Allie Kelly, The Ray

Past Events