This WCEF 2021 Side Event will be a solutions-oriented, interactive, virtual workshop focused on the ‘Innovation Pathways’ to achieving a more circular plastics economy in Canada – based on the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s (EMF) handbook: “Upstream Innovation: a guide to packaging solutions”. The workshop will feature a keynote from EMF’s Innovation Team, combined with other expert insights into practical applications of upstream innovation for plastics packaging, and six interactive breakout sessions that will allow participants to strategize together on how to scale ideas and overcome barriers to plastics packaging innovation in Canada.
Following opening remarks, participants will be divided into breakout sessions. Choose your preferred breakout room when you register. Options include: Elimination, Reuse, Reuse Business Models, Substitutions and Compostables, Mechanical Recycling, and Chemical Recycling. Guided by industry insights and experienced facilitators in each focus area, participants will roll up their sleeves for breakout workshop challenges and opportunities before reporting back to the full group. A final random round of breakouts will allow for discussion of cross-cutting barriers and opportunities.