ITEC to feature tire recycling workshop

AKRON (Aug. 9, 2016) — The organizers of the biennial International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC) have put together a Tire Recycling Workshop this year that features 10 experts in the field covering the industry from technical specifications to developing end markets.

The workshop, to be held Sept. 13 during ITEC at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron, will be co-moderated by Mary Sikora, president of the Recycling Research Institute.

ITEC is organized by Rubber & Plastics News under the auspices of Crain Communications Inc., publisher of both RPN and Tire Business.

Among the topics to be covered are:

• an update on the U.S. scrap tire markets;

• changes to ASTM standards (recycled rubber) that will require tighter feedstock specifications of tire-derived material to the manufacturer and compounder;

• discussions about the global markets related to exports and importing of tires and rubber; and

• new technologies in rubber pavement applications.

The workshop starts at 9 a.m. and runs throughout the day with a lunch break from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Denise Kennedy, will serve as coordinator for the which will return for this year's

The schedule of speakers and their topics are:

• John Sheerin, director, end-of-life programs, Rubber Manufacturers Association — “U.S. Scrap Tire Market and Industry Forecast.”

• Amy Brackin, market development manager for Liberty Tire Recycling L.L.C. and chairman of the Synthetic Turf Council board — “Myths and Facts About Recycled Rubber.”

• Bruce Bart, general manager, Cobalt Holdings Inc. — Market Creation and Innovation today and tomorrow, Part 1.”

• Nick Lincoln, strategic account manager, EB Colorbiotics for BASF A.G. — “Market Creation and Innovation today and tomorrow, Part 2;”

• Denise Kennedy, president and founder of DK Enterprises — “ASTM D11.20.01 (Recycled Rubber) Task Group Proposed Changes to Benefit Manufacturers.”

• James Middleton, president of Middleton & Associates — “Scope of ASTM D24 (Carbon Black) and relevance to the Industry.”

• Kai Tan, president of International sales and marketing, Nam Bee Rubber & Tyre Group —“Global Marketing and the Challenges and Opportunities of Imports and Export.”

• Aaron Murphy, vice president, commercial tire sales for TBC Corp. — “Market Impact of Overproduction of Imported Truck Tires to the Tire Industry.”

• Gary Houston, vice president/general manager of VSS Emultech  —“New Lab Techniques Result in New Crumb Rubber Applications in Asphalt Cement.”

• Redmond Clark, president of Asphalt Plus — “Sustainable Rubber Asphalt Technologies Mean Success.”

To learn more about it, and all the conference programs, on the ITEC website. The conference and exhibition run Sept. 13-15.

David Stafford, executive vice president, personnel and chief human resources officer for Michelin North America, will deliver the ITEC keynote address at 3:45 p.m. on the 13th. His presentation will cover technology, innovation, advanced manufacturing and what Michelin is doing to engage a changing work force.

Discounted conference registration and hotel rooms are still available, but only for a short time. Early Bird Registration — and the chance to save $100 — ends Friday, Aug. 12. The low ITEC conference hotel rate ends Aug. 22.