CVT Symposium
April 9, 2024 - CIBC Hall @ McMaster UniversityFirst annual Circular Vinyl Technologies (CVT) symposium showcasing the research and initiatives to promote a circular vinyl economy.
The Innovative Driving Force for Vinyl
Working together we'll be able to achieve a circular vinyl economy!
Program Details
April 9, 2024
CIBC Hall @ McMaster University
About CVT
Circular Vinyl Technologies (CVT) is an Oligomaster Inc., initiative at the forefront of revolutionizing the vinyl industry. Our mission? To create a sustainable ecosystem for vinyl materials, from production to recycling. We believe that by collaborating with leading academic institutions and industry partners, we can drive positive change and reduce the environmental impact of vinyl.NSERC and Vinyl Institute: CVT’s ambitious vision is backed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Their financial support enables us to drive research, innovation, and practical solutions. Additionally, the Vinyl Institute recognizes the importance of our mission and provides critical funding and opportunities to accelerate progress.
Symposium Agenda
Unique insights from industry leaders and cutting edge technology showcases under one roof.
9:00 – 9:30 AM: Registration9:30 – 9:40 AM: Opening Remarks, Li Xi, McMaster University9:40 – 9:55 AM: Kushal Panchal, Oligomaster Inc.10:00 – 11:00 AM: Keynote: Alex Grover, i2M11:00 – 11:15 AM: Coffee Break11:15 – 11:40 PM: Abdul Yaeesh, Queen's University11:40 – 12:05 PM: Nicholas Rountes, McMaster University12:05 – 12:50 PM: Lunch Break12:50 – 1:40 PM: Posters and Networking1:40 – 2:00 PM: Keynote: Jay Thomas, Vinyl Institute2:00 – 2:25 PM: Jesse Greener, Université Laval2:25 – 2:45 PM: Coffee Break2:45 – 3:10 PM: Mia Rondinelli, Queen's University3:10 – 3:35 PM: Sahar Shokrgozar, Queen's University3:35 – 3:45 PM: Closing Remarks, Li Xi, McMaster University
Think
Circular
The CVT brings together thought leaders from across North America to explore what's new, now, and next in the circular vinyl economy. Keynotes will cover the current state of play in key sustainable development and chart future strategic opportunities for technology advancements.Join us for an all access day to speaker sessions, poster presentations, lunch, and networking!
Keynote Speakers
Alex Grover
President at i2M
The Future of Vinyl: A Vision for Sustainability
Alex Grover
President at i2M
Alex Grover is President of i2M, a United States manufacturer and gravure printer of flexible polymer films headquartered in Pennsylvania. Alex is passionate about renewing the future of plastics manufacturing which she believes comes by integrating sustainable product development with people empowerment. Under her leadership, i2M has seen record growth and the execution of significant sustainability initiatives that prevent plastic from entering the waste stream and champion the versatility and recyclability of vinyl. She has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, and trade publications for her innovations in manufacturing. Alex maintains an active community role, serving as Governor-appointed Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Learning Investment Commission, vice-chair of the board of CASA of Luzerne County and member of the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Wilkes University School of Engineering. She is an active member of the National Association of Manufacturers, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, Vinyl Sustainability Council, & Young President’s Organization. Prior to i2M, Alex held management roles at Altria, a Fortune 100 consumer packaged goods manufacturer in Virginia. She is a graduate of the University of Richmond Robins School of Business and Jepson School of Leadership and former D1 Track athlete.
Jay W. Thomas
Vice President of Sustainability, Vinyl Institute
PVC in a Circular Economy
Jay Thomas
Vice President Sustainability, Vinyl Institute
Executive Director, The Vinyl Sustainability Council
Jay Thomas serves as the Vice President of Sustainability for the Vinyl Institute and the Executive Director of the Vinyl Sustainability Council. In these roles he is responsible for developing and implementing the strategies and tactics that support the sustainability mission and policies of the Vinyl Institute. He has more than 25 years of vinyl industry experience in the wire and cable, roofing and flooring industries having worked in various capacities at Tyco International and Sika Corporation. Jay is an emeritus director of the Green Building Initiative and is a certified Green Globes Professional. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University and an M.B.A. from University of Massachusetts.
Our Partners
Dr. James McLellan
Professors, Queen's University
Dr. Laurence Yang
Assistant Professors, Queen's University
Dr. David Zechel
Professors, Queen's University
Dr. George Colin diCenzo
Assistant Professors, Queen's University
Dr. Jesse Greener
Professors, Laval University
Dr. Ehssan Koupaie
Assistant Professors, Queen's University
Stay Informed
Are you interested in being at the forefront of innovation in the vinyl industry? Send us your email to stay connected!