Panel Discussion | Monday, September 22, 2008 | 1:40 PM - 2:20 PM

Renewable Materials Panel

Abstract: With the cost of oil going sky high and awareness of the benefits of using renewable materials to replace dinosaur-based petroleum, it is no wonder that managers are thinking ahead to switch to using renewable materials. Come hear the panelists describe innovative materials that may be right for your products, packaging, processes, and even cafeterias. Ask questions about the relevance of these substances to your company, and gain the “salient points” to make to your colleagues and management about the business case to switch.

Jim Hobbs
Panelist
Global Business Director
NatureWorks LLC

James “Jim” Hobbs is the Business Director for NatureWorks LLC. In his role, Hobbs is responsible for leading company efforts in product management, quality, supply chain, licensing, customer service, polylactide sales and derivative sales. Hobbs joined NatureWorks in 2000 and in previous roles has served as Commercial Director and Managing Director of Japan.

Previously with The Dow Chemical Company, Hobbs worked for several years in the films and fabricated products business. During his tenure there, which started in 1989, Hobbs filled several business development and marketing positions, including product market manager, market research manager, global marketing manager and global leader of marketing education.

Hobbs received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

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Louis Lemaire
Panelist
Vice-President, Marketing & Business Development
Cascades

Louis Lemaire is a well-informed and outspoken advocate for all things sustainable. His no-nonsense environmental approach and ‘’do what’s right’’ philosophy only fuels his commitment to reducing our packaging footprint.

Since 2007, Louis has spoken often on the subject of corporate social responsibility, environmental impacts of media packaging as well as the paper versus plastic issue.

Louis Lemaire is Vice-President of Marketing and Business Development for Boxboard Mills North America at Norampac - Cascades. Prior to this recent appointment in November 2007, Louis was head of Sales for this same division. He has been employed by Cascades for over 15 years, including 10 years in sales management at Norampac, a division of Cascades Canada Inc. He has a Bachelors’ of Science in Business Administration and International Commerce from Université du Québec à Montréal.

Sustainability, the environment and corporate social responsibility hold much influence on Louis’ personal and professional life. As a result, his commitment to shifting the packaging industries as a whole towards environmentally-friendly choices has become a long-term career objective.

Since 2006, Louis has been Chairman of the Marketing Committee for the 100% Recycled Paperboard Alliance based in Washington, DC.