What to expect from the ReMA2025 Convention & Exposition

Last year's Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) Convention and Exposition ended on a high note with the announcement of a major rebrand. ISRI unveiled its new identity as the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), aligning its messaging with the evolving needs of the recycling industry. This rebrand not only refreshed the association's visual identity but also highlighted the shifting dynamics within the recycling landscape.

This year will be the first convention under the new name, taking place May 12-15, in San Diego, CA. ReMA 2025 will gather nearly 7,000 professionals for expert-led sessions, offering valuable industry insights from over 120 speakers. With 325 exhibitors and extensive networking opportunities, the event will focus on key developments in recycled materials, waste management, and environmental stewardship.

Key themes taking centre stage at the show

One of the key themes of the ReMA convention will be the integration of new technologies, particularly in sorting and separation, that are revolutionizing the recycling process.

These advancements, such as AI-powered sorting systems, optical sorters, and advanced recycling methods, are helping to increase efficiency, lower costs, and address persistent challenges like contamination and low-quality feedstocks. The convention offers a platform for industry professionals to discuss how these technologies can be adopted more widely and explore real-world applications.

Sustainability will also take centre stage at the convention, with discussions focusing on how to align business practices with global environmental goals. The emphasis will be on strategies for reducing carbon footprints, enhancing waste diversion rates, and creating closed-loop systems that minimize reliance on virgin resources. As sustainability becomes an even more pressing concern for businesses, the convention is an opportunity to explore the strategies, policies, and partnerships that can drive the sector forward.

Whether you're a recycler, manufacturer, or policymaker, ReMA 2025 is a significant event for anyone interested in the future of the recycling industry. It's not just about keeping up with what's happening now — it's about getting ahead of the curve, understanding what's next, and figuring out how you can be part of driving those changes.

9 can't-miss educational sessions at ReMA2025

As the recycled materials industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of market trends, policy shifts, and operational challenges has never been more crucial. ReMA 2025's sessions will delve into the impact of trade policies, supply chain disruptions, and other factors surrounding material recovery.

The event will also address key issues such as safety, logistics, and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Attendees will gain practical insights into workforce retention, business planning, and advocacy strategies as well as the tools needed to drive long-term success in a rapidly changing industry.

With a lineup of expert-led discussions and actionable takeaways, these sessions offer a road map for businesses looking to adapt, innovate, and thrive. Here are nine sessions you won't want to miss.

1. Eco-Innovation 2.0: Implementing Next-Gen Technologies in Recycling

Tuesday, May 13 | 10:30 - 11:45 AM

Experts on this panel will take a deeper look at real-world applications of technologies that can help revolutionize recycling practices. Industry experts will discuss the integration of AI tech, robotics, software solutions, and advanced sorting systems. The panel will assist industry professionals in boosting efficiency, tackling emerging challenges, and staying ahead of the curve while moving into the future.

Speakers: Jennifer Betts, CEO, Magnar Metals; Lisa Kagen, Co-Founder, Buddy; Blake Gordon, General Manager of Digital Trading, Georgia Pacific Recycling; Evan Schwartz, COO, AMCS Group. 

2. No Sparks, No Surprises: Safe Handling & Management of End-of-Life Batteries

Tuesday, May 13 | 2 - 3:15 PM 

The use of battery power in everyday products has grown considerably in recent years. Everything from electric vehicles to consumer goods means a new wave of end-of-life batteries is creating a major challenge in the recycling industry. David Monk, vice president of business development at Ascend Elements, takes a deep dive into regulatory requirements for transporting and shipping, best practices for handling and storage, and proven strategies to mitigate the risks. 

3. Freight & Material Theft: Mitigating the Risk

Wednesday, May 14 | 2 - 3:15 PM

Theft of recyclable materials during the shipping process is a risk that businesses need to learn how to mitigate. This session explores the different types of material theft that impact the industry and how these challenges can be confronted. The panel will discuss tools that can reduce theft like technology solutions and security measures. 

Speakers: Scott Cornell, Second Vice President, Travelers Inland, Marine; Drake Hougo, COO, ReMatter; and Jason Maslin, Vice President, Insurance & Risk Management: Recycling Industry Bradley Parker. 

4. Sustainable Workforce: Build, Hire, Retain, Promote 

Wednesday, May 14 | 3:30 - 4:45 PM 

Hosted by Women in Recycling, industry experts on this panel will share proven strategies to attract, hire, and retain top employees while focusing on long-term team growth. Methods like engaging with schools to tap up-and-comers, implementing proven retention strategies, and creating a powerful mentorship program within a workplace can assist with helping employees grow and stay invested in the company. Managers, HR professionals, and leaders looking to build a strong and engaged workforce can learn actionable insights from this panel.

Speakers: Kim Scott, Senior Buyer, Novelis Corporation; Jeremy Vang, Human Resources, Director, CW Companies. 

5. Best Practices for a Successful Preventive Maintenance Program

Wednesday, May 14 | 10:30 -11:45 AM 

This session will cover the proven methods that can be adopted to improve preventive maintenance programs. Innovative safety approaches, cross-department collaboration, and targeting training can enhance maintenance efforts in a business. Experts will discuss the impact of site housekeeping, cost of management tactics, and effective inventory tracking. Attendees will gain actionable insights into maintenance strategies and learn how to optimize resources and reduce downtime.

6. Manufacturing Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

Wednesday, May 14 | 3:30 - 4:45 PM 

Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, will kick off this session with a statement on the manufacturing industry and its critical role in the global economy. Timmons will look back on his years of experience to deliver a forward-thinking approach to current challenges and opportunities. Along with Robin Wiener and Colin Kelly from the Recycled Materials Association, Timmons will explore emerging trends, cutting-edge technologies, and strategies to drive innovation, growth, and sustainability in manufacturing. 

Speakers: Colin Kelly, Chair, The Recycled Materials Association; Jay Timmons, President and CEO, National Association of Manufacturers; and Robin Wiener, President, The Recycled Materials Association. 

7. Spotlight: Plastics

Wednesday, May 14 | 3:30 - 4:45 PM 

The plastics industry is struggling to adapt to the rising competition from virgin resins, escalating costs, and increasing regulatory pressures that are constantly reshaping the market. Experts will unpack the key market drivers, risks, and innovations shaping the future of plastics, including the growing impact of EPR laws, economic policy shifts, and strategies to overcome challenges. 

8. The Power of Recycled Materials: Driving Economic Growth & Sustainability

Thursday, May 15 | 9 - 10:15 AM 

The economic impact, sustainability, and commitment to the circular economy are just as important in the recycling industry as the materials. This session will cover the insights, data, and strategies that show the true value of recycling in communities and beyond. The panel will discuss effective communication methods with customers, policymakers, and the public. 

Speakers: Brandi Harleaux, CEO, South Post Oak Recycling Center; Abbie Webb, Vice President, Sustainability, Casella Waste Systems. 

9. Best Practices: Shredding

Thursday, May 15 | 9 - 10:15 AM 

An integral process of shredding is ensuring quality, environmental compliance, and worker safety. Best practices, proven strategies, and actionable insights can maximize operations. Veterans in the industry will share real-world experiences in tackling some of the biggest challenges in metal shredding. 

Q&A with Kent Holland of ReMatter: Collaboration brings new value to the show

For its first convention under the new brand, ReMA has also entered into a first-of-its-kind collaboration. ReMA has partnered with ReMatter, naming them the Official Innovation Partner and title sponsor of the event, officially titled ReMA 2025 — The Show Powered by ReMatter.

Building on their existing work together, ReMA and ReMatter will explore new ways to help create value across the industry. I sat down with Kent Holland, senior vice president of revenue at ReMatter, to discuss the details of the collaboration, their future plans, and what attendees can expect at ReMA 2025.

Slone Fox: Beyond branding, what does being the Official Innovation Partner of ReMA 2025 entail?

Kent Holland: ReMatter and ReMA have a shared vision around the important and essential role that recycling plays in building a brighter future. On that basis, the two organizations have committed to actively working together in a variety of ways to progress the recycling industry forward — ranging from joint thought leadership, to aligning on areas of focus and opportunity in the space that we can tackle together, to sharing learnings from the field openly with each other on ways that we both can continue to better serve the needs of recycling operators and the global ecosystem.

There are, of course, promotional benefits that this unlocks for recycling operators who are both ReMatter customers and ReMA members. However, we are also seeking to move beyond that and enable both organizations to have a broader impact on recycling as a sector. We're regularly discussing the feedback we're each hearing from members and customers, aligning on the direction we're both taking to continue innovating and building in the space and ideating on new ways we can work together more closely moving forward in service of our shared vision.

SF: On a personal level, what are you most excited about for ReMA 2025?

KH: I'm really looking forward to catching up with friends, colleagues, customers, and partners from across the industry! The event is a great chance to reconnect with everyone and get insight into what's top of mind and how everyone is navigating the evolving global markets and economic climate. I'm always excited to have a bit of fun — I think San Diego will play a great host!