2025 BPI Summit

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  • About
  • Registration
  • Program of Events
  • Hotel & Lodging
  • Sponsorships
  • Speakers
  • Social Media Toolkit
  • Submit Your Speaking Abstract

2025 BPI Summit

Societal Transition to a Bioeconomy: Building Trust During Non-Linear Progress

September 16-18, 2025 | Atlanta, GA

Loudermilk Conference Center
40 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303

As the world moves toward a circular bioeconomy, composting stands at a critical intersection of food waste capture, sustainable packaging, and climate action. The 2025 BPI Summit will focus on the complexities and opportunities of this transition—where progress isn’t always linear, but trust, innovation, and collaboration can drive durable systems change. Building on the momentum of previous summits, this year’s event will explore how compostable products, science, and infrastructure must evolve in concert with policy and business models to achieve meaningful, long-term impact.

This year’s theme reflects the growing recognition that successful transitions require trust between public and private sector partners. Together, we will build the conditions for investment, adoption, and public support. Through the lens of systems innovation and real-world case studies, the Summit will examine how to scale composting infrastructure and certified compostable products within a fragmented but rapidly shifting landscape.

Session topics will highlight the business realities of composters, the importance of funding mechanisms, and the evolving policy landscape—including extended producer responsibility (EPR) and legislation driving access to composting. Additional sessions will dive deep into the science of biodegradation, performance data on compostable materials, and life cycle assessment (LCA) challenges specific to bioplastics.

Whether you're a composter working to grow your business, a packaging innovator exploring new material capabilities, or a policymaker shaping EPR frameworks—this event offers critical insight and connection. Interactive panels, keynote addresses, flash talks, and networking will provide a platform to examine both the breakthroughs and barriers in this transition.

Who Attended Last Year?

Insights from the 2024 BPI Summit Video


Tour(s):

Exploring the CompostNow Feedstock Hub & Compost Facility

Join us for an exclusive tour of CompostNow’s operations, starting at their Feedstock Hub location, where we’ll learn about the collection and preparation of organic materials for composting. Afterward, attendees will visit the CompostNow Compost Facility in Georgia, where the transformation of organic waste into high-quality compost takes place. This tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the innovative processes that support sustainable composting and waste management. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see these critical steps in action and gain insights from industry experts!

State Farm Arena: Food Waste Diversion Through Compostable Solutions

Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the world’s first TRUE Platinum-certified facility! As part of our summit, this tour offers a firsthand look at how State Farm Arena is leading the charge in food waste diversion with compostable products and innovative infrastructure. You’ll see how nearly one million pounds of organic waste are composted each year, thanks to a system that effectively collects and sorts materials for proper composting. Learn about the arena’s efforts to educate fans on how to dispose of items correctly, including the switch from black plastic bags to compostable alternatives for easier contamination detection. Discover how the "Recycle and Win" program rewards fans for their eco-conscious choices, encouraging them to actively participate in composting and waste diversion. Don’t miss this opportunity to see circularity in action and how State Farm Arena is setting the standard for food waste management in the entertainment industry.

Refunds: All refund requests must be made in writing with the subject line "CANCELLATION" and received no later than Tuesday, September 2, 2025. No refunds will be processed for those cancelling after this date. Refund requests are subject to a $60.00 processing fee. To obtain a refund, please email Kate@meetgreen.com.

Substitution: Requests must be made in writing and emailed to Kate@meetgreen.com. Requests will be accommodated at no fee.

Check out insights from last year's Summit: 



Registration

We offer registrations through Whova, and have two registration types, one for BPI Members, and one for non-members. To register, use the form below to select your registration type, in addition to the amount of tickets you'd like to purchase. All member registrations will be verified as a BPI members.

If you are having trouble purchasing registrations through the mini form below, please visit our Whova Registration Site.

Composters: Please reach out to us for your free registration.



Program of Events

Please note that our program of events is still under development and may be subject to change. Event times and details are preliminary and may be adjusted as we finalize the schedule. We recommend checking back regularly for updates.

Sessions include the following: 

  • Depackaging Equipment and Industry Drivers for Food Waste Diversion | Building off the successful opening session from 2024, “Composting Facilities that Don’t Accept Compostable Packaging (Yet),” we once again begin the conference with an open and honest discussion about facilities that are investing in systems that maximize food waste diversion, but aren’t compatible with compostable products. This session will look at what drives the use of depackaging equipment for curbside food waste. What are the environmental, economic, and political motivators of these systems, and what does that mean for composters and those invested in compostable products?

  • Capital for Scaling Compost Access: The Business of Compost Manufacturing | EPA estimates that investment of $12-14B is needed to get composting infrastructure on par with access to trash/recycling. How do we get there? Composters are a business with two major revenue streams: fees for inbound material and finished compost sales/distribution. What are the major assets that allow a composter to attract capital, and what are the funding avenues composters can take (e.g. start-up, expansion, acquisition, etc.)? This session will also cover compost manufacturers’ operational costs, common approaches to drive growth, gain revenue security, and meet market demands;, and how size and scale affect the business model.

  • Breaking Down the Breakdown: The Science of Biodegradation and Non-Persistent Microplastics | This session will break down the science and chemistry behind biodegradable and compostable polymers, illuminating the different mechanisms of biodegradation in compost. Common misconceptions about the 90% threshold in ASTM and ISO standards, as well as the importance of differentiating between persistent and non-persistent microplastics will be addressed. Attendees will be equipped with studies, resources, and credible messaging to strengthen trust in biodegradable and compostable solutions.

  • Interconnected Policies Needed to Achieve True Systems Change For Composting | A successful ecosystem for composting and compostable products cannot rely exclusively on voluntary certifications and companies willing to lead the pack with investments in new materials and alternative waste collection/processing services. Hear about the variety of policies needed for complex systems change -- extended producer responsibility (EPR), statewide food waste diversion laws (e.g. mandates and landfill bans), PFAS prohibitions, compostable product labeling laws, and more. This session explores the critical role advocacy plays in shaping composting policies at both the state and federal levels and what you can do to support effective policy in your state. 

  • Building Trust in Public-Private Partnerships | As municipalities chart a course to provide households with access to food scrap composting, how can they build on and strengthen existing food scrap hauling and composting businesses, supporting the public-private partnerships needed for long-term success? Explore mechanisms like request for proposals (RFPs), grant programs for community composting, contracting with existing programs, education initiatives, drop-off and curbside access, etc. to learn about the challenges and opportunities these partnerships face. 

  • The Power of Success: Case Studies That Show Systems Working In Practice | Despite prevailing narratives that composters don’t want compostable products, or that most compostable products end up in landfills, examples of successful compostable acceptance and processing abound across the US. This session examines the tenacity and hurdles organizations have faced to achieve “case study” status at stadiums, large resorts, or even within city boundaries, and the breakthroughs that brought about real change and important lessons for the industry.

  • Innovating Compostables: The Future of Non-Recyclable Food Contact Packaging | It all started with compostable food scrap bags in the 1990’s to help individuals collect food scraps for composting. After that came compostable foodservice packaging, allowing hard-to-recycle items like straws, cutlery, and food-soiled containers to be composted along with food scraps. The next wave of compostable products is more complex, with retail packaging for consumer goods, like coffee pods, fresh produce and meat packaging, condiment and dressing packets, and produce stickers. Flash talks will highlight evolutions in this latest wave, and how compostable design can match the needs of consumers and composters.

  • The Role of Certification Marks in Bringing Identity to a Movement with Integrity | Compostable products sit at the intersection of many sectors (food waste composting, climate change, packaging recovery, regenerative agriculture, chemicals), creating challenges in portraying the full system benefits succinctly. Like the Fair Trade, FSC Certified, and Certified B Corp labels, the BPI compostability mark signals integrity and accountability across the compostable value chain—giving consumers, composters, governments, and businesses confidence that certified products will perform as intended in real-world systems. Explore how a certification mark carries the collective values of each industry player and the intentional work that breathes life and trust into a label. 

  • End Market Development for Compost: Understanding Compost Quality Metrics and What Drives Compost Use | Strong compost end markets are essential to driving demand for food scrap collection and expanding composting infrastructure. This session will highlight emerging opportunities that support diverse markets for compost application—including compost’s role in natural disaster restoration, regenerative agriculture, and climate resilience. It will also feature findings from a recent BPI project on compost quality, including data-driven assessments and a comparison of compost produced with certified compostables versus compost without.  

  • Data to Build Trust and Move Compostables Forward: LCA’s, Compost Quality, Mapping | How data are collected and displayed is critical for closing information gaps and justifying growth in new materials for the bioeconomy. Improved Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies and updated maps of composting infrastructure across the U.S., offer valuable insights for organizations working to expand access and strengthen the adoption of compostable packaging systems that work in practice and at scale.


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  • Hotel Information

Hotel Information

Hotel Booking Information: The BPI Summit has negotiated a limited number of rooms at The Ellis Hotel for a discounted rate of $149.00 excluding taxes and fees. The group rate is available until Monday, September 1st, 2025. Click here to book a room.

Hotel Information:
Ellis Hotel, Atlanta, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
176 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Phone: +1 404-523-5155
Website

Check in 3:00pm, Check out 12:00pm
Discounted Valet Overnight Parking at $40.00 per night
You can find all travel options from the Atlanta Airport to The Ellis hotel here

Amenities:

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Onsite restaurant
  • Fitness Center

Hotel location:
11.2 miles from the Atlanta Airport
0.4 miles from The Loudermilk Conference Center

Conference Center
The Loudermilk Conference Center
40 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303

More information on directions and parking for the Conference Center can be found here.



  • Thank you to our current sponsors!

Sponsorships

Tabletop display space: Please note that exhibiting sponsors will have a table top display space.

2025 BPI Summit Sponsorship Opportunities

Platinum - $18,000.00 (1/2 available)

  • 5 complimentary registrations

  • Access to additional discounted registrations (50%)

  • Large table top display

  • Logo prominently displayed on all conference signage & housekeeping slides

  • Logo displayed on conference website linked to company website

  • Sponsor virtual profile in Conference mobile app

  • 1 push notification per day of the conference (approved by the organizers)

  • 2 social media posts prior to the conference

  • Sponsor logo in 1 pre event & 1 post event communications

  • Attendee opt-in list (to be provided approximately 2 weeks pre-event & 1-week post-event)

  • Speaking role in conjunction with BPI

  • Banner placement in high-traffic area

  • Lunch or Breakfast sponsor on either Wednesday or Thursday

Gold - $10,000.00 (6/8 available)

  • 3 complimentary registrations

  • Access to additional discounted registrations (50%)

  • Table top display

  • Logo prominently displayed on all conference signage & housekeeping slides

  • Logo displayed on conference website linked to company website

  • Sponsor virtual profile in Conference mobile app

  • 1 social media post prior to the conference

  • Sponsor logo in 1 pre event & 1 post event communications

  • Attendee opt-in list (to be provided approximately 2 weeks pre-event & 1-week post-event)

  • Banner placement in high-traffic area

Silver - $5,000.00 (5/10 available)

  • 2 complimentary registrations

  • Logo displayed on all conference signage & housekeeping slides

  • Logo displayed on conference website linked to company website

  • Sponsor virtual profile in Conference mobile app

  • Sponsor logo in 1 pre event & 1 post event communications

Copper - $2,000.00 (5/10 available)

  • 1 complimentary registration

  • Logo displayed on all conference signage & housekeeping slides

  • Logo displayed on conference website linked to company website

Reception Sponsor - $15,000.00 (1/1 available)

  • 2 complimentary registrations
  • Sponsorship of the opening night reception
  • Logo displayed on all conference signage & housekeeping slides
  • Logo displayed on conference website linked to company website
  • Recognition as the reception sponsor throughout the event
  • 5 minutes to address attendees during the session prior to the reception
  • Banner placement in reception area

Contact us to become a sponsor

Interested in sponsoring? Customize your sponsorship to match your brand's goals with packages starting at $3,500. Contact us at communications@bpiworld.org to discuss options.



Thank you to our current sponsors!



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  • Our Speakers

Our Speakers

Coming soon. See the full list of speakers from the 2024 BPI Summit here.

Check out insights from speakers at last year's Summit: 

Watch last year's Summit Keynotes: 




  • Social Media Toolkit

Social Media Toolkit

Want to help spread the word about the Summit? Use this social media toolkit to share on your own socials your thoughts on and engagement with the premier event in the compostable products industry.  

Click on any image to download (scroll to the right for more options if on mobile). Once you've clicked on the image, right click and select 'save image as'. Compatible with Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Attendees
Speakers
Sponsors
Promote Event
Promote Event
Promote Registration
Promote Registration
Promote Sponsorships
Promote Event

You can also use the following .png files to incorporate into your own branded content (right click and select 'save image as' to use files): 


 


Need help with the language to use in your post? Here are some examples to get you started. 

Copy and paste any content into your social channels. 

  • “Join in on panel discussions, keynote speeches, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities and connect with leaders in the circular bioeconomy at the #2025BPISummit. This September in Atlanta, GA. 📦 🔄 🌱 | https://bpiworld.org/events#1/.”
  • "I'm proud to support the #2025BPISummit and contribute to the growth of all stakeholders across the composting industry value chain. Learn more here 👉 https://bpiworld.org/events#1/." 
  • "Let's build composting solutions that scale impact. 2025 BPI Summit | Atlanta, Georgia | Sept. 16-18 |Join the movement and register today: https://bpiworld.org/events#2/."


Hashtags to use:

#2025BPISummit #FutureForward #GreenEvents #ATL #SustainableATL #CompostableProducts #CompostingIndustry #FutureForward #Collaboration #Sustainability #SustainablePackagingSolutions #CompostingInfrastructure #BusinessModels #Legislation #Advocacy #Education #Certification 


Follow us on socials to stay updated on Summit announcements! 

Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube 



  • Submit Your Speaking Abstract

Submit Your Speaking Abstract

NOTE: SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED.  

We’re excited to open the abstract submission process for the 2025 BPI Summit, taking place September 16-18, 2025. This year, we’re focusing on the role of compostable products in sustainable waste management and the infrastructure needed to support them.

We invite submissions from experts, innovators, and leaders in composting, sustainability, and compostable products. Submissions should align with the Summit’s themes and address solutions for expanding composting infrastructure, promoting compostable products, and fostering sustainable practices across industries.

Submission Timeline:

  • Open for Submissions: March 3, 2025
  • Submission Deadline (EXTENDED): May 9, 2025 (CLOSED)

Summit Themes:

  • Composting Infrastructure & Compostable Products: Advancing infrastructure to support compostable products.
  • Innovations in Compostable Products: New materials, products, and technologies driving the future of composting.
  • Business Models & Policy: Successful business models for composters and policies to support compostable products.
  • Sustainability & Circular Economy: Creating closed-loop systems and ensuring market confidence in compostables.

How to Submit:

  • Complete the Submission Form: Align your proposal with Summit themes.
  • Presentation Format: Indicate if your session is a presentation, panel, or workshop.
  • Submission Requirements: Abstracts should be clear and relevant to the composting and compostable products sectors.

Review & Selection: Submissions will be reviewed, and selected speakers will be notified by June 15, 2025.

For questions, contact us at communications@bpiworld.org. We look forward to reviewing your submissions!