AKRON (March 6, 2009)—Robert W. Handlos, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations L.L.C.'s vice president of product development, will serve as the keynote speaker at the first Going Green In Rubber Conference June 9-10.
The program, presented by Rubber & Plastics News and Delta Energy, will take place at the Holiday Inn in Independence, Ohio, a Cleveland suburb.
Handlos will discuss how operating a company in an environmentally friendly manner—while meaning different things to different firms—is more than just making green products. He will review where the rubber industry is today and what companies could be doing individually and collectively related to “green” operations to sustain their businesses.
The executive will touch on product design, process and systems improvement that lead to reducing energy consumption, to increase yields where possible and to address product end of life issues.
Handlos knows the importance corporate culture and executive leadership play in implementing the green initiatives that help ensure business sustainability.
“In a recessionary period it is easy to lose focus on the initiatives related to energy and environmental impact reductions,” he said. “However, these initiatives are key to not only to long term survival, but also to providing reduced cost advantages now. As executives we must be open to change, encouraging our employees to look for and implement where appropriate new ideas and new technologies that will help our industry sustain ourselves and our natural resources.”
He has 30 years experience in the tire and rubber industry including 25 with Bridgestone.
The Going Green in Rubber Conference is directed toward executive level managers at rubber component manufacturing companies, as well as suppliers and original equipment manufacturers.
The conference program will provide information on how each segment of the rubber product industry can address environmental issues as a key element in their future plans while still growing sales and profitability.
For more information, visit www.rubbernews.com/conferences/2009/green/