Dr. Michael (Mike) Irwin
Senior Vice President – Technology & Innovation, Woodbridge Foam Corporation
Talk Title: Biocarbon innovations for sustainable automotive solutions
Mike holds a PhD and BSc (Honors) from the University of Western Ontario, in Chemistry (Inorganic, Organogold & Organoplatinum). He received numerous post-graduate scholarships, including an NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) Post-Graduate Scholarship and the Ontario Centre for Materials Research Graduate Scholarship.
Dr. Irwin has served on numerous boards, including the Ontario Phonics Consortium, University of Western Ontario Technology and Commercialization, the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance and a Council member of the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
Mike joined 3M Company in 1997 and held numerous positions over 25 years. He was previously Executive Director Research & Development, 3M Canada, Technical Director, 3M Purification and Vice President Research and Development, Electrical Markets Division.
In 2021 Mike left 3M to join Woodbridge Foam Corporation. With corporate headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and automotive headquarters in Troy, Michigan, USA, Woodbridge has more than 7,500 teammates in over 50 locations across 10 countries. The company offers material technologies for applications in automotive, commercial, recreational, packaging, healthcare and building products.
Mr. John Spalding
Senior Director of Vision Care R&D Process Engineering at Bausch & Lomb
Talk Title: Challenges & Opportunities of Biodegradable Plastic Innovations in Biomedical Applications
John Spalding is the Senior Director of Vision Care R&D Process Engineering at Bausch & Lomb, where he leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing ophthalmic device technologies. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology and his Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Rochester.
With 20 years of extensive experience in research, process innovation, and product development, John has contributed to the design and commercialization of a diverse range of ophthalmic products, including intraocular lenses, inserters, refractive surgical systems, packaging components, and contact lenses. His work spans from concept through scale-up, with a focus on enhancing performance, usability, and manufacturing efficiency.
One current area of focus is guiding sustainability initiatives within the contact lens development teams. His efforts focus on conducting comprehensive life cycle analyses to guide the creation of more environmentally responsible products and collaborating with external partners to identify and integrate biodegradable resins suitable for medical device applications.
Dr. Olaf Dolfin
CEO of the New Packaging Group
Talk Title: Biodegradable Plastic Innovations in Packaging Applications
Olaf Dolfin is CEO of the New Packaging Group and experienced entrepreneur with decades of experience in the plastic industry.Known for his strategic vision and ability to translate market trends into industrial opportunities.
In recent years, Olaf partnered with a private equity firm to execute a strategic growth plan. Completing five acquisitions that together formed the New Packaging Group. Today the group comprises four manufacturing sites equipped with more than 60 plastics processing machines containing extrusion- Injection- and thermoforming- lines. The group generates an annual turnover of approximately USD 70 million. This industrial platform enables large scale production as well as agile innovation, particularly in the development of next generation biodegradable packaging materials. Beyond his roll for the New Packaging Group, Olaf also serves on the board of NRK packaging in the Netherlands, where he contributes to industry wide strategies and regulatory engagement.
His current focus is on introducing non fossil based plastics with commercially viable, environmentally responsible alternatives. Working closely with research institutions, customers, and policymakers to shape the packaging of the future.