WMU Fiber Recycling Course

WMU Paper Pilot Plant will hold their next WMU Fiber Recycling Course on August 18–20, 2026. Numerous networking opportunities and a broad spectrum of attendees and contacts make this a great course for veterans of the industry looking to broaden their knowledge or those new to the industry who want to see the entire process of fiber recycling. From brand perspectives, sustainability drivers, recyclable certifications, and legislation, to the collection, MRF sorting, reprocessing, and papermaking; this course covers a full view of the circular economy of fiber recycling. Please join us!

Learning objectives

• Recyclability Protocols and Product Labeling
• Recycled Fiber Global Markets Update
• Sustainability — Brand Owner Perspective
• Regulations and Market Drivers
• Collection and MRF Operations
• Paper Mill Operations
• Hands-on Fiber Recycling/Papermaking Option
• Speakers include: Industry Experts and WMU Faculty

Networking opportunities

Networking opportunities include a dinner with entertainment at the world-famous Bell's Eccentric Cafe and a happy hour in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo. 

Optional add-on course

WMU Paper Pilot Plant Experience — Hands-on Fiber Recycling and Papermaking

Held on the last day of the course from noon–5 p.m. Spend the afternoon with the WMU’s Paper Pilot Plant crew and see the processes firsthand. This includes fiber recycling operations (pulping, screening, cleaning), paper making on the newly installed dual fourdrinier pilot machine (the only one of its kind in North America), and time in our papermaking/paper testing labs. You will see a bale of recovered paper enter the process, the recovery of the fibers, and the production of recycled paper (forming, pressing, drying, calendering).  Whether you are new to the industry, enjoy learning on your feet, or simply want to see our facilities operate, this will be time well spent. Space is limited.  

Take a look at this year's information
2026 COURSE SCHEDULE 

2026 SPEAKER LINEUP

MATERIALS:
All participants will receive a course presentation notebook.

CEU CREDITS
Earn 14 professional development hours or 1.4 CEUs after completion of this course.

MEALS
Complimentary morning and afternoon snacks, along with lunch will be provided.

WEATHER/DRESS
Weather at this time of the year averages a high of 85 degrees and a low of 63. Dress is business casual, and jeans are okay.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Sheri Russell, Administrative Assistant
WMU Paper Pilot Plants
Sheri.Russell@wmich.edu
Office: 269-276-3964
Cell: 269-330-8553

• $1,975 for TAPPI Member
  
  
• $2,170 for TAPPI Professional Membership Join and Renew 
  
  
• $2109 for TAPPI Young Professional Membership Join and Renew
  
  
• $2,225 for TAPPI nonmember to attend
  
  
• $440 for Optional 1/2 Day

Registration Cancellation Policy

If you have to cancel your training course registration, you must notify TAPPI in writing via email memberconnection@tappi.org prior to the class start date. Refunds will be provided according to the following scale:

• 100% refund if notice is received at least 28 days prior to class start date; July 21, 2026
• 50% refund if notice is received between 27 and 11 days prior to class start date; July 22 – August 7, 2026
• no refund will be issued for notice received 10 business days or less prior to class start date. August 8, 2026

There is no refund of fees due to failure to attend without notice. Substitutions will be accepted at any time without penalty.

Course Cancellation Policy
It is WMU’s intent to avoid cancelling or rescheduling any training course. However, we reserve the right to cancel or change a training course at any time, for reasons including but not limited to, insufficient registration, instructor emergencies, or other issues beyond our control.

General Disclaimer

WMU shall not be liable for damages of any kind resulting from errors or omissions in the training materials, nor shall WMU be liable for any damages resulting from the use of the training materials or other information conveyed at a WMU training course.  

Lodging

Radisson Plaza Hotel Kalamazoo Center
100 W Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007

Hilton Garden Inn 
303 North Rose Street
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007

Home2 Suites by Hilton
303 North Rose Street
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007

REGISTRATION
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Registrants should arrive at Western Michigan University by 7:30 for the 8 a.m. course start time.

CLASSROOM LOCATION
Floyd Hall
D-109
4601 Campus Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49008

PARKING DIRECTIONS
For those driving to the Parkview Campus, no permit is needed during the course. Please see driving directions below.  We are asking that attendees utilize parking ramp West Parking Deck (P4).  For closer parking, pull all the way forward on main level deck. Please note, it is approximately 200 yards from the classroom. Signs will be posted on doors and in the hallway to guide you to Floyd Hall D-109. If you have limited mobility or need parking assistance, please reach out to sheri.russell@wmich.edu.

Via US 131

• Take Exit 36 onto Southbound Stadium Drive -Turn South (right) on Drake Road -Stay Southbound on Drake and crossover Parkview Ave.
• Drake becomes Campus Drive

West Parking Deck

• Once on Campus Drive
• Turn Right on Engineering Way West (Fourth Driveway) -West Parking Deck is the Third Entrance on Left

SCHEDULE
https://wmich.edu/pilotplants/recycling/fiber-course/recycling-course-schedule  

MATERIALS:
All participants will receive a course presentation notebook.

CEU CREDITS
Earn 14 professional development hours or 1.4 CEUs after completion of this course.

MEALS
Complimentary morning and afternoon snacks, along with lunch will be provided.

WEATHER/DRESS
Weather at this time of the year averages a high of 85 degrees and a low of 63. Dress is business casual, and jeans are okay.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Sheri Russell, Administrative Assistant
WMU Paper Pilot Plants
Sheri.Russell@wmich.edu
Office: 269-276-3964
Cell: 269-330-8553

TAPPI Press is known as an industry leader for publishing reliable and practical publications and training products created and peer reviewed by industry experts for professionals and students alike.

This is a great time to refresh or master new skills and restock your corporate or personal library.  Links are provided for product descriptions.  Purchase through registration and receive FREE SHIPPING within the United States.

These titles have been selected just for this event:

Handbook for Pulp and Paper Technologists (The Smook Book ) FOURTH Edition 

0202SMOOK4
$111                      

Make Paper Products Stand Out; Strategic Use of Wet End Chemical Additives  

0101R361
$103

Advances in Papermaking Wet End Chemistry Application Technologies   

0101R349
$139

Properties of Paper  

0102B052
$48

Pigment for Paper and Paperboard

0101R366
$146

Recycled Fiber and Deinking (2nd Ed.)

0202FIN07-2

$184