ReMA Develops New Connections at Second ASEAN Pulp & Paper Summit in Vietnam

From November 10 to 11, 2025, ReMA's Chief Economist Emily Sanchez attended the second ASEAN Pulp & Paper Summit, held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Co-hosted by the Vietnam Pulp and Paper Association (VPPA) South Branch and RuiZhiXin Consulting, a partner firm of Fastmarkets RISI; the event's theme was "Towards a More Circular World."

According to VPPA and RuiZhiXin Consulting, the forum is designed to bring together industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for growth, regulatory compliance, innovation, and the evolution of circular economy models in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) pulp and paper industry.

According to the event's organizers, the first ASEAN Pulp and Paper Summit held last November in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, brought more than 213 paper, packaging, and recycling sector participants from 23 countries.

Sanchez participated in a panel that covered four main topics:

• EPR Implementation - Sanchez explained the U.S. patchwork state-by-state approach. While seven states have passed packaging EPR laws only Oregon's is currently running. She addressed eco-modulated fees and how they could benefit paper recyclers by creating economic incentives for companies to shift from hard-to-recycle plastics to paper packaging.
• U.S. Recovery Rates - She discussed that the U.S. lags Europe (the U.S. recovery rates are around 65-70% vs. Europe's 75%) due to infrastructure gaps, education needs, and our market-driven approach. She also emphasized the positive news: mills are using significantly more recycled content than a decade ago, which shows real progress.
• Technology & Innovation - She discussed AI sorting, digital process control, and industry investments at commercial scale.
• Member Concerns & Trade Policy - Sanchez addressed the challenging market environment and why trade policy uncertainty and export market access is the top concern for ReMA members.

Sanchez was excited to meet many new people at the event, connect with industry leaders across Asia-Pacific, and deepen her understanding of the pulp and paper market.

One of the best moments was having a WM representative as her co-panelist. When the panel moved to a discussion on technology, Sanchez was able to publicly thank her co-panelist and WM for their leadership in advancing recycling technologies that benefit all recyclers.

"It was such a warm moment and really showcased the strength of ReMA's member community on an international stage," Sanchez said. "Attending ASEAN was a valuable opportunity for me to represent ReMA's expertise and build relationships in a key export market for our members."one, especially my supervisor and mentor, Natalie Messer Betts. Over the past year, she has continued to challenge me and help me grow into a more skilled, informed, and passionate advocate for the recycled materials industry.