Industrial Sustainability: An Untapped Business Advantage

Tuesday, February 4 • 10 - 11 a.m.
Location: Sustainability Stadium

As a Senior Vice President and member of the Global Industrial Automation and North American Executive Leadership Team, I lead the Industrial Automation business in the North America at Schneider Electric.

With more than two decades of expertise, I've focused my mission and passion on the future. Specifically, I've concentrated on how we can make our buildings and industries more efficient, resilient, and sustainable through digital and automation—all while decarbonizing in the process. 
 
I've held several key positions in Software and Industrial Automation, including leading the Process Automation & Software Hub in Brazil. In 2018, I relocated to the USA as Global VP of Industrial Automation, driving end-user and software go-to-market efforts across the globe. Most recently, I served as SVP Digital Buildings Business, establishing the business globally and locally, guiding key transformations and acquisitions.

Prior to Schneider Electric, I co-founded and remain a board member of Lar Plásticos, a market leader in circular economy in Brazil. As an expert in IoT (Internet of Things), I launched my career with SoftBrasil and, later, co-founded Envisia Gerenciamento de Ativos, an IoT asset management company. I'm also a board member of Clockworks Analytics. 

Regulations are why you came. Cost-savings are why you will stay. Discover the symbiotic relationship between sustainability and profitability. Explore how automation and technology can enhance plant efficiency, trim waste, optimize resources, and reduce your carbon footprint. You’ll hear about the new industrial identity emerging in the US – unlocking new levels of productivity, growth and competitiveness all contributing toward creating better industrial workplaces. Join us as we host a panel of US manufacturers to discuss unlocking the potential of sustainability for your business that will not only satisfy stakeholders but also elevate your competitive advantage. 

Driving Sustainability Through Additive Manufacturing

Wednesday, February 5 • 10 - 11 a.m.
Location: Sustainability Stadium

Bio - Francois Minec is the Vice President and Global Head of Polymers of HP's Personalization and 3D Printing Business. In this role he is responsible for leading the polymer teams and the development of the portfolio.

Francois has over 22 years’ experience in business development of specialty chemicals and plastics. Prior to his current role at HP, Francois spent 10 years as the CEO of VELOX, a European distribution company for speciality plastics and chemicals. He was also the founder of Advanc3D Materials and was shareholder and President of Setup Performance, which specialised in developing and producing innovative 3D printing materials. Both companies were acquired by BASF in 2018 and Francois spent 3 years as CEO of BASF Forward AM, highlighting a wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry.

Francois holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering as well as an M.Sc. in Polymer Science. He also holds an Executive MBA awarded from ESCP Europe. He has lived all over the world in France, Belgium, Canada, South Africa, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and the UK. He is a keen sportsman and is passionate about skiing, snowboarding, sailing and kitesurfing.

As industries worldwide strive to become more sustainable, additive manufacturing is proving to be a key driver of change. In this session, François Minec, VP & Global Head of Polymers, HP Personalization and 3D Printing, will discuss how advancements in additive manufacturing are helping companies achieve their sustainability goals. By reducing material waste, enabling localized production, creating more efficient supply chains, and maximizing design flexibility, 3D printing is reshaping how products are designed, manufactured, and delivered, leading to lower energy consumption both during production and throughout the product’s lifecycle.

François will highlight specific examples of how HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology has empowered customers across the industrial, consumer, medical, packaging, and automotive industries to achieve their sustainability goals. Attendees will gain valuable insights into real-world applications of additive manufacturing, HP’s dedication to driving a circular economy, and the role of 3D printing in advancing sustainable innovation for the future.

Manufacturing a better tomorrow

Wednesday, February 5 • 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Location: Sustainability Stadium

Nature provides inspiration for the circular economy, driving a more sustainable world for industrial companies. By using innovative technology, we can realize greater sustainability, turn waste into value and integrate principles of circularity, all while growing profitability and market share. To do this, businesses need to understand the importance of designing for endless reuse, remanufacturing, recycling, and how simulation and digital twin technology is the catalyst to get it done right the first time. Siemens is working with its customers on exciting new opportunities to create a better tomorrow for everyone and will share examples of key capabilities that can enable better decisions for business and the environment.