Andrew Kirkland

International Paper, United States

Title: From Bottles to Bales: Operational Leadership and Innovation in Beverage and Paper Recycling

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Biography

Andrew Kirkland is the General Manager of International Paper’s Beaverton Recycling Facility, where he leads plant operations, safety, profitability, and sustainability initiatives. With more than 15 years of experience in recycling, distribution, and supply chain management, Andrew has built a reputation for driving operational excellence while advancing environmental responsibility.

Before joining International Paper, he served as Director of Warehouse Operations at Swire Coca-Cola, overseeing a 200+ person team and leading waste reduction, efficiency, and cost-savings initiatives across large-scale distribution centers. His leadership has consistently delivered measurable results in process improvement, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

Andrew is passionate about identifying hidden bottlenecks and transforming them into operational breakthroughs—proving that the fastest ROI in recycling often lies in overlooked details. He brings a collaborative approach to leadership, ensuring teams are empowered to meet both financial and sustainability goals.

He has also shared his expertise as a moderator and panelist at national logistics and supply chain conferences, most recently leading discussions on technology, innovation, and sustainability in recycling and packaging.

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