Sustainably Speaking

Sustainably Speaking: Building Prosthetics with Hands of Gratitude | America’s Plastic Makers® Oct 28, 2024

When Matt Campana saw a YouTube video of a 3D printer creating prosthetic hands, what he really saw was an opportunity to make a difference. Little did he know how big a difference he would make.

As Matt tells us, “The whole thing has been organic—from finding clients to participate to finding recipients. It's just happened exactly the way that it was supposed to.”

It’s true, cutting-edge technologies and giving back to those in need are not often associated with one another. However, as 3D printing technologies advance and become more accessible it has opened the door to using them for good.

On this episode of Sustainably Speaking, we’ll share Matt’s incredible story and how he came to found Hands of Gratitude. The project works with corporate and school partners to assemble 3D printed prosthetic hands and distribute them to people around the world.

While assembling a prosthetic hand may seem like a challenging endeavor, Gina Oliver, Senior Director, Automotive, at American Chemistry Council, shares her experience participating in the program.

This is an episode that will pull on your heart strings – and it might just inspire you to participate or, find your own unique way to give back.

Sustainably Speaking: Recycling Electronics | America’s Plastic Makers® Sep 23, 2024

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and an ever-increasing reliance on electronic devices, the need for effective recycling has never been more crucial. But how do we go about recycling our electronic devices? Leaders in sustainability like Cody Oliver from evTerra are working to make that easier than ever before by improving and developing the technology to enable more recycling in this space.

On this episode of Sustainably Speaking, Cody shares how the old electronics collecting dust in our junk drawers can be given new life.

While advancements in electronics typically take center stage, Cody makes the compelling case that it's equally important to ensure that electronics are designed to be recycled. Plus, we’ll share tips on where you can drop off some of your old gadgets.

Sustainably Speaking: (Un)Covering the Global Recycling Industry Part 2 | America’s Plastic Makers® Aug 26, 2024

Adam Minter has been traversing the globe throughout his career as an award-winning journalist and author of two best-selling, critically acclaimed books, “Junkyard Planet: Travels in the Billion-Dollar Trash Trade” and “Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale”.

His objective? To uncover the facts about recycling.

In the second installment of our two-part episode, Adam weighs in on the nuances that determine what makes something sustainable. Throughout our conversation, Adam shares several anecdotes to show how he makes sense of recycling and offers advice for his fellow reporters.

Adam shares why the unprecedented demand for products that use recycled plastic will transform how materials are designed, used, and recycled over the next decade.

Sustainably Speaking: (Un)Covering the Global Recycling Industry Part 1 | America’s Plastic Makers® Jul 22, 2024

From scraps to facts. How does a kid who grew up working in his family’s scrap yard become an award-winning journalist and author of two best-selling, critically acclaimed books about recycling?

“They always say, write what you know about. It turned out I knew something about scrap!”

Adam Minter’s career trajectory is undoubtably a fascinating story in and of itself, but his reporting on global recycling is equally as intriguing. Both “Junkyard Planet: Travels in the Billion-Dollar Trash Trade” and “Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale” flipped the script on the discussion around recycling as Adam travels the world to uncover facts about modern day recycling.

In the first installment of our two-part episode, Adam shines a light on the complicated factors that inform our perceptions about recycling and explores the way this influences our beliefs surrounding waste and recycling. Join us on Sustainably Speaking to hear Adam discuss his global adventures in recycling and his personal mission to get the facts out. This journalist’s journey might completely change the way you think about trash.

Sustainably Speaking: New Recycling Technology | America’s Plastic Makers® Jun 24, 2024

The recycling industry is going beyond high-tech. Scientists and inventors are working on cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of the industry and increasing opportunities for circularity. For example, how do we take used fishing nets and turn them into new materials for automobiles? It’s something that may have been unimaginable years ago, but not anymore thanks in part to innovators like Brian Schmatz from BASF's subsidiary trinamiX.

On this episode of Sustainably Speaking, Brian shows us an innovative recycling technology that could one day soon end up in the palm of your hands. His team has developed a mobile infrared spectrometer that can identify plastic at the push of a button, which helps properly and efficiently sort plastics for recycling facilities worldwide.

While the science behind how these technologies work is complicated, Brian makes it simple for our listeners to understand. So, join us on Sustainably Speaking to learn more about how bright young scientists like Brian are addressing some of the greatest challenges in recycling today. He might inspire you to apply your expertise to recycling.

Sustainably Speaking: Austin’s Path to Zero Waste | America’s Plastic Makers® May 20, 2024

Everything’s bigger in Texas—and Austin’s ambitious zero waste goals are no exception. The city is blazing a trail when it comes to transforming traditional waste management into sustainable resource recovery. On this episode, Maddie Morgan from Austin’s Circular Economy Program shows us how the city is creating a more sustainable future. As you’ll find out, Maddie’s approach to improving the circular economy in her hometown is emblematic of Austin’s innovative, creative, and collaborative culture. We hope her outside-of-the-box ideas and success stories might spark solutions in other communities.

Maddie knew she had her dream job when she saw one number: 233 tons. In Texas, that’s the equivalent of 330 Longhorns or 24 eighteen-wheelers. In Maddie’s case, it’s the amount of waste that she and the Austin Resource Recovery team have kept from landfill (so far) through Move Out ATX. All told, the economic value of the materials diverted from the landfill through Move Out ATX equates to about $500,000 dollars to date. Yet, as you’ll find out, this program is just one of the many ingenious circular economy projects they are spearheading in Austin to achieve zero waste by 2040. These are projects that could be replicated in communities across the U.S., maybe even yours? If you are looking for inspiration and wondering how you can think differently about waste in your community, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Sustainably Speaking: Unpacking U.S. Recycling | America’s Plastic Makers® Apr 22, 2024

Are you curious about the recycling industry? Have you ever wondered how you can get involved? In this episode of Sustainably Speaking, Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership, shares advice for anyone who feels inspired to have a positive impact on the planet. Keefe also brings new data to the table as we learn about the current state of recycling in the U.S. and how you should really recycle plastic.

Keefe’s career trajectory reads like a true love story. After all, it was a boy who eventually led her to pursue a career in the recycling industry. As you’ll find out, the work she’s doing today at the non-profit she founded 10 years ago is just as fascinating as her origin story.

The Recycling Partnership mobilizes people, data, and solutions across the value chain to advance a circular economy.The recycling landscape is complex, and Keefe stresses the importance of collaboration, public education and engagement when it comes to identifying solutions to create a more sustainable, circular economy.

Join us on Sustainably Speaking as we learn about Keefe’s journey and how together, we can create a more circular future. We’ll also dive into some myths about recycling. How much do you know about plastic recycling? Come find out.

Sustainably Speaking: The Technology Creating Value from Used Plastic | America’s Plastic Makers® Mar 25, 2024

Jeremy DeBenedictis is on a mission to change the future of recycling. Advanced recycling technologies, like those used at his company Alterra, have potential to fast-track recycling and keep more plastics in the circular economy.

Alterra’s disruptive technology breaks down hard-to-recycle plastics and converts them back into materials that can be used to make new plastic. By doing this, Jeremy and his team are reducing the need for fossil resources to make new plastics and creating value for used plastics that might otherwise end up going to waste.

In this episode, Jeremy also shares helpful anecdotes about inspiring change, becoming an environmental entrepreneur, and what it really takes to have an impact. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in increasing plastic recycling rates, the importance of education and access to recycling programs, and the environmental impact of advanced recycling. And he shares his inspiring vision for how individuals, companies, and governments can apply sustainable solutions.

Sustainably Speaking: Why We Need to Study Microplastics | America’s Plastic Makers® Feb 21, 2024

Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimeters. They are challenging to detect and can have primary or secondary origins. Studying the life cycles of plastics is crucial for reducing microplastics and allows the industry to develop more durable products and design items that degrade under controlled conditions.

The journey towards safeguarding from microplastics in our environment is a process that demands global collaboration. Our guest, Dr. Jeanne Hankett, Sustainability Lead, North American Biodegradation & Microplastics Center of Excellence at BASF, shares valuable insights from her extensive work in this field. Dr. Hankett also provides practical advice for consumers, encouraging proper recycling practices and awareness of compostable materials.

Dr. Hankett also discusses how innovation requires collaboration between scientists, industry experts, and academia. Advanced analytical techniques and collaborations between stakeholders on a global scale are crucial for addressing the complexity of microplastic pollution.

Sustainably Speaking: The Urgency of Now: Advocating for Plastics Recycling & Sustainability | America’s Plastic Makers® Jan 29, 2024

In this episode of Sustainably Speaking, Ross Eisenberg, president of America's Plastic Makers® at the American Chemistry Council delves into his journey, sharing his experience advocating for circular and sustainable solutions and looking at priorities for this year and beyond. He also shines a light on the challenges of implementing federal and international policy on sustainability. Ross and Mia also go head-to-head on a game of sustainability trivia, sharing fun facts about the history of recycling, sustainability, and plastics.

Sustainably Speaking: Energy Efficient Building Innovations | America’s Plastic Makers® Nov 13, 2023

In this episode of Sustainably Speaking, host Mia Quinn explores innovations in sustainable architecture with guests Heidi Kujawa and Jordan Goldman. Heidi, CEO of ByFusion, discusses their innovative approach to using plastic waste to create building materials, highlighting the need to reduce environmental impact. Jordan Goldman, Engineering Principal of Zero Energy Design, sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in designing high-performance, energy-efficient homes, emphasizing the value of long-term thinking.

Sustainably Speaking: Will Americans Embrace the Next Era of Recycling? | America’s Plastic Makers® Oct 16, 2023

In this episode of Sustainably Speaking, host Mia Quinn hands over the mic to Susan Jackson from BASF Corporation to talk with two prominent political pollsters who explored people’s perceptions around recycling.

Jackson is joined by polling experts Cornell Belcher, president and founder of Brilliant Corners Research and Strategies and best known for his polling work for former President Barack Obama, and Brenda Gianiny, president and founder of Axis Research, who’s best known for the work she does with Senator Mitch McConnell.

Belcher and Gianiny emphasize the importance of accurate polling for driving strategies, and they highlight the distinction between professional polling and media-driven polls. They also talk about their initial lack of knowledge about advanced recycling for plastic and how they now recognize its potential and find that voters and consumers share their enthusiasm.

Sustainably Speaking: Slam Dunk! Atlanta Hawks x Sustainability | America’s Plastic Makers® Sep 18, 2023

On this episode of Sustainably Speaking, we’re discussing how the world of sports and entertainment can become more sustainable. We’re joined by Head of Sustainability for the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Team Sofi Armenakian who helped the Hawks’ State Farm Stadium become the first sports and live entertainment venue in the world to receive TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) platinum certification.

Sustainably Speaking: Up Next - Slam Dunk! Atlanta Hawks x Sustainability | America’s Plastic Makers® Sep 05, 2023

On the next episode of Sustainably Speaking, we’re revealing how the world of sports and entertainment can become more sustainable. We’re joined by Head of Sustainability for the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Team Sofi Armenakian who helped the Hawks’ State Farm Stadium become the first sports and live entertainment venue in the world to receive TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) platinum certification.

Sustainably Speaking: The Road to Sustainable Infrastructure | America's Plastic Makers® Aug 21, 2023

On this episode of Sustainably Speaking, host Mia Quinn uncovers how innovations in plastic recycling are paving the way for more durable and sustainable roads. To learn more about the latest developments in asphalt technology, we’re joined by Bill Buttlar, the Glen Barton Chair in Flexible Pavement Technology at the University of Missouri.

Sustainably Speaking: Up Next - The Road to Sustainable Infrastructure | America's Plastic Makers® Aug 09, 2023

Up Next: The Road to Sustainable Infrastructure with Bill Buttlar, Glen Barton Chair in Flexible Pavement Technology, University of Missouri Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Sustainably Speaking: Sustainability Through an Economic Lens | America’s Plastic Makers® Jul 24, 2023

Join host Mia Quinn as she sits down with guest co-host Stew Harris and Martin Koehring, Global Director of Impact at Forum for the Future, who will apply an economic lens to improving sustainability in our oceans.

Sustainably Speaking: Up Next - Sustainability Through an Economic Lens | America's Plastic Makers® Jul 10, 2023

Up Next: Sustainability Through an Economic Lens featuring Martin Koehring, Global Director of Impact at Forum for the Future; Former Head of World Ocean Initiative; and Senior Manager for Sustainability, Climate Change, and Natural Resources at Economist Impact.

Sustainably Speaking: Blocking and Tackling - Keys to Resiliency in Recycling | America's Plastic Makers® Jun 26, 2023

In this episode, we’re joined by Stan Chen, CEO of Recycle GO, and Douglas Johnson-Poensgen, CEO of Circulor, to discover how Blockchain can help facilitate a more reliable and transparent circular economy through traceability. 

Sustainably Speaking: Up Next - Blocking and Tackling: Keys to Resiliency in Recycling | America's Plastic Makers® Jun 12, 2023

Up Next: Blocking and Tackling: The Keys to Solving Traceability and Resiliency in Recycling featuring Stan Chen, CEO of RecycleGO and Doug Johnson-Poensgen, CEO of Circulor.

Sustainably Speaking: Beneath the Surface - Solving Ocean Plastic | America's Plastic Makers® May 30, 2023

In this episode, Ocean Recovery Alliance Founder, Doug Woodring—one of the top 50 ‘Water Men of the World’ and International Swimming Hall of Fame inductee—shares how collaboration from all sides is needed to keep plastic out of the ocean. And how a global agreement could help shape a circular economy for plastics.

Sustainably Speaking: Up Next - Beneath the Surface: Solving Ocean Plastic | America's Plastic Makers® May 15, 2023

Up Next: Beneath the Surface: Solving Ocean Plastic featuring Doug Woodring, Director/Founder, Ocean Recovery Alliance.

Sustainably Speaking: Behind the Seams - Sustainability and Circularity in Fashion (Part 2) | America’s Plastic Makers® May 01, 2023

When it comes to the apparel industry, sustainability isn’t so black and white. As Techstyler co-founder Brooke Roberts-Islam reveals in this episode, there are plenty of emerging trends in the fashion world that are turning heads and growing interest.

Sustainably Speaking: Behind the Seams - Sustainability and Circularity in Fashion (Part 1) | America’s Plastic Makers® Apr 17, 2023

“For every t-shirt in your closet, there exists a t-shirt worth of scraps,” says Dr. Julie Willoughby of Circ. In this episode, Dr. Willoughby brilliantly explains how her company is working towards tackling the fashion industry’s sustainability challenge. It turns out advanced recycling is an emerging trend in the industry.

Sustainably Speaking: Up Next - Sustainability and Circularity in the Fashion Industry | America's Plastic Makers® Apr 03, 2023

Up Next: a very special two-part series threading the needle on sustainability and circularity in Fashion.

Sustainably Speaking: The Next Generation of Women Reshaping Plastics | America's Plastic Makers® Feb 27, 2023

Making sustainable change comes from discovering your purpose and passion. Hear from trailblazing women on how they found their north star working on plastics sustainability and are now helping shape a brighter future.

Sustainably Speaking: Keeping Communities Connected | America's Plastic Makers® Nov 21, 2022

Connectivity is critical to driving equitable economic growth, yet 2.7 billion people still cannot access the internet. And many struggle with slow, costly and unreliable connections. Greater connectivity and innovative solutions for a resilient infrastructure can unlock opportunities in education, healthcare, business and other sectors. This episode features the tools – and the experts – helping foster healthy connections between people, greater equity across the globe and more efficient use of resources.

On This Episode:

Dr. Rennisha Wickham, Senior Marketing Manager, Dow

Rennisha Wickham is a Senior Marketing Manager in Dow’s Packaging and Specialty Plastics business. She is also an inclusion and diversity champion, driving a culture of inclusion and empowering her internal and external partners to cultivate a diverse community of critical thinkers that can solve the world’s most challenging problems. Rennisha joined Dow in 2012 in R&D, where she made contributions to a number of technical projects including the development of functionalized polymers, non-extrusion-based process technologies, sustainable polyolefin solutions for resilient flooring, and elastomers for medium voltage insulation. Rennisha transitioned to Dow’s Technical Service and Development (TS&D) group in 2015, where she leveraged core R&D strengths to deliver high performing technologies for the transportation market and drove growth through distribution channel partners. Rennisha later transitioned to Customer Management in 2018, where she drove growth across transportation, consumer, flooring, artificial turf, and wire and cable markets. Rennisha has a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Virginia State University and a Ph.D. in chemistry from University of Maryland in 2012. She holds six patents and is the author of a number of internal and external publications.

Kyle Fleming, Director of the Virgin Islands Energy Office and Water and Power Authority (WAPA) Board Chairman

In 2016, Kyle Fleming returned to his home on St. Croix, USVI to fulfill his professional goal of transforming the energy sector within the USVI. Upon his return, he took on the role as Director of Operations of a regional residential, commercial, & utility-scale solar developer in the territory. Following Hurricane Irma and Maria, Mr. Fleming developed and deployed solar plus battery storage systems territory-wide which relieved the dependence on generators for many Virgin Islanders suffering through the extended black-outs. Mr. Fleming has continued to impact the Energy Profile of the territory as Director of Virgin Islands Energy Office. As Director, Mr. Fleming has focused policy and program development around the following core pillars: Sustainability, Resiliency, Work-Force Development, and Efficient Energy Resource Utilization. In 2021 Mr. Fleming was elected Chairman of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s governing board. During his tenure, he has focused on disrupting the traditional power plant mentality of the operation and shifting to an Energy as a Service strategy to better serve the evolving energy needs of the community as a whole.

Mia Quinn, Senior Director, Public Affairs at American Chemistry Council

Mia Quinn leads efforts to communicate the plastics industry’s major sustainability initiatives. She works to bring together experts to share insights in key areas of sustainability, including public policy, product design, recycling and infrastructure. She is passionate about collaboration, clear communication and engaging audiences to learn more about innovation and modern solutions for our communities and our country. Mia has a degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis. She grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado and is a lifelong Denver Broncos fan. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two sons.

Sustainably Speaking: The New Age of Recycling | America’s Plastic Makers® Oct 24, 2022

To take recycling to the next level, we’re going to need new technologies that can process the plastic that is not recycled today. Technologies such as robotics that can sort used plastic better and faster. And advanced recycling that can break down used plastic into its building blocks so it can be remade, again and again. This podcast episode digs into these and other technologies that are revolutionizing the way we recycle, helping us build a circular economy in which plastic is reused instead of discarded.

Rob Writz, Director, Business Development, AMP Robotics

Craig Cookson, Senior Director, Plastics Sustainability at American Chemistry Council

Mia Quinn, Senior Director, Public Affairs at American Chemistry Council

Sustainably Speaking: The Change Maker Next Door | America’s Plastic Makers® Sep 19, 2022

We call them America’s Change Makers. On this episode, hear a few of the personal stories and motivations of these innovators working to create a more sustainable future.

On This Episode:

Dell, Senior TS&D Scientist, Dow

Learn more about Dell: The Advocate here.

Kait, Technical Service Representative, Covestro

Learn more about Kait: The Environmentalist here.

Natalie, Value Business Manager, ExxonMobil

Learn more about Natalie: The Finder here.

Raul, Senior Manager, Reaction Engineering, Technology and Innovation, SABIC

Learn more about Raul: The Problem Solver here.

Kate, Sustainability Specialist, SABIC

Learn more about Kate: The Developer here.

Mia Quinn, Senior Director, Public Affairs at American Chemistry Council

Mia Quinn leads efforts to communicate the plastics industry’s major sustainability initiatives. She works to bring together experts to share insights in key areas of sustainability, including public policy, product design, recycling and infrastructure. She is passionate about collaboration, clear communications and engaging audiences to learn more about and advocate for innovation and modern solutions for our communities and our country. Mia has a degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis. She grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado and is a lifelong Denver Broncos fan. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two sons.

Jennifer Killinger, Senior Director, Sustainability & Customer Outreach, American Chemistry Council

Jennifer Killinger has over 25 years of experience in communications, public affairs and sustainability initiatives for the plastics industry. She’s held several positions at ACC, and currently enjoys working on the America’s Plastics Makers®: Making Sustainable Change initiative, a collaborative effort of industry leaders dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and a more circular economy for plastics, which includes America’s Change Makers®. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and master’s degree from Temple University. She lives in Maryland, with her husband and daughter—both avid recyclers and Ravens fans. Jennifer had A LOT of fun joining Mia for this episode of Sustainably Speaking!

Sustainably Speaking: Leadership in Sustainability | America’s Plastic Makers® Aug 22, 2022

More than ever, organizations are recognizing sustainable practices as a business imperative.

On this episode of Sustainably Speaking, hear about the Sustainability Leadership Award winners who are making groundbreaking innovations in circularity, education and sustainable investment.

Monica Ellis, the CEO and founder of the Global Environmental Technology Foundation, and Rob Westervelt, editor-in-chief of Chemical Week, served as two of the judges for ACC’s Sustainability Leadership Awards. They join Mia Quinn to tell us about a few of the award winners and trends, including the creation of a first-of-its-kind graduate program at a major national university.

Monica Ellis, CEO and Founder, Global Environmental Technology Foundation

Monica Ellis is Chief Executive Officer and a founding member of the Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF). A sustainable development leader, Monica has worked throughout the world on a range of natural resource and economic development issues, focusing particularly on clean water, climate, technology, health and economic empowerment issues. She specializes in developing high impact partnerships with leading companies, government agencies, civil societies and philanthropists that result in resilient communities. Her passion centers on working with vulnerable communities assisting their efforts to gain clean water, sanitation and ultimately, economic opportunity.

As an advocate of innovation, she has also helped launch several successful companies and platforms in the environmental technology, information technology and communications sectors. She is a member/advisor to several boards, including GETF, Water For People, the Johns Hopkins University Global Water Advisory Board, US Water Partnership, the Graham Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan, the Global Water Institute at the Ohio State University and Ketos. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri and a proud recipient of American University’s William K. Reilly Award for Environmental Leadership.

Monica also serves as CEO of Global Water Challenge (GWC), an action-oriented coalition of corporations, NGOs and other organizations committed to achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation. Under her leadership, GETF and GWC have mobilized over $350 million for clean water access and community development efforts that today benefits over 8 million people in Africa, Central and Latin America and India.

Rob Westervelt, Editor-inChief, Chemical Week

Rob Westervelt is editor-in-chief of Chemical Week, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights. Rob has covered the global chemical industry for more than 25 years. He was named editor of Chemical Week in December 2006. His team is responsible for coverage and analysis of news and trends affecting the global chemical industry. Before being named editor-in-chief, he was senior editor, responsible for news and markets coverage of the Americas.

Mia Quinn, Senior Director, Public Affairs at American Chemistry Council

Mia Quinn leads efforts to communicate the plastics industry’s major sustainability initiatives. She works to bring together experts to share insights in key areas of sustainability, including public policy, product design, recycling and infrastructure.

She is passionate about collaboration, clear communications and engaging audiences to learn more about and advocate for innovation and modern solutions for our communities and our country.

Mia has a degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis. She grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado and is a lifelong Denver Broncos fan. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two sons.

Sustainably Speaking: Driving Toward Automotive Circularity | America’s Plastic Makers® Jul 25, 2022

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory is one of the 17 U.S. Department of Energy laboratories. It has the largest multi-program science and energy research lab in the U.S.

On this latest episode of Sustainably Speaking, we discuss the new partnership between Oak Ridge and the American Chemistry Council. The partnership looks to answer the question of what to do with materials from our old cars and trucks once they reach the end of their useful life while exploring ways to capture, recycle and remake more plastic and plastic composites from these vehicles.

Together, the two organizations will help develop circular solutions for plastics and plastic composites in the automotive industry, exploring what modern recycling technologies (like advanced recycling!) can offer.

Host Mia Quin is joined by Soydan Ozcan, Senior R&D Scientist in the Manufacturing Science Division of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and co-host Gina Oliver, senior director of curable markets advocacy at American Chemistry Council. They’ll discuss how they plan to create circular systems that can be applied across multiple industries.

On This Episode:

Soydan Ozcan, Senior R&D Scientist in the Manufacturing Science Division of Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Soydan Ozcan is currently the Thrust Lead for Development of Bio-Derived Materials & Manufacturing at the Department of Energy’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) located at Oak Ridge. His research addresses the broad and vital issue of identifying novel, high-value biomaterials from renewable sources, and viable processes for their preparation for composite and additive manufacturing applications towards zero waste.

Ozcan also leads the Composite Recycling Effort for the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing Composite Innovation (IACMI). IACMI is the national Composite Institute within Manufacturing USA, which helps U.S. manufacturers employ leading-edge technology to become more competitive. In this scope, Ozcan facilitates the development of composite recycling technologies and utilizes various composite techniques to repurpose them into useful applications. Ozcan and his team are developing manufacturing techniques and exploring new materials to improve energy efficiency during composite manufacturing, decrease material waste, lower costs, and improve material performance. Ozcan’s team is integrating a smart circular economy concept within product development, production processes, use, and re-use systems right from the beginning.

Mia Quin, Senior Director, Plastics Outreach & Public Affairs at American Chemistry Council

Mia Quinn leads efforts to communicate the plastics industry’s major sustainability initiatives. She works to bring together experts to share insights in key areas of sustainability, including public policy, product design, recycling, and infrastructure.

She is passionate about collaboration, clear communications, and engaging audiences to learn more about and advocate for innovation and modern solutions for our communities and our country.

Mia has a degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis. She grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado and is a lifelong Denver Broncos fan. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two sons.

Gina Oliver Senior, Director of Durable Markets Advocacy at American Chemistry Council

Gina Oliver is the Senior Director for the American Chemistry Council’s Durable Markets Advocacy Team. She leads advocacy on behalf of the durable plastics industry, who provide the innovative, sustainable material solutions that are essential to solving some of society’s biggest challenges, including CO2 emissions reduction and advancing a circular economy for durable plastics.

In her spare time, Gina sits on the Women in Government Relations Transportation and Infrastructure Task Force, Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation Consortium Council, and the Global Automotive Steering Group - the governing body for the Global Automotive Declarable Substance List. She is also a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers, Society of Automotive Engineers, Women in Government Relations, and American Society of Association Executives.

Sustainably Speaking: Clean Drinking Water - A Pipe’s Dream | America’s Plastic Makers® Jun 14, 2022

U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Rich Anderson discusses efforts to address America’s failing water infrastructure.

Have you ever taken a trip abroad and wondered whether it’s safe to drink the water? What about right here at home in the U.S.?

In America, we often assume our tap water is safe and healthy to drink. However, for millions of Americans, safe drinking water is a luxury due to the current state of our water infrastructure which is primarily made off corroded pipes. Just think of Flint, Michigan, which brought to light a community’s tragic struggle with water contamination.

Dr. Richard Anderson, consultant to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, is intimately familiar with America’s water crisis. For over 30 years, he has worked on the difficult issues facing the U.S. water infrastructure, developing solutions as modern plastic pipes. On the latest episode of Sustainably Speaking, Rich joins host Mia Quinn and special guest co-host Amy Schmidt, director of building and construction at the American Chemistry Council. Together they dive into the complex yet critical issue of providing Americans with access to safe and clean drinking water.

Sustainably Speaking: A New Dimension in Reconstructive Surgery | America’s Plastic Makers® May 23, 2022

Dr. Albert Woo, Chief of Pediatric Plastic Surgery and Director of the Lifespan 3D Printing Lab, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University

Albert S. Woo, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in the treatment of cleft and craniofacial anomalies. This work has led to a particular interest in three dimensional imaging and printing of complex surgical models. He is an Associate Professor of Surgery, Pediatrics and Neurosurgery at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and serves as the Chief of the Division of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Center at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and Director of the Lifespan 3D Printing Laboratory.

Dr. Woo currently is a member of numerous societies including the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including recognition by Best Doctors in America and Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors.

Mia Quinn, Senior Director, Plastics Division at American Chemistry Council

Mia Quinn leads efforts to communicate the plastics industry’s major sustainability initiatives. She works to bring together experts to share insights in key areas of sustainability, including public policy, product design, recycling, and infrastructure.

She is passionate about collaboration, clear communications, and engaging audiences to learn more about and advocate for innovation and modern solutions for our communities and our country.

Mia has a degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis. She grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado and is a lifelong Denver Broncos fan. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two sons.

Joshua Baca, Vice President, Plastics Division, American Chemistry Council

As Vice President of ACC’s Plastics Division, Joshua oversees strategic programs to advance a science-based policy agenda, national outreach, and sustainability initiatives on behalf of America’s leading plastics makers. He encourages better understanding of plastics’ importance to areas such as automotive, building and construction, and packaging, and about innovations that are helping to address some of our world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Joshua also leads industry initiatives and fosters dialogue around helping to end plastic waste by creating a more circular economy.

He previously led public affairs at a large organization, where he oversaw the launch of a new plastics sustainability initiative and helped advance community-based recycling projects.

He began his career working on Capitol Hill. Joshua has an MA in Government and Political Communications from The Johns Hopkins University and a BA in Political Science from Texas Tech University.

Sustainably Speaking: Gen Z - The Future of Sustainability | America’s Plastic Makers® Apr 25, 2022

On this latest episode of Sustainably Speaking, we discuss the emerging generation of thinkers and doers, Generation Z, a group notoriously passionate about building a bright and sustainable future for humanity and the Earth.

Host Mia Quinn and Gen-Z co-host Carly Zaccaria, sustainability coordinator at the American Chemistry Council talk with noted leader in sustainability Gulay Serhatkulu, senior vice president of performance materials for the North American division of BASF Corporation and mother of an 18-year-old future engineer.

Tune in to hear this discussion on how Gen-Z’s heightened environmental awareness and demand for positive change is driving a societal and corporate shift toward a more purpose-driven, sustainable culture.

On This Episode:

Gulay Serhatkulu, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Performance Materials North America, BASF Corporation

Gulay Serhatkulu is Senior Vice President responsible for the Performance Materials business for BASF Corporation in North America. This business encompasses the entire materials know-how of BASF regarding innovative, customized plastics under one roof and is globally active in four major industry sectors – transportation, construction, industrial applications and consumer goods.

Gulay joined BASF in 2006 as a technical service representative. She has held a variety of roles with increasing responsibility within BASF including product management, marketing, sales, strategy and most recently procurement. Prior to BASF, she earned two postdoctoral appointments at the University of Nottingham, UK and Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan respectively.

Gulay earned and/or did her studies for a PhD, MSc, and a BSc degree from the University of Akron, OH and Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey in the fields of polymer science and engineering, and chemical engineering. Gulay was born in Istanbul, Turkey. She is married and has one son.

Mia Quin, Senior Director, Plastics Outreach & Public Affairs at American Chemistry Council

Mia Quinn leads efforts to communicate the plastics industry’s major sustainability initiatives. She works to bring together experts to share insights in key areas of sustainability, including public policy, product design, recycling, and infrastructure.

She is passionate about collaboration, clear communications, and engaging audiences to learn more about and advocate for innovation and modern solutions for our communities and our country.

Mia has a degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis. She grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado and is a lifelong Denver Broncos fan. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two sons.

Carly Zaccaria, Sustainability Coordinator at the American Chemistry Council

Carly Zaccaria recently joined ACC as a sustainability coordinator for the Plastics Division. A Pittsburgh native, she has spent the last 6 years in North Carolina where she received her B.S.B.A in International Business from Elon University and her M.S. in Management from the Duke University Fuqua School of Business. Carly found her passion for sustainability when she interned at the Environmental Defense Fund on the Energy Efficiency Team. Carly looks forward to having a long and fulfilling career ahead of her in sustainability.

Sustainably Speaking: Coming Full Circle on Sustainability in the Plastics Industry | America’s Plastic Makers® Oct 22, 2021

On this final episode of Sustainably Speaking Season 1, we dive into the complex and crucial role of sustainability related to plastic, building upon conversations we have had over the last several months. As our nation seeks to modernize U.S. infrastructure, expand sustainable technologies, and find ways to prevent waste, plastic industry leaders continue to elevate sustainability in their business models to create a better world today and for future generations.

Host Joshua Baca highlights the best of our conversations from Season 1 as our guests share perspectives on the often-overlooked role of plastics in building a more sustainable world. With topics ranging from reducing greenhouse gases to creating financially viable, long-term solutions, this sustainability-centered discussion — largely shaped by our guests’ varied areas of expertise — is not one to miss.

Sustainably Speaking: A Policy Vision for Ending Waste | America’s Plastic Makers® Oct 08, 2021

On this latest episode of Sustainably Speaking, we dive into the importance of national legislation for creating a circular economy in the U.S. to prevent waste from entering the environment. From modernizing our infrastructure and enabling next generation automobiles, plastics play a critical part in a lower carbon future. But given that plastics’ national recycling rate is low, how can we move the United States toward a more sustainable, circular economy?

Host Joshua Baca is joined by Chris Jahn, president and CEO of ACC, and Laura Chamorro, general manager of polyethylene at Shell Polymers, to discuss an innovative, new legislative proposal aimed at improving sustainability efforts and our ability to prevent and recycle waste at scale.

Sustainably Speaking: Preventing Food Waste | America’s Plastic Makers® Sep 24, 2021

On this latest episode of Sustainably Speaking, we discuss critical issues related to community health and sustainability — food waste and food insecurity. Every day, millions of Americans lack access to fresh, nutritious food, yet each year 30 to 40 percent of food is wasted on average. One of the major contributors? Insufficient or improper food packaging. However, support from local food banks and advancements in sustainable plastic packaging can help delay spoilage across the production cycle, bringing fresh meats, produce, and dairy products to underserved communities.

Host Joshua Baca is joined by John Kreger, Chief Operating Officer at the Montgomery County (TX) Food Bank, to discuss the role sustainable plastic packaging plays in extending shelf life and preventing food loss.

Sustainably Speaking: Investing in a Circular Economy | America’s Plastic Makers® Sep 10, 2021

In this episode of Sustainably Speaking, we discuss how companies are ramping up their efforts to reduce plastic waste by investing in and innovating for a circular economy. How is this happening? Companies and funds are accelerating investment in recycling infrastructure and innovative technologies (like advanced recycling), with the goal of increasing the amount of plastic that can be recycled into new products and materials, again and again.

Host Joshua Baca is joined by Julie Zaniewski, North America Sustainability Director for Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics, and Bridget Croke, Managing Director of Closed Loop Partners, to discuss private sector efforts to achieve more sustainable practices and the role of a circular economy in sustainability.

Sustainably Speaking: Advanced Recycling - Combining Science and Sustainability | America’s Plastic Makers® Aug 27, 2021

On the last episode of Sustainably Speaking, we discussed how advanced recycling helps communities find new uses and value in used plastics while keeping plastic waste out of the environment. How does this process work? Advanced recycling companies rely on scientists to help inform their technologies, processes, data and analysis... all necessary to creating a circular economy for plastics.

On this episode of Sustainably Speaking, Joshua Baca is joined by Dr. Rachel Meidl of Rice University’s Baker Institute and Dr. Marco Castaldi of City College of New York to dive into the science behind advanced recycling, how it differs from traditional recycling, what it means for the lifecycle of plastic materials and the role it plays in circularity.

Sustainably Speaking: Innovating for the Environment | America’s Plastic Makers® Aug 13, 2021

Many plastics can be recycled through familiar methods – throw it in the bin at the curb and it gets ground up and reformed into something new. But what about other plastics that can’t go in the bin, like flower pots, CD cases, and chip pouches?

On this episode of Sustainably Speaking, Joshua Baca talks with GreenMantra Chief Commercial Officer Domenic Di Mondo and Cyclyx Senior Vice President Bill Cooper about advanced recycling – emerging technologies that are converting hard-to-recycle plastics into new products, keeping more waste out of the environment and creating jobs right here in our communities.

Sustainably Speaking: Doing More with Less - Circularity and Energy Efficiency | America’s Plastic Makers® Jul 30, 2021

Did you know that your empty yogurt cup or takeout container may have a second life as a suitcase or playground slide? As our society evolves toward treating waste as a valuable resource, used plastics are making a growing contribution to sustainability. Companies and brands are increasingly giving waste another life, harnessing the power of innovation to make new products using recycled plastics, including foam insulation for more energy-efficient buildings. Not only does use of this insulating material help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it also can help save money on our utility bills.

On this episode of Sustainably Speaking, Joshua Baca, host and American Chemistry Council’s vice president of plastics, speaks with Huntsman CEO Peter Huntsman about how manufacturers like Huntsman are leading the charge on advancing circularity and contributing to a more resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

Sustainably Speaking: Our Lower-Carbon Future | America’s Plastic Makers® Jul 16, 2021

Lowering carbon emissions and supporting company pledges to improve sustainability are a big challenges, and we’ll need cutting-edge, 21st century infrastructure and supporting technologies to achieve these ambitious targets. Fortunately, the world has seen a rapid increase in the development of these technologies over the last decade. While you may not realize it, some important forms of renewable infrastructure, such as solar panels and wind turbines, depend on plastic to produce sustainable energy more efficiently.

On this episode of Sustainably Speaking, host Joshua Baca, American Chemistry Council’s vice president, plastics, speaks with Christine Bryant, Covestro’s senior vice president of polyurethanes, about how manufacturers are innovating and collaborating across industries to invest in the materials needed to modernize our infrastructure while lowering our carbon footprint.

Sustainably Speaking: Creating a Circular Economy | America’s Plastic Makers® Jul 02, 2021

Circularity and sustainability go hand in hand. As America’s Plastic Makers® continue to work towards a circular economy for plastics, a major focus will be on innovating to achieve carbon reductions and recycling and remanufacturing used plastic so it doesn’t end up in landfills and oceans. One of America’s Plastic Makers, Eastman Chemical, is developing high performing products that can be recycled again and again – keeping more plastic out of the environment and lowering their carbon footprint by up to 30%.

On this episode of Sustainably Speaking, host Joshua Baca speaks with Eastman Chemical CEO Mark Costa to discuss innovative plastics technology. Joshua and Mark dive into how Eastman’s materials help promote circularity in fashion, food and beverage packaging, and automotive, as well as how we can move forward innovative strategies like advanced recycling.

Sustainably Speaking: The Road to Electric Vehicles | America’s Plastic Makers® Jun 18, 2021

Each year, we've seen automakers add more electric vehicles to their lineup as they transform cars into high tech and low impact mobility masterpieces. But did you know plastic is already playing a major role in this transition? Durable, lightweight plastic materials are enabling our shift to a low carbon future by helping to increase fuel efficiency and enabling the production of electric vehicle components.

On this episode of Sustainably Speaking, host Joshua Baca speaks with Dr. Debra Mielewski, Technical Fellow of Sustainability at Ford, and Paul Snyder, Chairman of the Transportation Design Department at the College for Creative Studies, about what sustainability means in the auto industry and how plastic producers and automakers are working together to design the vehicles of the future.

Sustainably Speaking: The Road to Circularity | America’s Plastic Makers® Jun 04, 2021

What is sustainability, what is circularity, and how do they impact your daily life?

On this episode of Sustainably Speaking, host Joshua Baca of America’s Plastic Makers®, NOVA Chemicals Director of Sustainability Sarah Marshall, and McKinsey Partner Jeremy Wallach discuss the importance of reducing plastic waste by creating and maintaining a circular economy for plastics. Listen in as they dive into what it means to create a system where no plastic materials are wasted and how America’s Plastic Makers are making it possible through our Circular Economy Goals and Roadmap to Reuse.

Sustainably Speaking: Trailer | America’s Plastic Makers® May 19, 2021

What does it take to create a sustainable world? On Sustainably Speaking, host Joshua Baca, ACC plastics division vice president, speaks to leaders working to create sustainable solutions across every industry touched by the plastics market. They share personal insights and creative solutions to our world’s biggest challenges, and their vision for our collective future.

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