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.   

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.