Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for Redefining Plastics
ScienceTechnology

Redefining Plastics

Justin Riney

Are you confused about plastics recycling? Do you think it is all a fraud?

The ultimate goal of this podcast is to provide a platform for the people that are making recycling and the circularity of plastics a reality. Real people that are making a difference!

We might even debunk a few myths about plastics, or correct the current narrative around plastics.

People choose plastics because of convenience, but we need them to choose plastics because they are a better sustainable packaging option for the environment. Success in these areas will "redefine plastics" in the eyes of consumers.

We need to better express the benefits of plastic products. If we do not connect the "Why" of plastics with our overall messaging, we will continue to be deselected in packaging applications by consumer demand.

Part of the Brave Media Family

#plastics #plasticrecycling #plasticwaste #sustainability #microplastics

Play
Open in
  • 25 episodes
  • Avg 50 min
  • English

Episodes 25

NewestOldestLongest
All20Unplayed20In progress0Played0
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S1 · E60
    November 3 · 29 min

    Scaling Dissolution for Food-Contact Recycled Polypropylene with IPL Schoeller and PureCycle

    At NPC Live, Redefining Plastics host Justin Riney sat down with Melissa Vettleson (Sustainability and Materials Engineer at IPL Schoeller) and Christian Bruey (Director of Sustainability and External Affairs at PureCycle Technologies) about their partnership to put post-consumer recycled polypropylene (PCR) into clear, food-contact packaging using PureCycle's Polypropylene dissolution technology. The collaboration between these organizations led to the commercialization of IPL Schoeller’s new SnapPak Square Evo line (8–48 oz) of clear packaging. You can see these 25% recycled-content packages nationwide filled with Cleveland Kitchen's products on your local store shelves. Both companies have great expectations for the future of this product line and are targeting deli markets with a 20% PCR minimum recycled content but they have the ability to increase content to meet customer's needs. PureCycle also details its dissolution process that dissolves only polypropylene and filters out additives, colors, and other contaminants, enabling traceable, APR-certified, colorable resin suited for tight processing and safety requirements. This conversation covers challenges in traditional PP recycling, compounding to meet customer specifications, policy impacts (EPR, mandates), the importance of domestic sourcing, and PureCycle’s expansion plans from Ironton, Ohio to future sites in Thailand and Antwerp. We learned a lot from this conversation, and I know that you will too. IPL Schoeller Sustainable packaging solutions for global supply chains | IPL Schoeller https://www.iplschoeller.com/us/news/introducing-snappack-square-evo-advancing-sustainable-food-packaging-with-20-clear-food-contact-recycled-polypropylene https://www.iplschoeller.com/us/news/recycled-polypropylene-food-packaging-a-sustainable-solution-with-25-recycled-content https://www.linkedin.com/company/iplschoeller/home/?viewAsMember=true PureCycle https://www.purecycle.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/purecycletechnologies/home/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E59
    October 27 · 32 min

    Are Plastics Sustainable? with Patrick Krieger of the PLASTICS Industry Association

    Justin Riney hosts Patrick Krieger, who is the Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Policy at the PLASTICS Industry Association. In this conversation, they dive deep into sustainability, plastics, and creating the change the plastic industry needs to thrive into the future. The conversation starts with PLASTICS 18-month partnership with the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) to expand polystyrene recycling access toward its 60% “North Star.” This effort has driven considerable change in the perception of Polystyrene and plastics in general in North America since the group's inception within PLASTICS. They also discussed many of the PSRA's successes thus far, like the US Plastics Pact’s decision to remove EPS transport packaging from its problematic list. Krieger says sustainability is increasingly embedded in business decisions and argues plastics can offer lower energy, water, and carbon impacts than alternatives while acknowledging challenges like low recycling rates and plastic waste. They discuss extended producer responsibility (EPR) as a useful tool when “good,” contrasting varied state programs (Oregon, Colorado, California) and warning that poor design can raise costs without improving outcomes. Both stress that better, aggregated, anonymized data is essential to ensure EPR funds build recycling infrastructure and improve rates. They also address misinformation, science literacy, social media “echo chambers,” and the need for industry-wide advocacy and education initiatives such as Recycling Is Real, Positives of Plastics, and SPE’s Plastivan. PLASTICS https://www.plasticsindustry.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkkrieger/ Positives of Plastics https://positivesofplastic.org/ Recycling is Real https://recyclingisreal.org/ SPE's Plastivan https://www.4spe.org/speplastivan/ PSRA https://psrecycling.org/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E58
    October 20 · 30 min

    Recycling Collaboration, EPR, and Building End Markets with PLASTICS Industry Association

    This was the third episode recorded at the National Plastics Conference (NPC), and the NPC Live podcast studio onsite. Thanks again to PLASTICS for having Redefining Plastics at the conference and all of their support. In this episode, Justin Riney hosts Kellie Alvarado (Director of Sustainability, Anchor Packaging) and Andy Brewer (Director of Sustainability and Recycling, Plastics Industry Association) to discuss a new Polypropylene recycled bale study led by PLASTICS, recycling advocacy, collaboration, and EPR policy. Alvarado argues there is no “evil material,” emphasizing plastics’ role in food packaging and waste prevention, while Brewer describes Plastics’ member base and how its recycling committee and end-market programs connect the full plastics supply chain. This collaboration is key to solving any of the problems the plastics industry faces today. The group discusses EPR as a valid approach to fund infrastructure but warns against rushing implementation and inconsistent “rates and dates,” citing Oregon depots and a polypropylene bale study project in Colorado. They stress improving consumer trust through public tours of plastic facilities, transparency, and positive feedback. We loved this conversation and hope that you will learn something from their expertise. PLASTICS https://www.plasticsindustry.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrewer1/ Anchor Packaging https://www.anchorpackaging.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-6a05624/ National Plastics Conference https://nationalplasticsconference.org/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E57
    October 6 · 24 min

    NAPCOR’s PET Bottle Decarbonization Roadmap with Husky’s Jolene Milne (NPC Live)

    At NPC Live, Redefining Plastics host Justin Riney speaks with Jolene Milne, a sustainability analyst at Husky Technologies and member of NAPCOR, about industry collaboration to combat misinformation about plastics and expand recycling. Milne explains her role in sustainability advocacy and how associations like NAPCOR and the Plastics Industry Association unite stakeholders around accurate messaging. She highlights NAPCOR’s newly released PET bottle decarbonization roadmap (through 2050), which outlines an achievable path to cut PET bottle emissions intensity in the U.S. by 57% (42% when accounting for growth), with major reductions driven by lightweighting, renewable energy, and manufacturing efficiencies. They also discuss translating technical sustainability concepts for consumers, bringing more young women into plastics through STEM and mentorship, and Husky’s injection molding systems, PET package innovations (PET closures, label-less bottles), and the industry's ability to process up to 100% rPET. NAPCOR, HUSKY, and Jolene Milne Jolene Milne LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolene-milne-a0516728b/?isSelfProfile=false PET Forward Decarbonization Roadmap and all supplementary materials - https://napcor.com/sustainability/ About NAPCOR - https://napcor.com/what-is-napcor/ About Husky Technologies - https://www.husky.co/en/about-us/ More Information about PET - https://positivelypet.org/ National Plastics Conference https://nationalplasticsconference.org/ Polystyrene Recycling Alliance https://psrecycling.org/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E56
    September 23 · 31 min

    EPR, Data Gaps, and Change Management with Christine Yeager at National Plastics Conference Live

    We had a blast with this interview at the National Plastics Conference on-site podcast studio, "National Plastics Conference Live." Christine Yeager of CSY Impact dove deep into extended producer responsibility (EPR), her path from Coca-Cola into consulting with Circular Action Alliance, and how/why she started her own consulting firm. We discussed the complexities inherent within the patchwork of state EPR laws, how producers can engage and not just pay fees, as well as the importance of accurate recycling data to ensure fair fee-setting, given limited data. It is clear that EPR programs often prioritize curbside recycling despite most recycling being commercial, and emphasize collective industry action and making space for innovative solutions. We both believe that it is essential for the industry to actively engage in the process to ensure more positive outcomes within the EPR system. Yeager explains her excellent Change Cycle podcast, focused on intentional living and helping sustainability professionals operationalize goals through change management and effective communication. Justin Riney will be on this show on an upcoming episode as well. Where To Find Christine: https://www.csyimpact.com/ https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinesyeager/ Other Topics Covered: Bill Nye the Science Guy article - https://www.csyimpact.com/in-the-news/cheddar-video Garbology book https://a.co/d/04nGl2nB National Plastics Conference https://nationalplasticsconference.org/ Polystyrene Recycling Alliance https://psrecycling.org/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E55
    September 10 · 12 min

    Update on Redefining Plastics, NPC, and PSRA

    This is a short one today, but I wanted to give the audience an update on Redefining Plastics, my participation in the National Plastics Conference, and the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance. You may have noticed that I have been less active on this platform this year as I pull double duty as the chair of the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance. That will change in the 4th quarter of this year as I attempt to get back to weekly uploads of the Redefining Plastics podcast. We are going to get back to basics and focus on how to make recycle more plastics in North America. This will start with my appearance at the National Plastics Conference (NPC) put on by the PLASTICS Industry Association in Houston from 9/14 to 9/17. I will be serving on a panel and recording (audio only) episodes live in the first podcast studio on-site at the conference. I am very excited about that and the work we are doing at the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) to expand PS recycling in North America. We have had several big wins, but work is yet to be done. If you are at NPC, please stop and talk to me. I am really looking forward to being back at a PLASTICS event and seeing new and old friends. National Plastics Conference https://nationalplasticsconference.org/ Polystyrene Recycling Alliance https://psrecycling.org/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E54
    June 9 · 1 hr 6 min

    Women and the Plastics Industry

    Justin Riney welcomes his INEOS Styrolution coworkers Alex Compton and Danielle Maziur to discuss women in the plastics industry, their commercial careers, and how they found plastics after initially pursuing pre-med paths. They address working in a male-dominated “old boys” environment, trade show dynamics, and whether women feel held to higher standards, emphasizing the importance of supportive colleagues and mentors. The conversation explores how to attract and retain more women through better awareness of non-engineering roles, diverse candidate pools without quota-driven hiring, and stronger mentorship structures despite lean organizations. They also discuss plastics’ perception problem, the need to differentiate plastics from oil and gas, and the value of human-centered storytelling and education—especially for kids and business students—highlighting plastics’ role across industries, including healthcare during COVID. Alexandra Compton https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-compton-6a32aa60/ Danielle Maziur https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-maziur-92719842/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E53
    May 26 · 54 min

    The "Why" of Plastics with John Skabardonis

    Host Justin Riney welcomes John Skabardonis, a PhD chemist turned marketer who recently retired from corporate life and now runs Optimist Consulting and writes the Tech Nuggets newsletter. They discuss how technical experts can better reach non-technical audiences through “scientific storytelling,” doing audience homework, and improving delivery (including Toastmasters) so messages resonate. The conversation focuses on plastics industry marketing failures, fear marketing (e.g., “BPA-free”), chemophobia, and the need to frame issues in terms of risk rather than jargon. John recounts Bayer/Covestro’s BPA water-bottle controversy, argues human behavior drives problems like pollution and PFAS exposure, critiques microplastics headlines and contamination, and calls for coordinated, grassroots, multi-platform advocacy—also noting the importance of accurate AI data sources. They close with mentions of SPE, mentoring, and how to find Tech Nuggets on LinkedIn. John Skabardonis https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/tech-nuggets-7426792352763056128/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnskabardonis/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E52
    January 13 · 44 min

    EPR is Coming to California- Are we Ready?

    In the first Redefining Plastics Podcast episode for 2026, host Justin Riney delves into California SB 54, a legislative bill aimed at reducing plastic waste and implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). He discusses the bill’s requirements, including a 30% recycling rate for plastic-covered materials by 2028, and the potential challenges it poses to the packaging industry. Riney examines the complexities and ambiguities of the bill, highlighting the lack of clear regulations and the unrealistic expectations given the current recycling infrastructure. He also emphasizes the importance of industry engagement and collaboration with policymakers to create practical and effective environmental regulations. If you are in packaging or government affairs, you will want to check this out. https://www.packagingdive.com/news/calrecycle-packaging-covered-materials-recycling-rates-sb54/808884/ https://cascadiaconsulting.com/project/sb-54-waste-characterization-study/ https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E51
    Dec 17, 2025 · 54 min

    Update on the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA)

    In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney discusses the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) with key industry leaders Richard Shaw of AmSty, Joe Grzyb of EFP, and Erin Haas of the PLASTICS Industry Association. The conversation highlights the successes of the first year of the PSRA and the outlook for year 2 and beyond. The discussion highlights key projects that the PSRA has supported like EPS collection in Colorado with Circular Colorado. The guests provide insights into the importance of polystyrene, regulatory landscapes like EPR, and advocacy efforts. The episode underscores the collective efforts needed to advance circularity and sustainability in the polystyrene industry, calling for more industry participation and collaboration. https://www.plasticsindustry.org/ https://amsty.com/ https://www.efppackaging.com/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E50
    Nov 18, 2025 · 33 min

    Episode 50 of the Redefining Plastics Podcast

    In the milestone 50th episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney reflects on the growth and future direction of the show. He discusses the challenges posed by misinformation on social media, advocating for a strategic approach to engagement. Riney emphasizes the importance of not engaging with misleading posts to avoid amplifying their reach. He calls for more positive engagement and the need for expanding the conversation beyond industry insiders. The episode also delves into issues surrounding plastics recycling, the potential of microplastics research, and the need for continued advocacy to protect and improve the industry. Riney appeals for community support to broaden the show's outreach and impact. Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E49
    Nov 11, 2025 · 1 hr 41 min

    Advocating for the EPS Industry with Walter Reiter of EPSIA

    Do you work in the plastics industry? Are you frustrated with the fear surrounding plastic products? The best way to combat fear is through communication: with consumers, with regulators, and with legislators. That is what organizations like the EPS Industry Alliance (EPSIA) do for the industry. In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney interviews Walter Reiter from the EPS Industry Alliance (EPSIA). Walter shares his diverse background, from studying biology and law to his extensive experience in litigation, ultimately leading him to his current role at EPSIA. The discussion delves into the intricacies of the plastic recycling industry, focusing on EPS, its recyclability, and public perceptions. They explore the challenges of extended producer responsibility (EPR), the effectiveness of drop-off recycling programs, and the broader issues of consumption and sustainability. Walter emphasizes the importance of community involvement, proper waste management, and the need for better communication and transparency in the industry. EPSIA https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-reiter-ab143316/ https://www.epsindustry.org/ https://www.epsindustry.org/recycling-map Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E48
    Oct 28, 2025 · 35 min

    Breaking Plastics into Bio-Mass: With Camilo Ferro of Raws

    What do we do with plastics that cannot be recycled due to their application (ie diapers, small formats, etc.)? Raws has a technology that aims to break down these products at end-of-life. In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney speaks with Camilo Ferro of Raws about innovative technology aimed at making plastics fully biodegradable. Camilo outlines their patented technology, which transforms plastics back to biomass without leaving microplastics. They discuss the benefits, applications, and testing behind this groundbreaking approach, along with addressing common skepticism and explaining how their solution is both environmentally beneficial and scalable. Camilo also shares his journey from composting to tackling the plastic waste problem and encourages companies to consider this sustainable approach. Raws https://www.linkedin.com/in/camiloaferro/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/raws-tech/ www.rawsamericas.com Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E47
    Oct 21, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min

    How to Make Plastic Recycling Efficient and Scalable

    How do we make plastic recycling work in the United States? Collaboration! In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney and co-host Samantha Ryan welcome Adam Hill, co-founder of Brave Industries. They discuss the inefficiencies of the current recycling system and Brave's revolutionary approach to creating an equitable, sustainable, and efficient recycling market. The podcast includes a segment of 'Two Truths and a Lie' focusing on pop culture, plastics, and news. Adam elaborates on Brave's mission of improving the recycling industry through collaboration, transparency, and equitable capitalism. The episode emphasizes the importance of building a strong, supportive culture within the industry and the benefits of creating circular recycling models for a more sustainable future. Brave Industries https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hill-%F0%9F%A6%85-4b3bbabb/ https://www.brvind.com/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E46
    Oct 15, 2025 · 59 min

    Ocean-Bound Plastics to Make Reusable Bottles- with Buoy

    In this episode of the 'Redefining Plastics' podcast, host Justin interviews Adrian Colesberry from Buoy. Adrian discusses Buoy's mission to create sustainable products, specifically focusing on the company's innovative use of ocean-bound HDPE plastic for their iconic reusable water bottles. The conversation covers issues related to polystyrene recycling, environmental impacts of different materials, and the challenges of manufacturing in the USA. Adrian shares insights on creating a truly recyclable product and emphasizes the company's commitment to reducing carbon footprints. The episode also delves into broader topics like effective recycling systems, public misconceptions about plastics, and the role of scientific research in addressing environmental concerns. Adrian and Buoy https://www.buoy.eco/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancolesberry/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm Articles Referenced in the Show https://rdcu.be/eDRnz https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-a-study-investigating-the-accumulation-of-microplastics-in-human-organs/ https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.4c12599 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-16529-0 https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/notification/microplastics-in-the-brain-bfr-evaluates-new-study-so-far-no-evidence-of-health-risks/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141391010004581 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8714882/

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E45
    Oct 7, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min

    Recycling From a Global Perspective with Simon van Leuven of Vanden Recycling

    Do you think that plastic recycling is a fraud? Are you worried about the future of the recycling industry globally with all of the negative headlines? In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney talks to Simon Van Leuven, the Australian Director of Vanden Recycling. They discuss Simon's background, the growth and global expansion of Vanden Recycling, and the challenges and opportunities in the recycling industry. Topics include global trade, economic challenges, the impact of regulations like the Basel Convention, and the importance of collaboration across the supply chain. They also touch on the similarities and differences in recycling practices between Australia and the U.S., emphasizing the need for long-term commitments and effective EPR schemes to improve recycling rates. This video is part of the Redefining Plastics podcast on plastics recycling, plastics sustainability, and the narrative around plastics. Simon's Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-van-leuven-48354980/ https://www.vandenrecycling.com/en/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E44
    Sep 30, 2025 · 59 min

    The Demand Problem for Recycled Materials

    Do you think that plastic recycling, as it exists today, cannot work at the scales we need? Then this episode is for you as we attack the issue from different angles. In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, hosts Samantha Ryan and Justin Riney discuss the critical issue of creating demand to make recycling work. They start with a playful game of 'Two Truths and a Lie' involving pop culture and plastics. The focus then shifts to the challenges faced by the recycling industry, including the need for market stimuli and long-term commitments from big brands to buy recycled content. They explore the economic and logistical issues that hinder effective recycling and call for more action and less talk from consumer packaging companies. The episode wraps up with the hosts expressing frustration about the current state of recycling and emphasizing the need for genuine commitments to make recycling viable. This video is part of the Redefining Plastics podcast on plastics recycling, plastics sustainability, and the narrative around plastics. Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E43
    Sep 23, 2025 · 49 min

    Rethinking Recycled-Content with Greg Janson of Triton Ties

    In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney speaks with Greg Janson, President and CEO of Triton Group. Greg shares his extensive experience in the recycling industry, starting from his early days in his father's recycling business to his current endeavors with Triton Ties. The conversation delves into the evolution of recycling practices, the challenges of competing with low-cost virgin plastics, and innovative solutions like composite rail ties made from recycled materials. Greg emphasizes the importance of creating long-term demand for recycled plastics and calls for industry-wide collaboration to shift focus from just collection to demand-driven growth for recycling. The discussion also touches on policy implications, the need for educating legislators, and the role of capitalism in driving sustainable recycling solutions. Infrastructure is the future for recycled plastic materials. Greg Janson and Triton Ties https://www.tritonties.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-janson-16a46631/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E42
    Sep 16, 2025 · 48 min

    One-on-One with NAPCOR Executive Director, Laura Stewart

    In this episode of the Redefining Plastics podcast, host Justin Riney sits down with Laura Stewart, who is the Executive Director of NAPCOR (The National Association for PET Container Resources) to delve into the world of PET recycling. They explore NAPCOR's role in representing the North American PET supply chain, the historical success of PET recycling in the United States, and discuss the challenges and opportunities to increase recycling rates. Key points include the need for well-designed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, consumer education, and industry collaboration to sustain and enhance PET recycling efforts. Laura emphasizes the importance of collective action and advocacy in dispelling myths around plastic recycling and promoting sustainable practices. The conversation underscores the critical role of communication and education in transforming public perception and practices regarding plastics recycling. You will not want to miss this one. Laura Stewart LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralstewart/ NAPCOR Website: https://napcor.com/ Resources: https://napcor.com/resources/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/napcor/ X: https://x.com/napcor_pet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAPCOR/ Positively PET Website: https://positivelypet.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/positivelypet/ X: https://x.com/positively_pet Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positively_pet/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PositivelyPET/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivelyPET Recycle Bowl 2024 Michigan Athletics Press Release: https://mgoblue.com/sports/2023/8/24/recycle-bowl Michigan.gov Press Release: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/mi-environment/2024/11/14/america-recycles-day Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E41
    Sep 3, 2025 · 55 min

    Advocating for Plastics with Erin Hass of the PLASTICS Industry Association

    Join host Justin Riney on the Redefining Plastics Podcast as he welcomes Erin Hass from the Plastics Industry Association. Justin and Erin dive into their collaboration over the past six to seven months, discuss the intricacies of advocacy within the plastics industry, and share insights on polystyrene recycling and government affairs. Erin, with her extensive political background, brings a wealth of knowledge about the challenges and triumphs of promoting sustainable practices in the face of strong opposition. They also touch on the complexities of modern-day legislation, the importance of recycling, and the real impact on jobs and communities. Listen in for a passionate conversation about the future of plastics in America and the efforts being made to drive meaningful change. Erin Hass Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-h-849aa35/ https://www.plasticsindustry.org/ https://psrecycling.org/ Redefining Plastics https://www.redefiningplastics.com/ https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

    • Transcript
Showing 1–20 of 25 episodes