Host Mia Quinn sits down with Vaishali Udupa, Chief IP Counsel at Verizon and former Commissioner for Patents at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and Jennifer Ronk, a plastics and sustainability expert at Dow, to explore how the next generation can build meaningful careers in science, technology, and sustainability. 

Together, they talk candidly about mentorship, overcoming challenges, embracing leadership, and why you don’t need your entire future mapped out at 18. Along the way, they share candid stories about mentorship, leadership and resilience—and explain why curiosity and problem-solving are at the heart of every STEM career.

You’ll also hear how patents and intellectual property fuel innovation and how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping careers across science, engineering and manufacturing.
 

The answer: 173,000 new jobs, nearly $50 billion in economic output, and a stronger American manufacturing base.

In this episode of Sustainably Speaking, host Mia Quinn welcomes back Ross Eisenberg, president of America’s Plastic Makers, for a wide-ranging conversation on why recycling is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s an economic and manufacturing opportunity hiding in plain sight.

Ross highlights what’s actually working in recycling today, from large-scale facilities turning plastic  into new products to advanced technologies that can recover materials once thought to be unrecyclable. He explains why the idea that “recycling doesn’t work” is one of the biggest myths holding back progress.

The conversation also tackles the policy choices shaping the future of recycling, including:

• Why flexible, technology-neutral policies matter more than one-size-fits-all mandates
• How mass balance works (and why it’s similar to Fair Trade coffee)
• What states are getting right—and wrong—on Extended Producer Responsibility
• Why a federal definition of advanced recycling as manufacturing could unlock investment nationwide

Looking ahead, Ross shares what success could look like, from scaling U.S. recycling infrastructure to reaching a global plastics agreement that expands access to waste management for billions of people worldwide.

And yes, there’s some fun along the way…from K-pop playlists to shark diving and guilty-pleasure reality TV.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

         •           How Hyundai’s goal is to use 20% recycled plastics by weight in vehicles by 2030

         •           Why designing for disassembly is key to making cars easier to recycle

         •           What we can learn from beetles and tree bark about sustainable design

         •           How advanced recycling could reshape the auto supply chain

In this episode of Sustainably Speaking, we visit with the Greenwood community about how they worked with engineers, nonprofits, and recycled materials to reopen the cemetery's main road and preserve the stories buried there.

In this episode, you'll hear:

● How recycled materials and permeable pavers were used to restore the cemetery for years to come

● Why Engineers Without Borders, the ACC and the community came together to support the project

● What the restoration has meant for families across the country

● How Greenwood is now inspiring similar restoration efforts nationwide

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How AI helps sort waste faster, better—and more accurately than humans
• What the data tells us about redesigning packaging for recycling and remanufacturing
• Why transparency tools like QR codes matter for consumers
• How companies test products for recyclability before they hit the market

We also go behind the scenes of Moonshot Madness — a company-wide tradition at X to identify big ideas that could change everything.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How clothing could be transformed into new, reusable materials
• How bioplastics and synthetic biology could shape the next era of manufacturing
• How teams at Google’s X, the Moonshot Factory test ideas— and learn as they go
• What Moonshot Madness is, and how it fuels a culture of experimentation
• How Rey and Peter’s experiences have influenced their approach to sustainability and innovation

This episode encourages you to imagine what a circular future could look like across industries — from plastics to fashion and beyond.

Recorded live at SXSW, this episode features Rey Banatao and Peter Chauvel - two of the brightest minds of Google's X, the Moonshot Factory. They're leading a bold effort to change how the world uses and reuses materials, starting with plastics. With help from AI, robotics, and new molecular data, their team is reimagining how recycling works and how we can build better systems to keep materials in use and out of the landfill.

In this episode we dive into:  

• How advanced recycling is opening the door to reuse materials once destined for the bin
• Why the moonshot factory believes plastics can be recycled and remanufactured—without extracting more petroleum
• The role of AI, machine learning and better data are building smarter recycling infrastructure
• How better data is transforming the economics of recycling
• What it takes to try bold ideas from inside one of the world's most audacious incubators
• What happens when you treat waste as a resource

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.

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.

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. 

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.   

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.