The Technology Creating Value from Used Plastic

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Jeremy DeBenedictis shares an inspiring story about what it takes to become an environmental entrepreneur. As President of Alterra, Jeremy leads and mentors his team which has developed an innovative technology to help keep used plastics out of landfills through advanced recycling.

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.

Jeremy DeBenedictis, President, Alterra

Jeremy has been leading the development, operation, and commercialization of Alterra’s Plastics Circularity technology since 2011 when he joined a very small team working out of an entrepreneurial garage in Akron, OH, USA. He is a co-inventor of the technology with four published patents and numerous trade secrets.

Previously, he spent 12 years at GE leading manufacturing plants within its Healthcare and Lighting divisions. His passion is inspiring and mentoring future leaders to carry on the responsibility of creating a cleaner planet for future generations by keeping discarded plastic in the economy and out of the environment, thus replacing virgin, fossil-derived resources.

Jeremy earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Dayton and an MBA in Banking & Finance from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. He is a GE certified Six Sigma Black Belt and Lean Mfg. Expert.

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.

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