Redefining Plastics

Redefining Plastics

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

Episodes

June 9, 2026 66 mins

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. ...

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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 pl...

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January 13, 2026 44 mins

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 ambigui...

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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 collecti...

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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 con...

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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). Walte...

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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 ba...

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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 Truth...

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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 manufactur...

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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 in...

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September 30, 2025 59 mins

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 s...

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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 innov...

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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...

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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 a...

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Welcome to the Redefining Plastics Podcast with Justin Riney, Samantha Ryan, and special guest Michael Workman from Resin Smart by RTI!

In this engaging episode, the team discusses the intricate world of sales within the plastics industry, the importance of mentorship, and the unique challenges faced by women entering this field. Hear firsthand experiences, laugh along with some light-hearted moments, and gain insights into how to o...

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In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, hosts Justin Riney and Samantha Ryan chat with Seth Bland, CEO of Pony Express, about the essential role of freight and logistics in the recycling industry.

Seth shares his journey, starting Pony Express in November 2023, and discusses the challenges and intricacies of managing freight for the "reefer" (Refrigerated Transportation) industry. They explore the importance of building ...

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We head back to episode 1 of the Redefining Plastics podcast as it is a timely topic: the UN Global Plastic Treaty. Negotiations are underway in Geneva for International Negotiating Committee (INC) 5.2, and there does not appear to be an agreement on the horizon.

Joshua Baca of Resilient Partners helps us better understand the negotiations and what to expect in the process.

Check out Joshua's company here:

https://www.resilientpartn...

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Welcome to the Redefining Plastics Podcast with Justin Riney and co-host Samantha Ryan. In this exciting episode, we dive deep into the world of bioplastics with Leah Ford from CJ Biomaterials. Discover the ins and outs of compostable materials like PHA and PLA, their applications, benefits, and challenges. From the intricacies of fermentation processes to the role of composting in tackling global environmental issues, this discuss...

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Join hosts Justin Riney and Sam Ryan on this engaging episode of the Redefining Plastics podcast featuring special guest Ron Shank. While this episode veers off the typical plastic recycling path, the crew delves into conversation about strategic marketing approaches in the plastics industry. Ron, an author and strategic growth specialist, shares insights on his new book and effective marketing strategies. The trio tackles issues l...

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Welcome to the Redefining Plastics Podcast! Join host Justin Riney as he reconnects with long-time industry friend and resin buyer extraordinaire, Susan Estes.

In this lively episode, Justin and Susan dive into Susan's extensive background in the plastics industry, transitioning from packaging roles to commodity management, and her current focus on polymer recycling. They discuss the nuances of procurement for virgin vs. recycled ma...

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