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How Akron Is Reviving American Manufacturing Through Polymer Innovation

From the rubber capital of the world to a hub for advanced materials, Mayor Shammas Malik shares how Akron is building the future of manufacturing, recycling, and workforce opportunity.

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What does the future of American manufacturing look like? In Akron, Ohio, it looks like innovation rooted in legacy. In this episode of Sustainably Speaking, host Mia Quinn sits down with Akron Mayor Shammas Malik to explore how the city is transforming its historic rubber industry into a modern hub for polymers, advanced materials, and sustainable manufacturing.

From startups to hands-on STEM education, Akron is emerging as a model for how cities can grow jobs, strengthen recycling systems, and build a circular economy for plastics. In this conversation, Mayor Malik shares how Akron is leveraging its roots in rubber and plastics to drive innovation—investing in pilots that help startups scale, strengthening ties between universities and industry, and creating pathways into manufacturing careers at every level.

You’ll also hear how Akron is tackling real-world recycling challenges—reducing contamination, expanding access, and improving systems over time—while working toward a more circular economy for plastics.

The episode also highlights how the city is investing in its people, from introducing students to plastics and polymers through creative STEM education to building a culture of innovation that supports the next generation of talent.

Guest Bios

  • Shammas Malik, Mayor of Akron 

    Shammas Malik was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, by his mother, Helen, who taught at the University of Akron. She instilled in him a love of his community and core values of treating every person with dignity and respect.

    Shammas is a product of Akron Public Schools. After graduating from Firestone High School’s International Baccalaureate Program, he attended college at the Ohio State University and then went on to graduate from Harvard Law School.

    After law school, Shammas returned home to this community that he loves so much. Since returning to Akron, he has worked in private practice and also as a consultant for a grassroots research and strategy group.

    He started working for the city law department in 2016 as an Assistant Director of Law. In 2019, he was elected as the Ward 8 Representative to Akron City Council.

  • 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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