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AI-Powered Recycling

What’s next in recycling? AI, smarter sorting, and better policies. Here’s a look inside the AI revolution making recycling faster, more accurate, and more efficient.

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Recorded live at SXSW, this episode brings together leaders from Van Dyk Recycling Solutions, Dow, and Greyparrot to explore how AI is reshaping the recycling system. From real-time data and material tracking to smarter packaging design and policy reform, it’s a conversation about what’s working, what’s broken—and what could finally close the loop.

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
  • Why transparency tools like QR codes matter for consumers
  • How companies test products for recyclability before they hit the market

Guest Bios

  • Pieter Van Dijk, President, Van Dyk Recycling Solutions

    Pieter Van Dijk is a pioneering force in recycling and waste management, leading Van Dyk Recycling Solutions to become North America’s premier provider of cutting-edge recycling infrastructure. With decades of expertise in material recovery, he has played a crucial role in transforming how waste is processed and resources are recovered. Under his leadership, Van Dyk has set the industry standard for advanced sorting systems, integrating AI, automation and high-efficiency equipment to maximize material recovery and reduce landfill dependency. Van Dyk has built over 340 MRFs and installed 2,400 recycling and sorting systems to date across North America.

  • Haley Lowry, Head of Sustainability, DOW

    Haley is Global Sustainability Director at Dow with 20 years’ experience creating circular models, building ecosystems and products that integrate social, environmental and commercial goals into packaging and plastics; driving business transformation into growth. As Dow’s spokesperson on circularity with investors and external partners, she frequently speaks about plastic waste and ecosystem solutions at Green Biz, WSJ, SXSW, and Our Ocean and has been published in Sustainable Brands, WEF and the Guardian. Haley has held a variety of commercial roles in Dow’s P&SP Business and has an MBA from University of Texas. She completed Oxford’s 2022 Imagine Ecosystem Program and was elected Board of Directors VP at The Recycling Partnership.

  • Ambarish Mitra, Co-Founder, Greyparrot

    Ambarish is a serial entrepreneur & tech innovator in AI, computer vision, AR, & climate tech. He co-founded Blippar, one of the UK’s first tech unicorns, before launching Greyparrot in 2019, now the global leader in AI waste analytics. Greyparrot’s AI, trained on recycling data from 20+ countries, optimises the waste value chain. Its platform digitises waste flows, automates processes, & increases material recovery—seamlessly integrating with existing infrastructure. By providing real-time post-consumption insights to those in the waste value chain, Greyparrot empowers businesses, policymakers, & recyclers to make data-driven decisions that enhance circularity. It has earned global recognition, including awards from CB Insights AI 100, UN AI for Good, & Cleantech 100.

  • 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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