The recycling industry is going beyond high-tech. Scientists and inventors are working on cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of the industry and increasing opportunities for circularity. For example, how do we take used fishing nets and turn them into new materials for automobiles? It’s something that may have been unimaginable years ago, but not anymore thanks in part to innovators like Brian Schmatz from BASF’s subsidiary TrinamiX.

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.

Brian Schmatz, Senior Manager Business Development and Sales North America at TrinamiX

Brian Schmatz is a Senior Business Development Manager for trinamiX GmbH, a subsidiary of BASF focused on optical imaging technologies. After receiving his PhD in Polymer Chemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology, where his thesis focused on environmentally benign printing of electronic inks, Brian joined BASF and worked as a researcher in the Effect Pigments group and a strategist in the Corporate Sustainability group before joining trinamiX. Brian is passionate about prioritizing sustainability in his work and is currently pursuing many circular economy projects that utilize the trinamiX NIR spectrometer.

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.