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The New Age of Recycling

Robotics, Advanced Technologies Revolutionize Plastics Recycling

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Cover image from Sustainably Speaking

EP 18

Sustainably Speaking: The New Age of Recycling | America’s Plastic Makers® 

0:00
18:28

To take recycling to the next level, we’re going to need new technologies that can process the plastic that is not recycled today. Technologies such as robotics that can sort used plastic better and faster. And advanced recycling that can break down used plastic into its building blocks so it can be remade, again and again. This podcast episode digs into these and other technologies that are revolutionizing the way we recycle, helping us build a circular economy in which plastic is reused instead of discarded. 

Guest Bios

  • Rob Writz, Director, Business Development, AMP Robotics

    Rob Writz is director of industry development and strategic partnerships for AMP Robotics, a pioneer and leader in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and infrastructure for the recycling industry. His professional career has focused on the intersection of software with the circular economy and safety.

    Before joining AMP in 2016, Writz was a product manager for Intrado (acquired by West), and his teams developed the core location technology for mobile 9-1-1. He worked in technology commercialization at The Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and led the Cleantech Practice at Innosphere, Colorado’s seed fund and incubator for science-based startups.

  • Craig Cookson, Senior Director, Plastics Sustainability at American Chemistry Council

    Craig Cookson is responsible for leading the American Chemistry Council Plastics Division’s strategic national initiatives to grow and scale plastics recycling technology, advance opportunities to recover more plastic and promote awareness of plastics’ role in providing sustainable solutions to society’s greatest challenges.

    Craig holds a B.A. in Political Science from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, and an MBA from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Craig is a long-time New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan and currently lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife Elizabeth and their twin boys.

  • 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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