About This Webinar
Molecular recycling, also referred to as advanced recycling or chemical recycling, is a diverse sector of technologies that leverage solvents, heat, enzymes and even soundwaves to purify and transform plastic waste. Until the release of Closed Loop Partners' research report this fall, there had been a dearth of comparative analysis among different molecular recycling technologies and a lack of systems-level analysis of their potential opportunities and risks. In this session, the report's lead author will share key findings across their economic and environmental and human health impacts analyses of diverse molecular recycling technologies, assessing where they fit in a circular plastics economy.
Presenters
  • 1638199564-20c888ed620e7b54
    Paula Luu
    Director, Center for the Circular Economy, Closed Loop Partners
    Paula is a Director at Closed Loop Partners, a hybrid investment firm and innovation center focused on the development of the circular economy. Her work focuses on evaluating new technologies, materials, and markets to drive investment towards viable, safe, and circular solutions and to accelerate their commercialization. She leads the Closed Loop Partner’s research in advanced plastics recycling. Paula has worked to future-proof supply chains for multiple brands including Nike, Starbucks, and Amazon. Before completing her MBA and MS at the University of Michigan, she worked for several environmental groups and launched a startup that upcycled textile waste.
  • 1638199556-97d9c5bf7afce25a
    Karen Hagerman
    Manager, SPC Collaboratives, GreenBlue
    Karen Hagerman joined GreenBlue in December 2020 as the Collaboratives Manager for the SPC. After a nine-year career in the Marine Corps, Karen shifted her energy towards addressing plastic pollution and responsible resource usage. She earned her MS in Sustainable Engineering from Villanova University, with a focus on circular and resilient systems. For her thesis research, she conducted a whole-systems assessment of the plastics value chain and recycling infrastructure in the U.S. While obtaining her graduate education, Karen worked on the Education and Outreach Team at the Tahoe Environmental Research Center. She engaged with students, community members, and visitors on issues concerning sustainability and conservation through environmental education lessons, public science center tours, and outreach opportunities. Prior to entering her graduate program, Karen was a CH-53E Helicopter Pilot and Officer in the United States Marine Corps. She served in different leadership roles in program and team management, from Administration to Quality Assurance. The majority of her roles were in Operations, developing long-range plans, building detailed schedules, and creating and implementing training strategies. Karen holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Always looking for ways to improve herself and her surroundings, Karen is a trained yoga teacher, avid trail runner, and committed trash-picker-upper.
Powered by BigMarker