This session will dive into how recycling technologies are transforming plastic waste management, enabling the creation of new products and supporting a circular economy. Learn how polymer centers and molecular recycling technologies enable the recycling of a broader range of plastics and support the use of post-consumer recycled content in new products in packaging.

In addition to exploring technological advancements, the panel will discuss the status of the ongoing United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) global plastic treaty negotiations. The outcomes of these negotiations will have potential widespread impacts on the future of plastics recycling. Hear how international policy developments are shaping industry standards.

Panelists will discuss partnerships across the plastics value chain, including efforts to improve collection, sorting, and feedstock supply. The panel will address how mechanical and molecular recycling can complement each other to maximize resource recovery.

About the Speakers

Melanie Bower
Regulatory Development Manager, Plastics Circularity | ExxonMobil

Melanie Bower has worked at ExxonMobil for 25 years. As a seasoned sustainability professional, she has held various technical and regulatory affairs leadership positions within ExxonMobil’s Product Solutions Company (EMPS). These roles have provided her a strong foundation of EMPS’s chemical portfolio and the integral role these products play in addressing sustainability challenges.

Melanie uses these years of experience to lead the company’s plastic waste solutions programs and external sustainability collaborations. Currently, she leads EMPS’s team focused on addressing policy related to recycling of plastic waste in the Americas. She represents the company’s views on a variety of external associations including American Chemistry Council (ACC), Plastics Industry Association and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste. Melanie is a vocal advocate for addressing the plastic waste challenge and represents ExxonMobil at various internal and external events.

Pete Keller
Vice President, Recycling and Sustainability | Republic Services, Inc.

Pete Keller is a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience in the waste management and environmental services industry. As Vice President of Recycling and Sustainability at Republic Services, he leads groundbreaking initiatives in sustainability, including the first SBTi-approved greenhouse gas reduction target in the sector. His expertise spans environmental compliance, contract management, and strategic planning, making him a key player in advancing circular economy practices. Additionally, he serves on the board of Blue Polymers, where he contributes to innovative solutions in coated and laminated packaging. Pete's career is marked by a strong commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, driving value for both the company and its customers. With a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, he combines technical knowledge with leadership skills to foster team development and engagement. His passion for environmental stewardship is evident in his work and community involvement.

Patrick Krieger
Senior Vice President, Sustainability and Policy | Plastics Industry Association

Patrick Krieger is the Senior Vice President, Sustainability & Policy at the Plastics Industry Association, the trade association representing the full plastics supply chain in the United States. He believes in the power of plastics to help create a more sustainable world and works to advocate for their valuable use while operating programs to make the industry better. He leads the association’s initiatives to promote a circular plastics economy, eliminate plastics waste in the environment, and to use resources responsibly. Patrick oversees the management of the global Operation Clean Sweep Program, the largest international resin stewardship program in the world, and programs to promote the recycling of flexible packaging and polystyrene. He joined the PLASTICS in March 2015 and previously worked for the Animal Health Institute.

Colleen Litkenhaus
Global Director of Public Policy and Plastics/Circularity Advocacy | Dow Inc.

Colleen Litkenhaus has an extensive federal government background including high-level positions at USTR, the Department of Commerce, and the White House. She currently serves as the Global Director of Public Policy and Plastics/Circularity Advocacy for Dow Inc., where she has worked for the last ten years. She has an M.B.A. from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and the ESADE Business School and a B.A. from the University of Kentucky. 

Kristyn Oldendorf
Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications | Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)

Kristyn Oldendorf leads public policy, safety initiatives, and communications for SWANA. With a background in local government, Kristyn has worked in policy, planning, and operations. She spearheads the SWANA Core Advocacy Group, the Safety Ambassadors, and the Lithium-Ion Battery Workgroup, among other projects.