WASHINGTON -- Kim Holmes, principal consultant at Portland, Ore.-based 4R Sustainability, has been named director of recycling -- a new position -- at the Society of the Plastics Industry Inc.

Holmes will lead the association's new recycling initiative, which includes pursuing a zero-waste strategy for the U.S. plastics industry.

As she completes prior consulting commitments, Holmes will start part-time at SPI on March 1 and become full-time in September.

"Her depth of knowledge and extensive background in the area of plastics recycling and recovery is impressive. Kim understands the inherent value of plastics, has thought a great deal about our industry's recycling challenges and advocates innovative solutions for expanding plastics collection and conversion," said SPI President and CEO Bill Carteaux, in a news release.

Holmes will develop SPI's new recovery/recycling program and manage the organization's effort to drive the industry toward achieving full recovery and re-use of post- industrial plastics. She will manage SPI's recycling committee and be responsible for overall issues management related to recycling. Holmes also will conduct outreach regarding plastics recycling and waste diversion to governmental bodies, NGOs and stakeholder coalitions.

Prior to 4R Sustainability, Holmes was advanced marketing manager for post-consumer recycle at Sabic Innovative Plastics. She also served as executive editor and research coordinator at Resource Recycling magazine.