This year's Plastics News Rising Stars are profiled in the Sept. 16 issue of PN, honoring 35 people age 35 and younger in the industry. And this year — as every year — the list of people represents a broad swath of the plastics world.
As Jordan Vitick, our special projects editor, writes, there are some common themes as well.
Sustainability is a big driver for our stars, with nearly every one of them expressing interest in creating a stronger, cleaner industry. But another thing also stood out to me: curiosity.
A lot of young people joining plastics companies had no exposure to polymers or molding while they were growing up. But then — often by chance — they visited a plant and saw parts in production, or they worked with a professor on a research project touching on plastics.
And they saw possibilities.
"I saw the plastics industry as a field with several challenges ahead where I could make a difference and have a positive impact: from sustainability to the perception by public opinion, but also in inclusion and diversity and on women representation," Veronica Colombo, 29, a senior technical service and development specialist with Dow Inc., said.
Kyle Karasek, now 32, was studying engineering at the State University of New York at Morrisville when he took part in a tour sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
"One of the local manufacturers that we visited was Tessy [Plastics Corp.]. I was blown away by the high-tech capabilities and talented and approachable workforce within the business. I applied for an internship as soon as I could," he said.
These Rising Stars of 2024 offer some inspiring glimpses into the industry's future and a reminder that you never know who you might find at your next open house.
