A new slate of directors for the Association of Plastic Recyclers features some names that are familiar.
Members recently elected four people to three-year terms during a meeting in National Harbor, Md. They are: Cherish Changala, Revolution Co.; Jimmy Lawler, Sims Municipal Recycling; Jon Stephens, Natura PCR LLC; and Michael Westerfield, Dart Container.
Roxanne Spiekerman, vice president of business development at PreZero US, was re-elected chair for the upcoming year, and Tom Frantz of Technimark LLC will serve as vice chair. Westerfield becomes treasurer.
Returning board members to the trade group are: John Caturano, Nestlé; Nicole Janssen, Denton Plastics; Maite Quinn- Richards, Closed Loop Partners; Scott Saunders, KW Plastics; and Julie Zaniewski, Pepsico.
"Last year we faced several new challenges in our industry including supply issues, legislative and regulatory proposals, and negative media about plastics and plastics recycling," Spiekerman said in a statement. "Our board rapidly mobilized to strengthen and expand our state and federal regulatory engagement, proactively address supply and contract issues, and work diligently with APR Staff to develop a dynamic communications plan to counteract misinformation. We believe in an integrated solution to the plastic waste problem with the goal of evolving plastic waste into a valuable resource. I look forward to continuing the momentum this year."
APR indicated priorities for 2023 include "ensuring the needs of the plastics recycling industry are considered on Capitol Hill and across the states" as well as working with the Federal Trade Commission on updating the agency's Green Guides addressing plastic recycling.