The National Association for PET Container Resources named an industry veteran, Laura Stewart, as its new executive director on Aug. 3.
The Charlotte, N.C.-based association said Stewart, who joined NAPCOR in 2017 and served as communications director and later as operations director, had previously been an executive at thermoformer Placon Corp. in Madison, Wis.
She succeeds Darrel Collier, who retired in April after leading the group for three years.
"I am extremely honored to be given this opportunity to lead NAPCOR," Stewart said. "The PET industry has a great story to tell about this versatile, recyclable material that will be central as we transition to a circular economy and more sustainable future."
"With emerging technologies that have the potential to reform recycling infrastructure, the PET industry is uniquely positioned to grow," she said.
In a statement, NAPCOR said Stewart had been vice president of sales and marketing at Placon, where she played a key role in promoting the use of recycled PET in its product lines.
She also served as the first chairperson of NAPCOR's Thermoform Council, after the group expanded its membership categories in 2008 to include sheet and thermoform companies.
NAPCOR Chairman Tom Busard said Stewart was instrumental in developing NAPCOR's Positively PET communications campaign.
"Laura brings our organization strong leadership and deep industry experience as we look to continue to develop and grow the PET value chain," he said.