Sustainability in the polymer field requires more than scientific breakthroughs—it
demands visionary leadership that mobilizes people, resources, and partnerships
across academia, industry, and professional societies. This presentation will
explore how professionals and leaders can catalyze innovation and enable
circular practices by connecting technological advances with organizational
capabilities and collaborative networks. Recent progress in biodegradable
materials, advanced processing, and waste-reduction strategies demonstrates
how innovation happens with cross-functional, aand cross-sector alignment.
Drawing on experiences from my involvement in professional societies, I will
discuss how these societies can serve as conveners that accelerate sustainable
transformation: linking research to production, design to recyclability, and
purpose to performance. By highlighting leadership behaviors that foster
commitment, persistence and long-term vision, this talk aims to inspire chemical
engineers to continue to lead with impact, and create value for both society and
the environment through sustainable polymer innovation.
