Circular Plastics Challenge
Made for New Ideas
Wednesday, May 8 | 2:00 – 4:30 PM
Location: W314A
Hear industry-shifting ideas from the next generation of the workforce on how they would tackle major plastics sustainability questions. Join us for the Final Showcase of the Circular Plastics Challenge where five finalist teams will pitch their concepts on how to make plastics circular.
Sponsored by:
Challenge Summary
Developed by Net Impact, and inspired by SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption, the 2024 Circular Plastics Challenge asked how to address the supply shortage of rPET due to the increase in companies’ sustainability and recycled content goals. It called upon young professionals, undergraduate, and graduate students to consider: How might we increase the supply of rPET in order to meet demand and create a more circular economy for plastics?
At NPE2024, the Top 5 finalist teams will virtually pitch their solution to a panel of expert judges at the Final Showcase hosted live at NPE. The first place team will receive a $10,000 grand prize, with the second and third-place teams winning $2,500 and $1,000 respectively.
Challenge Hosts
Hilary Manzo
Associate Director of Programs at Net Impact
Sam Charner
Managing Director, Programs and Community at Net Impact
Challenge Judges
Kurt Ritter
VP and General Manager, Sustainability North America for The Coca-Cola Company
Tory Flynn
Chief Sustainability Officer at Hillenbrand
Louise Bruce
Managing Director for Sustainable Behavior & Impact at The Recycling Partnership
