Redefining Plastics

Host Justin Riney welcomes John Skabardonis, a PhD chemist turned marketer who recently retired from corporate life and now runs Optimist Consulting and writes the Tech Nuggets newsletter.

They discuss how technical experts can better reach non-technical audiences through “scientific storytelling,” doing audience homework, and improving delivery (including Toastmasters) so messages resonate.

The conversation focuses on plastics industry marketing failures, fear marketing (e.g., “BPA-free”), chemophobia, and the need to frame issues in terms of risk rather than jargon. John recounts Bayer/Covestro’s BPA water-bottle controversy, argues human behavior drives problems like pollution and PFAS exposure, critiques microplastics headlines and contamination, and calls for coordinated, grassroots, multi-platform advocacy—also noting the importance of accurate AI data sources. They close with mentions of SPE, mentoring, and how to find Tech Nuggets on LinkedIn.

John Skabardonis
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/tech-nuggets-7426792352763056128/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnskabardonis/

Redefining Plastics
https://www.redefiningplastics.com/
https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics
https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

In the first Redefining Plastics Podcast episode for 2026, host Justin Riney delves into California SB 54, a legislative bill aimed at reducing plastic waste and implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

He discusses the bill’s requirements, including a 30% recycling rate for plastic-covered materials by 2028, and the potential challenges it poses to the packaging industry.

Riney examines the complexities and ambiguities of the bill, highlighting the lack of clear regulations and the unrealistic expectations given the current recycling infrastructure. He also emphasizes the importance of industry engagement and collaboration with policymakers to create practical and effective environmental regulations.

If you are in packaging or government affairs, you will want to check this out.

https://www.packagingdive.com/news/calrecycle-packaging-covered-materials-recycling-rates-sb54/808884/
https://cascadiaconsulting.com/project/sb-54-waste-characterization-study/
https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/

Redefining Plastics
https://www.redefiningplastics.com/
https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics
https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney discusses the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) with key industry leaders Richard Shaw of AmSty, Joe Grzyb of EFP, and Erin Haas of the PLASTICS Industry Association.

The conversation highlights the successes of the first year of the PSRA and the outlook for year 2 and beyond. The discussion highlights key projects that the PSRA has supported like EPS collection in Colorado with Circular Colorado.

The guests provide insights into the importance of polystyrene, regulatory landscapes like EPR, and advocacy efforts. The episode underscores the collective efforts needed to advance circularity and sustainability in the polystyrene industry, calling for more industry participation and collaboration.

https://www.plasticsindustry.org/
https://amsty.com/
https://www.efppackaging.com/

Redefining Plastics
https://www.redefiningplastics.com/
https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics
https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

In the milestone 50th episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney reflects on the growth and future direction of the show. He discusses the challenges posed by misinformation on social media, advocating for a strategic approach to engagement.

Riney emphasizes the importance of not engaging with misleading posts to avoid amplifying their reach. He calls for more positive engagement and the need for expanding the conversation beyond industry insiders.

The episode also delves into issues surrounding plastics recycling, the potential of microplastics research, and the need for continued advocacy to protect and improve the industry. Riney appeals for community support to broaden the show's outreach and impact.

Redefining Plastics
https://www.redefiningplastics.com/
https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics
https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

Do you work in the plastics industry? Are you frustrated with the fear surrounding plastic products?
The best way to combat fear is through communication: with consumers, with regulators, and with legislators. That is what organizations like the EPS Industry Alliance (EPSIA) do for the industry.
In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney interviews Walter Reiter from the EPS Industry Alliance (EPSIA). Walter shares his diverse background, from studying biology and law to his extensive experience in litigation, ultimately leading him to his current role at EPSIA.
The discussion delves into the intricacies of the plastic recycling industry, focusing on EPS, its recyclability, and public perceptions. They explore the challenges of extended producer responsibility (EPR), the effectiveness of drop-off recycling programs, and the broader issues of consumption and sustainability. Walter emphasizes the importance of community involvement, proper waste management, and the need for better communication and transparency in the industry.

EPSIA
https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-reiter-ab143316/
https://www.epsindustry.org/
https://www.epsindustry.org/recycling-map

Redefining Plastics
https://www.redefiningplastics.com/
https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics
https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm