Over 380 million tons of plastic are produced every year and 50% of that is for single-use purposes such as product packaging. Until now, companies have been hard-pressed to find a replacement for styrofoam for protecting fragile items like electronics and appliances. John Felts, of Cruz Foam, discusses the development of bio-benign, compostable alternative materials. Tom Chi of At One Ventures talks about the importance of investing in environmental and climate entrepreneurs. Moderator, Scott Cassel of PSI, leads the discussion on how the packaging value chain can create a truly circular economy.
Speakers
Scott Cassel — Founder & CEO, Product Stewardship Institute
A renowned leader in the U.S. product stewardship movement, Scott Cassel has over 35 years of experience tackling waste management issues in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He is the founder and CEO of the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI), which brings diverse stakeholders together to research, develop, and implement extended producer responsibility laws.
Tom Chi — Founding Partner, At One Ventures
Tom Chi has worked in roles ranging from astrophysical researcher to Fortune 500 consultant to corporate executive developing hardware/software products & services. He pioneered and practices a unique approach to rapid prototyping and leadership that can jumpstart innovative new ideas and move large organizations at unprecedented speeds. He was head of Product Experience and a founding member of Google X, and currently works to accelerate a future where humanity becomes a net positive to nature.
Mona Das — State Senator, Washington State Legislature
Elected to the Washington State Senate in 2018, Mona now serves as Caucus Vice Chair, the vice chair of the Senate Housing Affordability & Stability Committee, and as a member of both the Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee. During her first two years as an elected official, Mona has worked tirelessly on behalf of the environment, affordable housing, and equity and inclusion. As she enters her third year in 2021, she is continuing her work to make our communities and our planet healthier. She loves the outdoors, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, and camping in her free time. Mona also loves to travel, and has visited 37 countries. She is a proud auntie to two nephews.
John Felts — Co-Founder & CEO, Cruz Foam
John Felts is Co-founder and CEO of Cruz Foam. Cruz Foam produces bio-benign foam and eco-friendly EPS-alternative solutions that power key industry leaders to be the catalyst for a cleaner environment. John holds a BS in chemical engineering from UC Santa Barbara and an MS in materials engineering from the University of Washington. John co-founded Cruz Foam in 2017 with the mission of saving our oceans and helping end the global epidemic of plastic pollution. He is an avid surfer and lives with his family in Santa Cruz, California.
Ron Voglewede — Global Sustainability Director, Whirlpool, Inc.
Ron Voglewede leads Whirlpool Corporation’s global sustainability team. Ron is responsible for developing the strategy and execution plans for sustainability within Whirlpool’s branded portfolio by increasing product performance while lowering our footprint, therefore, creating long term sustainable value. Ron is driving Whirlpool’s product and business sustainability approach toward creating positive impacts to improve life at home, in our communities, and for the planet. In addition to his work at Whirlpool, Ron proudly serves as Chair, Board of Directors, for the Alliance for Water Efficiency, as a Governor-Appointed member of the Council on Climate Solutions for the State of Michigan, and as a member of the Industry Advisory Board for the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Notre Dame. Ron is a recognized inventor and innovator, holding 40 U.S. patents with more currently pending. Additionally, Ron is an active volunteer and Board Member with his regional Girl Scouts and in local school education programs. Ron received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1996 and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1998.
