APR Press Release: Plastic Recyclers Elect New Board of Directors for 2023
Strong Leadership to Support and Grow the Plastics Recycling Industry.
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) recently announced its newly elected Executive Committee and Board of Directors to lead the organization for 2023. Roxanne Spiekerman of PreZero US has been re-elected Chair for the upcoming year, with Tom Frantz of Technimark serving as Vice Chair, and Michael Westerfield of Dart Container serving as Treasurer.
The APR membership elected the following new members to the board for 3-year terms:
- Cherish Changala, Revolution
- Jimmy Lawler, Sims Municipal Recycling (SMR)
- Jon Stephens, Natura PCR
- Michael Westerfield, Dart Container
They join APR’s existing Board Members: John Caturano, Nestlé Waters North America; Nicole Janssen, Denton Plastics; Maite Quinn- Richards, Closed Loop Partners; Scott Saunders, KW Plastics; and Julie Zaniewski, Pepsico.
“I am honored to be re-elected as Chair of the APR Board of Directors. Last year we faced several new challenges in our industry including supply issues, legislative and regulatory proposals, and negative media about plastics and plastics recycling,” Roxanne Spiekerman, Vice President, Business Development at PreZero US and APR Board Chair. “Our board rapidly mobilized to strengthen and expand our state and federal regulatory engagement, proactively address supply and contract issues, and work diligently with APR Staff to develop a dynamic communications plan to counteract misinformation. We believe in an integrated solution to the plastic waste problem with the goal of evolving plastic waste into a valuable resource. I look forward to continuing the momentum this year.”
APR priorities for the coming year include ensuring the needs of the plastics recycling industry are considered on Capitol Hill and across the states, working with the FTC on updates to the Green Guides, maintaining APR’s role as a global leader in design, testing, recyclability requirements, PCR Certification, and counteracting a rising tide of misinformation while fostering rational, fact-based dialogue around plastics recycling.
“APR is pleased to elect a Board that represents a variety of roles within the value chain with a vast amount of experience in municipal recycling, agricultural recycling, and manufacturing,” said Steve Alexander, President & CEO of APR. “We greatly appreciate their commitment to the success of plastics recycling, as well as their direct knowledge and leadership required to aggressively respond to industry challenges.”
Contact: Kara Pochiro,
APR Communications Director
Kara@PlasticsRecycling.org
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The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is The Voice of Plastics Recycling®. As the international trade association representing the plastics recycling industry, membership includes independent recycling companies of all sizes, processing numerous resins, as well as consumer product companies, equipment manufacturers, testing laboratories, organizations, and others committed to the success of plastics recycling. APR advocates the recycling of all plastics. Visit www.PlasticsRecyling.org for more information.