Redefining Plastics

Justin Riney

Are you confused about plastics recycling? Do you think it is all a fraud? The ultimate goal of this podcast is to provide a platform for the people that are making recycling and the circularity of plastics a reality. Real people that are making a difference! We might even debunk a few myths about plastics, or correct the current narrative around plastics. People choose plastics because of convenience, but we need them to choose plastics because they are a better sustainable packaging option for the environment. Success in these areas will "redefine plastics" in the eyes of consumers. We need to better express the benefits of plastic products. If we do not connect the "Why" of plastics with our overall messaging, we will continue to be deselected in packaging applications by consumer demand. Part of the Brave Media Family #plastics #plasticrecycling #plasticwaste #sustainability #microplastics

  1. The "Why" of Plastics with John Skabardonis

    6d ago

    The "Why" of Plastics with John Skabardonis

    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

    55 min
  2. EPR is Coming to California- Are we Ready?

    Jan 13

    EPR is Coming to California- Are we Ready?

    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

    44 min
  3. Update on the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA)

    12/17/2025

    Update on the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA)

    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

    54 min
  4. Episode 50 of the Redefining Plastics Podcast

    11/18/2025

    Episode 50 of the Redefining Plastics Podcast

    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

    33 min
  5. Advocating for the EPS Industry with Walter Reiter of EPSIA

    11/11/2025

    Advocating for the EPS Industry with Walter Reiter of EPSIA

    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

    1h 42m
  6. Breaking Plastics into Bio-Mass: With Camilo Ferro of Raws

    10/28/2025

    Breaking Plastics into Bio-Mass: With Camilo Ferro of Raws

    What do we do with plastics that cannot be recycled due to their application (ie diapers, small formats, etc.)? Raws has a technology that aims to break down these products at end-of-life. In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney speaks with Camilo Ferro of Raws about innovative technology aimed at making plastics fully biodegradable. Camilo outlines their patented technology, which transforms plastics back to biomass without leaving microplastics. They discuss the benefits, applications, and testing behind this groundbreaking approach, along with addressing common skepticism and explaining how their solution is both environmentally beneficial and scalable. Camilo also shares his journey from composting to tackling the plastic waste problem and encourages companies to consider this sustainable approach. Raws https://www.linkedin.com/in/camiloaferro/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/raws-tech/ www.rawsamericas.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

    35 min
  7. How to Make Plastic Recycling Efficient and Scalable

    10/21/2025

    How to Make Plastic Recycling Efficient and Scalable

    How do we make plastic recycling work in the United States? Collaboration! In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney and co-host Samantha Ryan welcome Adam Hill, co-founder of Brave Industries. They discuss the inefficiencies of the current recycling system and Brave's revolutionary approach to creating an equitable, sustainable, and efficient recycling market. The podcast includes a segment of 'Two Truths and a Lie' focusing on pop culture, plastics, and news. Adam elaborates on Brave's mission of improving the recycling industry through collaboration, transparency, and equitable capitalism. The episode emphasizes the importance of building a strong, supportive culture within the industry and the benefits of creating circular recycling models for a more sustainable future. Brave Industries https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hill-%F0%9F%A6%85-4b3bbabb/ https://www.brvind.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

    1h 11m
  8. Ocean-Bound Plastics to Make Reusable Bottles- with Buoy

    10/15/2025

    Ocean-Bound Plastics to Make Reusable Bottles- with Buoy

    In this episode of the 'Redefining Plastics' podcast, host Justin interviews Adrian Colesberry from Buoy. Adrian discusses Buoy's mission to create sustainable products, specifically focusing on the company's innovative use of ocean-bound HDPE plastic for their iconic reusable water bottles. The conversation covers issues related to polystyrene recycling, environmental impacts of different materials, and the challenges of manufacturing in the USA. Adrian shares insights on creating a truly recyclable product and emphasizes the company's commitment to reducing carbon footprints. The episode also delves into broader topics like effective recycling systems, public misconceptions about plastics, and the role of scientific research in addressing environmental concerns. Adrian and Buoy https://www.buoy.eco/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancolesberry/ 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 Articles Referenced in the Show https://rdcu.be/eDRnz https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-a-study-investigating-the-accumulation-of-microplastics-in-human-organs/ https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.4c12599 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-16529-0 https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/notification/microplastics-in-the-brain-bfr-evaluates-new-study-so-far-no-evidence-of-health-risks/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141391010004581 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8714882/

    59 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Are you confused about plastics recycling? Do you think it is all a fraud? The ultimate goal of this podcast is to provide a platform for the people that are making recycling and the circularity of plastics a reality. Real people that are making a difference! We might even debunk a few myths about plastics, or correct the current narrative around plastics. People choose plastics because of convenience, but we need them to choose plastics because they are a better sustainable packaging option for the environment. Success in these areas will "redefine plastics" in the eyes of consumers. We need to better express the benefits of plastic products. If we do not connect the "Why" of plastics with our overall messaging, we will continue to be deselected in packaging applications by consumer demand. Part of the Brave Media Family #plastics #plasticrecycling #plasticwaste #sustainability #microplastics

Information

  • Creator
    Justin Riney
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Justin Riney 2025
  • Show Website
    Redefining Plastics