Plastics Industry Association appoints directors of sustainability initiatives

The Plastics Industry Association (Plastics), Washington, has announced two staff promotions designed to strengthen its sustainability and materials portfolios. Ashley Hood-Morley is now senior director of sustainability and materials, and Patrick Krieger is the director of sustainability and materials.

Hood-Morley will oversee all projects and programs related to the association’s materials, sustainability and recycling initiatives. Krieger will be responsible for various sustainability initiatives, such as Operation Clean Sweep (OCS), New End Market Opportunities (NEMO), Marine Debris and the Bioplastics division, which he currently oversees.

Glenn Anderson, Plastics vice president, industry relations and member engagement, announced the promotions to all staff members.

"Our industry and our members continue to put extra energy into developing more sustainability initiatives," Anderson says. "That is one of the reasons why we have increased the talent in this area with the promotions of Ashley and Patrick. They both have a strong background in our industry and will energize our initiatives to develop a robust sustainability platform in support of our members and the industry as a whole."

Prior to joining Plastics, Hood-Morley was with Eastman Chemical Co. for seven years as a staff engineer and then managing product stewardship. She has a chemical engineering background, with extensive experience working with material suppliers and sustainability programs. 

“Having worked at Plastics for more than five years, it’s been a pleasure experiencing the growth in our recycling and sustainability initiatives,” Hood-Morley says. “I’m excited to continue the journey with such a strong association.”

Krieger has been with Plastics for five years. Prior to joining the association, he managed regulatory affairs for the Animal Health Institute (AHI), serving primarily to support the Veterinary Biologics Section.

“I’m looking forward to building our marine debris initiatives and continuing to manage our bioplastics division,” Krieger says. “I enjoy working at Plastics because we bring together experts from various backgrounds to collaborate and solve pressing issues, as they relate to protecting our environment.”

The association says it plans further additions to its sustainability personnel. 

“Plastics is entering a new era,” President and CEO Tony Radoszewski, says. “It’s a time of wonderful opportunities for our industry and our members. Making changes in our sustainability area is just one of the progressive moves we’ll be making. We’ll continue to promote the use of recycled plastics and provide best management practices to help companies achieve their sustainability goals.

“Congratulations to Ashley and Patrick,” he adds.