David Bender joins Geo-Tech Polymers

David Bender has joined plastics recycling company Geo-Tech Polymers, Westerville, Ohio, as executive vice president and commercialization officer. Bender most recently served as the chief executive officer of Perpetual Recycling Solutions, Richmond, Indiana, and worked for Downers Grove, Illinois-based HAVI Global Solutions, which manages businesses in the supply chain, packaging and marketing industries.

Ron Whaley, Geo-Tech CEO, who announced the hiring, says, “I am thrilled that David has joined our management team. His experience in leading growth efforts provides a catalyst for Geo-Tech. David’s industry experience in both packaging and plastic recycling are uniquely suited for Geo-Tech.”

Geo-Tech Polymers says its cleaning process provides brand owners and plastic converters the ability to reuse their printed and painted plastic scrap as if it were virgin material. Geo-Tech’s patented DeCoat Federal Drug Administration Letter of Non-Objection (FDA-LNO) technology removes coatings from any postindustrial plastic scrap, turning the scrap back into its original raw material for processing.

Bender says the company’s DeCoat-R production line for rigid plastics is fully operational and will expand channel offerings over the next 24 months. He predicts the rigid plastics DeCoating technology to be operational by year end.

“I am so excited to join the Geo-Tech team,” Bender says. “It is rare to see a technology that fills such a critical void in closed-loop manufacturing. Companies can now reprocess their printed scrap as if it were virgin plastic. Prior to Geo-Tech Polymers, companies had to either sell their printed scrap at a loss or process it in a black application.”

Bender continues, “Geo-Tech will both provide reclamation services and license its technology for large manufacturers. Geo-Tech is partnering with large converters on other channels and expect future offerings in 2016.”

He adds, “I have known Ron Whaley many years, since he was chief executive at Solo Cup. I knew he was working on something significant. After explaining his vision for the company, I immediately knew I wanted to join his team,” says Bender, adding, “Having the scientific and financial support from parent company WAI provides the backbone for growth.”

Perpetual Recycling Solutions, which recycles postconsumer polyethylene (PET) containers and thermoforms into flake suitable for food-grade packaging applications, was featured as Recycling Today’s July 2013 cover story, which detailed Bender’s visions for opportunities for his then newly opened plastics recycling facility. That profile can be read at www.recyclingtoday.com/rt0713-perpetual-recycling-solutions.aspx.