ReMA announces 2026 Young Executive of the Year Award honoree

The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), Washington, has named Chih-Hsuan (Sandy) Pierce the 2026 Young Executive of the Year, recognizing her contributions to her local community and her dedication to creating opportunities for mentorship in the recycled materials industry.  

The award will be presented April 15 at the ReMA 2026 Convention in Las Vegas. 

The recycled materials industry supports more than 600,000 jobs in communities across the U.S., according to the association. ReMA’s Young Executives Council (ReMAYE) connects and engages early-to-mid career professionals through ReMA initiatives that foster leadership development, industry engagement and professional growth in the recycled materials industry. 

Pierce is a territory manager with BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions, headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey. She started her recycling career through international supply chain management and commodity trading, discovering a passion for long-term opportunities related to complex recycling.  

“What sets Sandy apart is her profound understanding that our industry’s greatest resource is its people,” ReMA President Robin Wiener says. “Through her involvement in ReMA and her work promoting mentorship within ReMA and the recycled materials industry, as well as workforce opportunities in her local community, Sandy demonstrates a tangible path for the next generation of recycling industry professionals.” 

Pierce serves on the ReMA national board and the ReMA New Jersey chapter board, where she has strengthened the mentorship program initiative for members nationwide and established the scholarship program for the New Jersey chapter to invest in the next generation of industry leaders. She also serves on the board of a nonprofit dedicated to local growth and development. 

“Receiving this award is both exciting and deeply motivating,” Pierce says. “To be recognized by ReMA—the leading voice in our industry—strengthens my commitment to advancing recycling and sustainability. I am incredibly grateful to the many people who have believed in me and invested in my growth. This recognition reflects the mentors, friends and colleagues who have trusted me, challenged me and supported me along the way. I accept this not just with gratitude, but with responsibility to help build a stronger and more resilient space for generations to come.”