iSustain Engages Future Leaders in Plastics Recycling at CUWP Seminar and the University of Wisconsin Madison

Recently, Mark Huber, Business Development Executive at iSustain, had the honor of presenting at two educational events: the Chemical Upcycling of Waste Plastics (CUWP) seminar and in Professor George Huber’s class at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Both engagements provided a platform to share insights on the real-world challenges and innovative solutions surrounding plastics recycling.

Addressing Industry Challenges at the CUWP Seminar

Mark’s presentation at the CUWP seminar highlighted the barriers that hinder large-scale plastics recycling in the U.S. From feedstock quality and supply chain logistics to economic constraints, he explained how iSustain tackles these issues by integrating advanced recycling technologies and circularity solutions. The discussion emphasized the importance of collaboration and the need to bridge the gap between lab-scale research and industry-level application, a key to making plastics recycling viable on a commercial scale.

Inspiring Students in CBE 562: Technology for Plastic Recycling

Mark also brought his expertise to George Huber’s “Technology for Plastic Recycling” class, where students are exploring cutting-edge recycling techniques and the current state of the industry. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge to understand both the limitations and the potential of plastics recycling. By sharing insights on iSustain's operations, Mark provided a unique perspective, showing how innovations in mechanical and chemical recycling are being implemented to create scalable, sustainable solutions. It was an opportunity to inspire students to see the role they can play in the future of recycling, from policy changes to technological breakthroughs.

Connecting Theory with Practice

George Huber’s course encourages students to look at the recycling industry through the lens of a chemical engineer, challenging them to explore solutions for recovering and reusing plastic polymers sustainably. With guest speakers like Mark and other industry experts, students gain a well-rounded understanding of how their classroom learning can be applied in the real world. Mark’s talk underscored the importance of strategic partnerships and innovative recycling methods to address both environmental and economic demands.

Empowering the Next Generation

We’re proud to have been part of these events, contributing to the education of future leaders who will shape the landscape of plastics recycling. At iSustain, we believe that meaningful change is possible when passion meets innovation, and we're excited to see how these students will contribute to a more sustainable future.

As we continue to champion innovation and sustainability in plastics recycling, we invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you’re an organization seeking to enhance your recycling efforts, or a company looking to build a more circular approach to waste management, iSustain is here to collaborate with you. Together, we can create long-term, impactful solutions. Contact us today to explore how we can partner to make a meaningful difference in your sustainability initiatives.