Innovation Ecosystems for plastics in a circular economy

Paolo Sandri

European Commission – DG GROW

Paolo has entered the European Commission in 2014. Since then, he has worked for the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs in the fields of relations with the European Parliament and Council, European Standardisation Policy and competitiveness issues for the chemicals industry in the EU. Since 2017, Paolo has worked on the definition, launch and implementation of the EU Strategy for Plastics in the Circular Economy. Paolo holds a Masters Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Gorizia – Trieste (Italy).

Nieves Gonzalez Ramon

SUSCHEM / CEFIC

Innovation Manager in Advanced Materials of The European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC). Multidisciplinary competences and a wide range of skills and experience. Highly motivated by tangible goals with public and peer recognition in innovation oriented international and multicultural environment.

Jan 2016-Apr 2019. Borealis Chimie SAS, Rouen (FR): Senior Scientist/Project leader in Fertilizers; 2007 - 2015. FeyeCon Carbon Dioxide Technologies B. V., Delft (NL): Project leader/Senior Scientist in green technologies; 1997 - 2007. European Patent Office (EPO), the Hague (NL): European Patent examiner in Biopharmaceuticals; 1994- 1997. PhD in Biochemistry Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, U. Zaragoza (ES): Thesis: “PIG-MAP, a novel acute phase protein, its biochemical and pathological characterization in the pig”; MSc Degree in Polymer Processing and Manufacture. North London Univ (UK). Dec. 1993 - 1st academic prize. Active Member of the European Platform of Women Scientist EPWS.

Bruno Machado

LOGOPLASTE INNOVATION LAB

Technical Director of Logoplaste Innovation Lab Europe (ILAB), which concentrates the activities of Packaging Development for Logoplaste that manages more than 900 projects Worldwide, for most of the FMCG in the world in Rigid Packaging Development. Since 2011, Biomimicry has been Integrated in the DNA of the Design and Conceptual principles for Packaging Design of Logoplaste Innovation Lab, making it the first company in the world to use it as base for packaging development.

Fernando Ventura

JERÓNIMO MARTINS

His expertise extends from biodiversity management (such as the use of tools to assess impacts on ecosystems) to the integration of environmental criteria into supply chains. His work includes the implementation and coordination of environmental management systems, development of product and services’ life-cycle assessment as well as environmental audits and reviews’ execution. With over 25 years of experience from working in the public and the private sector, he looks at deploying training among employees, co-workers and suppliers as one the key-drivers to foster effective behaviour change.

Since 2004 in Jerónimo Martins where he coordinated the Portuguese environmental department, Fernando uses his experience in environmental management and sustainability to work on preventive strategies and management methods, leading today projects that foster natural resources’ efficiency and eco-innovation such as food waste and packaging eco-design.

Silvia Abreu

VEOLIA

With a degree in Environmental Engineering and training in Quality, Environmental and safety Management Systems, I started my career in 2002 as a Consultant/Auditor in Integrated Management Systems. In 2006, I began working in Quimitécnica Ambiente, first as a Sales Technician, where besides the preparation and follow-up of commercial proposals I had the opportunity to lead Total Waste Management Projects. Later on, I started coordinating Soil Remediation Projects in this company.

After extending my education in Business and Financial Management I joined the Renascimento team in 2010, until today, as Site Manager (Northern site). Apart from coordinating the commercial and operational activities, I also lead Total Waste Management Projects, as well as the management and acquisition of key accounts/clients.

Hernan Calvo

PLASTIC ENERGY

I started working in the transport sector, developing high responsibility positions, participating in several start-up projects, and always looking for efficiency as well as value creation. During my professional development, I was able to hold the position of CEO & Managing Director in Companies operating in South America, Europe, Africa, US and in the Caribbean. This valued experience shaped the person that I am nowadays, able to combine cultures diversity, speaking four different languages, and with the ability to understand the needs of different markets and regions.

In the last years I’ve got involved in the plastic recycling business, specifically “plastic to fuel” and nowadays “plastic to plastic”, holding the position of Business Development Director in Plastic Energy. In our Company we recycle plastic to produce a TACOIL that is used to produce plastics again, achieving a Real Circular Economy.