The PolyNext Conference Dubai 2025 stands as a watershed moment in the polymer industry’s evolution, bringing together the most influential leaders, pioneering innovators, and visionary entrepreneurs from across the globe. Organized by Next Business Media under the leadership of CEO Anas Jawed, this two-day conference represented far more than a traditional industry gathering; it was a convergence of minds united by a common mission to transform challenges into sustainable opportunities and shape a circular economy future.
Conference Opening and Setting the Stage
The conference commenced with remarkable energy and purpose, as emcee Ahmad Shoeb Hashmi welcomed delegates to Dubai’s premier polymer industry gathering. His opening remarks captured the essence of the event: “where leaders, innovators and visionaries unite to shape the future of polymers and advanced materials.” This gathering represented the culmination of Next Business Media’s commitment to connecting industry leaders and fostering business growth through innovative conferences that have become hallmarks of excellence across multiple sectors.
Anas Jawed‘s opening address set the tone for what would become a transformative two-day experience, emphasizing the critical importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices in addressing the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. The conference’s timing in Dubai, a hub of international commerce and innovation, provided the perfect backdrop for discussions that would influence global polymer industry practices for years to come.
Day One: Establishing the Foundation for Circular Economy Leadership
The Path to Circular Economy: Challenges and Breakthroughs
The conference’s first major panel, moderated by Amit Grover of Grover & Company and Grover Impact Ventures, immediately established the high caliber of discourse that would characterize the entire event. Grover, with his 27 years of experience across marketing, management consulting, and venture capital, brought unique insights from his leadership roles at ITC Ltd, Lavazza Coffee, and Pernod Ricard. His MBA from the University of Wellington and his founding of Grover & Company in 2008 positioned him as an ideal moderator for discussions on intellectual property strategy and innovation monetization.
The panel featured an extraordinary lineup of speakers, each bringing distinct regional and industry perspectives to the circular economy discussion. Dennis Evers, Managing Director of ISKO and SANKO’s international headquarters in the Netherlands, contributed over 13 years of experience within the group, combining strategic vision with hands-on execution. His role as board member of RE&UP, a groundbreaking Greentech venture revolutionizing textile-to-textile recycling, provided critical insights into the intersection of fashion and sustainability.
Le Anh, Sustainability Director at DUYTAN Recycling, represented the dynamic growth of plastic recycling efforts in Vietnam. His master’s degree from Maastricht University and his pivotal role in advancing DUYTAN’s sustainable development programs highlighted the importance of educational excellence in driving environmental innovation. His work in forging partnerships with major brands and industry organizations demonstrated the practical applications of academic knowledge in real-world sustainability initiatives.
Ahmed El Naggar brought over a decade of experience in recycling, sustainability, and social impact across the EMEA region to his role as Global Director of Business Development and Partnerships at Recyclium. His expertise in integrating artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital innovation into climate action represented the cutting edge of environmental technology. His pioneering work at both Plastic Bank and Recyclium has advanced inclusive, tech-driven models for circular economies, transforming environmental challenges into economic and social opportunities.
Leadership Perspectives from the UAE’s Private Sector
Ahmed Elmetwally’s presentation provided invaluable insights from his position as CEO and General Manager of the Private Office of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan in the United Arab Emirates. His exceptional professionalism, integrity, and visionary leadership have earned him recognition within regional and international business communities. With over 10,000 followers and an expansive network of connections, Elmetwally’s influence extends far beyond executive circles into diplomatic and strategic business relationships. His ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver impactful results positioned his insights as particularly valuable for understanding the intersection of government, business, and environmental policy in the region.
Bioplastics Innovation and the Future of Sustainable Packaging
Dr. Aman Kulshrestha’s presentation on bioplastics marked a pivotal moment in the conference’s technical discussions. As Chief Technology Officer at Emirates Biotech, Dr. Kulshrestha is spearheading the design and engineering of the world’s largest Polylactic Acid (PLA) manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi. This groundbreaking project, producing 160,000 tons annually of biodegradable PLA bioplastics, represents a vital step in reducing reliance on single-use plastics and combating climate change.
Her career trajectory, spanning senior leadership roles at Sulzer Chemtech and NatureWorks, provided her with unparalleled expertise in biopolymers, sustainable packaging, and compostable materials. Her work has yielded numerous patents and fostered global collaborations that continue to drive the bioplastics industry forward. Her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, combined with her passion for yoga, mindfulness, and nature, embodies a holistic approach to both life and leadership that resonated throughout the conference.
Global Collaboration in Tackling Marine Plastic Pollution
The panel on marine plastic pollution brought together diverse perspectives from multiple continents and business sectors. Ayush Aggarwal, Director of Sunrise Group and visionary founder of YESS luxury hypermarket chain, demonstrated how entrepreneurial mindsets can bridge environmental stewardship with business growth. His MBA and B.Tech from the London School of Economics positioned him to champion scalable, responsible solutions within the circular economy.
Ajith PK’s presentation provided one of the conference’s most inspiring stories. As CEO of Plaskon Plastics Eco Circular Pvt. Ltd., his journey from being the son of a waste collector in Chennai to becoming a recognized leader in circular innovation exemplified the transformative power of determination and vision. His over 12 years of experience in plastic recycling has earned him national recognition, including “Social Impact Startup of the Year 2023” and “Bharat Entrepreneur Representing Tamil Nadu 2024”.
Rajesh Pahwa brought unmatched experience to the discussion with over 35 years of global expertise in plastic recycling and technologies. As Co-Founder and CEO of Source.re and Founder & CEO of 21st Century Polymers, his leadership extends to operating multiple Material Recovery Facilities across India. His philosophy that combining MRFs with recycling represents the best sustainable solution for plastic litter provided practical insights for scaling environmental solutions.
Mohammad Ishaq’s role as Sourcing Manager at Ravago Recycling Middle East brought regional expertise in plastics recycling, waste management, and sustainable sourcing. His MBA background and strong track record in operations and strategic procurement combined industry knowledge with environmental impact considerations. His active representation at trade shows and forums championed best practices in recycling and circular solutions.
Mia Bowyer’s contribution as CEO of Automate Social provided a unique perspective on the intersection of digital marketing and environmental advocacy. Her award-winning social media work with Fortune 500 brands and organizations including The World Bank, The United Nations, and Microsoft demonstrated the power of strategic communication in advancing sustainability. Her innovative work included launching the world’s first fair trade plastic campaign in Bangalore with The Body Shop and Plastics For Change, achieving a viral reach of 686 million online—a testament to the potential for digital platforms to amplify environmental messages.
Chemical Recycling Revolution in PET Processing
Vivek Tandon’s presentation on chemical recycling represented one of the conference’s most technically significant contributions. As the visionary founder of Revalyu, a global leader in chemical-based plastic recycling, his company has already transformed over 6 billion plastic bottles into high-quality sustainable textiles. This achievement, accomplished through patented breakthrough technology and collaboration with leading clothing brands, demonstrates the scalability of innovative recycling solutions.
Under Tandon’s leadership, Revalyu has achieved remarkable growth of over 30% year-on-year, setting new benchmarks for scalable, circular innovation. His ambitious goal to process over 1,000 tonnes of plastic bottles per day by 2030 represents a vision for transformative environmental impact. His active search for like-minded partners to expand this game-changing technology worldwide highlighted the collaborative spirit essential for scaling sustainable solutions.
Digital Innovation in Plastic Industry Marketing
Mia Bowyer’s second session on AI and social media campaigns for increasing plastic sales provided crucial insights into the evolving relationship between technology and environmental messaging. Her expertise as a mentor, lecturer, and podcast creator, combined with her passion for transforming marketing departments through industry-best strategies, offered practical guidance for companies seeking to communicate their sustainability initiatives effectively.
Advanced Polymer Technologies and Crystallization
Hartmut’s presentation brought deep technical expertise from his role as Head of Sales for Europe and the Americas at Sulzer Chemtech. His impressive career spanning leadership roles at Clariant, Borealis, Lummus Novolen Technology, and Targor/Basell provided comprehensive industry perspective. His Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry and Master of Science in Innovation Management positioned him to address both technical innovation and business strategy considerations in polymer sustainability.
Thermoset Materials Innovation and Sustainability
Thomas’s presentation on recycling and sustainability in thermoset materials provided specialized insights from his leadership of Lorenz Kunststofftechnik. Born in 1969 and gaining early insights working alongside his father, the company’s founder, Thomas formally joined the company in 1992 and soon assumed CEO and owner responsibilities. Under his stewardship, Lorenz Kunststofftechnik has become a recognized leader in thermoset materials, advancing innovations in recycling and natural fiber composites.
Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Multiple Industries
Sree Teja Deeti’s presentation on sustainable packaging concluded Day One’s technical sessions with practical insights into manufacturing 100% paper-based packaging solutions. As founder of Vistar Leaf – Eco Sustainable Products, his innovative work transforms natural leaves into eco-friendly tableware, offering scalable alternatives to single-use plastics. His background in environmental engineering, combined with his leadership of Renavart Recyclers and the Khammam Youth Association, demonstrated the integration of technical expertise with community empowerment initiatives.
Excellence in Plastic Industry Awards: Recognizing Corporate Innovation
The conference’s award ceremony recognized outstanding contributions across multiple categories, celebrating both established corporations and innovative startups making significant impacts in the polymer industry.
Thevinyl AB received recognition for Innovation in PVC Recycling & Low Carbon Compounding. As a leading Nordic supplier of advanced PVC compounds, the company has demonstrated strong commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation. Founded in 1971, Thevinyl has doubled its production and sales since 2020, with growing use of recycled PVC in its products. Their certifications under ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and guidance by ISO 26000 for sustainability culminated in recognition by CEFIC with a commendation in the 2023 European Responsible Care Awards.
Silostop Agri Ltd was honored for Circular Solutions in Agri-Plastics, representing global leadership in silage solutions. Their innovative products, including ARK Agri silage clamps, Silostop® High Oxygen Barrier films, and Secure Covers®, help farms and biogas plants worldwide produce better silage with less plastic, improving yields, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency.
Recyclium AG earned recognition for Innovation for Circular Traceability and Blockchain Integration, transforming recycling through blockchain-based traceability and geolocation tracking. Their transparent reverse logistics ecosystem assigns real value to waste, empowering individuals and businesses to participate actively in sustainability while simplifying ESG compliance for companies.
SK Industriemodell GmbH, based in Übach-Palenberg, Germany, was recognized for Innovation in Prototyping & Small Series Production. Their expertise in high-quality plastic injection-molded prototypes and small series, combined with in-house toolmaking, 3D-printed molds, and fully integrated production processes, represents innovation, precision, and agility in delivering tailor-made solutions.
The SmartBunker® received the Innovation in Plastic Reuse and Upcycling award for their innovative, award-winning storage solution. Manufactured in Northern Ireland by Greenans Products Ltd., their patented, user-friendly pull-arm system for storing coal, wood pellets, salt, grit, and animal feed represents practical innovation that has gained recognition on BBC’s Dragons’ Den and approval from HETAS and Balcas Energy.
Additional corporate awards recognized Advance Plastic Chips Manufacturing LLC for Best Post-Consumer Plastic Recycling Initiative, Circular Solutions Advisors for Tech-Driven Circular Solutions, Sempack France for Sustainable Packaging Innovation, Sphera for Circular Economy & Lifecycle Innovation, D.E.L.L PET LLC for Advanced PET Bottle Manufacturing Solutions, Trifilon for Innovation in Natural Fiber Composites, RE&UP Recycling Technologies for Innovation in Sustainable Textile Recycling and Circular Economy Solutions, and Safa BioWorks for Circular Economy Leadership.
Day Two: Expanding Global Perspectives and Accelerating Innovation
Pioneering Leadership in Strategic Sustainability
Day Two opened with Christi McGee’s presentation on pioneering plastic recycling for a sustainable tomorrow. As Chief Strategy and Brand Officer, McGee brought over 20 years of experience across global brands, public affairs, and community engagement, including leadership roles at Coca-Cola Consolidated, NASCAR, and the National Association of REALTORS. Her reputation as a sought-after speaker and passionate advocate for women in sports and sustainability positioned her insights as particularly valuable for understanding the integration of purpose-driven business strategies with environmental impact.
Enhanced Global Collaboration on Marine Plastic Pollution
The second day’s panel on marine plastic pollution, moderated by Kaavyanjali, brought additional perspectives to this critical environmental challenge. Dr. Chinuu Kwatra’s participation provided humanitarian and environmental advocacy insights from Mumbai. His mobilization of over 100,000 volunteers, leadership of 700+ cleanups, and rescue of 4,000 tonnes of ocean-bound garbage through his Khushiyaan Foundation demonstrated the power of grassroots environmental action. His recognition as a Youth Leader by PM Modi and his impact as a TEDx speaker reinforced the importance of individual leadership in driving collective environmental action.
Harbinder Singh contributed over 35 years of experience in environmental services across 15 countries spanning developed and developing regions. His senior leadership roles at Waste Management Inc, Suez, Veolia, Sembcorp, and Bee’ah provided comprehensive industry perspective. His pioneering work launching the region’s first zero-waste hotel, largest e-waste recycling facility, and innovative wastewater-to-industrial waste recycling operations demonstrated practical applications of circular economy principles. His latest venture, YES Full Circle, represents an innovative approach as a social enterprise combining climate action with addressing income inequality.
Don Thomson’s presentation provided insights from his position as visionary founder of CRDC Material, a pioneering company based in Costa Rica revolutionizing the circular economy by addressing “Tragic Plastic” within the built environment. His innovative REAP Business Model—Recover, Enrich, Appreciate, Prosper—earned nomination for the People’s Choice Award at the 2016 World Economic Forum Circularity Awards. CRDC Materials’ development of cutting-edge technologies to transform hard-to-recycle plastics into RESIN8™, a patented hybrid mineral-polymer material that enhances concrete and asphalt products, represents breakthrough innovation in construction materials.
Kaavyanjali’s moderation brought seasoned marketing expertise with over 8 years of experience driving data-powered growth and go-to-market strategies across the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and India. Her specialization in Marketing Analytics, Performance Marketing, Content Strategy, and GTM execution provided valuable context for understanding regional market dynamics in sustainability initiatives.
Transforming Startups into Industry Giants
The session on transforming plastic recycling startups into industry giants featured Chip Cereghin and Lori Yoder, bringing complementary expertise in PET technology and innovation. Chip, founder of D.E.L.L PET, contributed over 30 years of expertise in PET technology and recycling innovation, including support for global giants like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Nestlé. His founding of D.E.L.L PET in 2023 to revive and advance PET industry knowledge demonstrated commitment to knowledge transfer and industry development.
Lori Yoder’s nearly 30 years of expertise in PET packaging, material science, and sustainable innovation complemented Chip’s perspective. Her former role as Senior Technical Marketing Representative at Alpek Polyester and her key contributions to advancing container design, stretch-blow molding, and recycling technologies provided deep technical insights. Her current service as advisor and DELL-PET Team Member continues to shape the future of PET packaging.
Manufacturing Excellence in Recycled Plastics
The panel on recycled plastics in manufacturing, moderated by Jeremy Selhore, brought together diverse perspectives on sustainable manufacturing practices. Priyanka Jha’s leadership of Advance Plastic Chips Manufacturing LLC demonstrated the transformation of plastic recycling landscapes through eco-friendly practices, innovative recycling technologies, and strategic partnerships promoting circular economy principles. Her Science degree, MBA in Finance and Marketing, and Executive Management training at IIM Indore provided comprehensive business foundation. Under her leadership, the company has earned ISO 14001, 45001, 9001, and Global Recycle Standard certifications.
Niall Greenan’s presentation highlighted innovation driven by personal empathy, as his Smart Bunker design was inspired by his mother’s struggle with arthritis. His spring-loaded storage container with side lever has transformed storage and dispensing practices, gaining endorsements from industry leaders and featuring on Dragons’ Den with backing from HETAS, Balcas Energy, and CAFRE.
Tobias Lind brought extensive experience from his career beginning in 1996 at Nexans Sweden AB as Process and Development Engineer, progressing through sales engineering to joining Thevinyl AB as Technical Manager in 2001. His 2020 appointment as CEO and Sustainability Director at Thevinyl AB continues the company’s leadership in innovation and environmental responsibility, making Thevinyl a recognized name in Scandinavia for quality and flexible PVC compounds.
Aryan Aggarwal’s leadership of Recycle Plastics demonstrated global impact with nine recycling plants across Asia and annual capacity of 36,000 metric tons. Under his leadership, the company has processed over 4 million metric tons of plastic waste, producing virgin-quality polyethylene and polypropylene granules. Partnerships with global giants like Oppo, GAIL, Unilever, Samsung, and Aditya Birla demonstrate the commercial viability of circular economy practices. His University College London Master’s in Management and representation of India at EarthX USA reinforced his global perspective.
Simon Fiedler’s founding of Simiplas GmbH demonstrated the integration of technology expertise with commercial instinct. His background in FinTech product management and sustainability tech business development, combined with his music production work including collaboration with global DJ Robin Schulz, illustrated the creative thinking driving innovation in recycled plastics trading.
Jeremy Selhore’s moderation brought 15 years of Australian rPET manufacturing experience, with specialization in CSD bottle blow molding, mono and multilayer sheet extrusion coating, and PET fiber processing. His close collaboration with local rPET washing plants to understand and address recovery challenges demonstrated practical commitment to operational excellence through lean principles.
Bioplastic Innovation and Market Applications
Divyesh Dadhaniya’s presentation on bioplastic capabilities showcased his leadership as Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of Deltora Biopolymers Pvt Ltd. His Master’s degree in Polymer Technology from Germany and extensive expertise in biopolymers, combined with advanced PLA manufacturing technology development during his research at IIT Guwahati, positioned him at the forefront of bioplastic innovation. His 28 patentable compounds in the biopolymer field and knowledge sharing through thebiopolymers.com demonstrated commitment to advancing the entire industry.
Developing Circular Economies Across Industries
The comprehensive panel on developing circular economies across industries, moderated by Dr. Chinuu Kwatra, brought together diverse international perspectives. Wenaël Regnier’s leadership of Sempack® represented breakthrough innovation in recyclable and flexible packaging. His over 20 years of experience in automotive and packaging industries, combined with patented technologies recognized in over 30 countries, demonstrated successful circular economy solution development.
Roblain NAMEGNI’s journey from Business Administration studies at the University of Antwerp to process engineering with Deloitte, and subsequent roles at Reynaers Aluminium and Manuchar, provided comprehensive business process expertise. His hands-on role setting up lean production lines across South America and Africa, helping suppliers like Unilever innovate and grow, culminated in his pioneering relocation to Cameroon in 2015 to launch NAMé Recycling as CEO.
Kaunain Shahidi’s over two decades of expertise in packaging development, sustainability, and supply chain management positioned him as a recognized authority in packaging innovation. His deep understanding of the full packaging spectrum, remarkable track record in pioneering packaging innovations, and engagement at seminars and conferences demonstrated commitment to knowledge sharing on packaging’s potential for business growth and brand success.
Ahmet Abdulaziz’s over twenty years of international experience as Founder and Managing Director of QONEXA Industries demonstrated scaling circular economy operations throughout the GCC. His earlier senior leadership roles at PETRONAS and SABIC, steering regional expansion, forging strategic partnerships, and driving commercial operations in emerging markets, provided comprehensive industry foundation.
Fabian Loske’s role as Senior Manager at Sphera, leading sustainability consulting in renewables and chemicals, combined his strong background from the University of Stuttgart with experience at PETRONAS, SABIC, and the Fraunhofer Institute. His deep expertise in life cycle engineering, climate action, and global sustainability strategy provided technical foundation for circular economy discussions.
Reducing Reliance on Virgin Plastics: Global Success Stories
The panel on reducing virgin plastic reliance, moderated by Tim Brewer, showcased successful implementations across multiple continents. Juan Camilo Briceno’s role as Financial Manager and CFO of ACEBRI demonstrated leadership in Colombian circular economy practices. Since joining ACEBRI at its founding in 2007, his financial strategy and growth leadership helped shape the company into a recognized leader in circular economy practices across Latin America. His MBA with international studies in strategic leadership from Spain, specialization in Financial Management, and fluency in Spanish, English, and Mandarin enabled international partnerships and global market expansion.
Tim Brewer’s moderation brought over 30 years of experience in the agricultural sector, transitioning from retail into agricultural supply industry with strong focus on plastics. His five years with Silostop Agri, progression from European sales management to Managing Director following the merger with ARK Agriculture, provided global scale insights into diverse market challenges across different climate and economic conditions.
Dimitrios Georgouvelas‘ leadership as Head of Materials at Trifilon demonstrated distinguished materials chemistry expertise. His PhD in Materials Chemistry from Stockholm University and Master’s degree in bio and nanomaterials from Uppsala University positioned him to lead material development projects from concept to commercialization. His focus on sustainability by creating environmentally friendly materials helping clients reduce carbon footprints and adopt circular and biobased alternatives provided practical guidance for material science applications.
Dr. Sandeep Kulkarni’s dual role as founder of KoolEarth Solutions Inc. and Vice President of Plastics and Packaging at Ubuntoo brought over 20 years of experience in sustainable packaging innovation. His multiple patents and global contributions to plastics recycling and waste reduction demonstrated practical applications of technical expertise in commercial settings.
Competitive Advantage Through Recycled Plastic Products
Sebastian Krell’s presentation on recycled plastic products as competitive edge showcased his transformation of SK Industriemodell since taking helm in 2014 and becoming sole owner in 2015. His championing of research as innovation cornerstone led to breakthroughs like Print&Inject, pioneering technology using 3D printed mold inserts for injection molding. Under his leadership, the company earned prestigious nominations and awards, including Founders Award nominations for Aachen and North Rhine-Westphalia and the “Innovative Through Research” seal for five consecutive years.
Balancing Economic Growth with Environmental Responsibility
The final panel on plastics in transition, moderated by Dr. Yelena Kann, addressed the critical balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility. Dr. Bakare Rasheed’s leadership as founder and CEO of Ecoflow Nigeria demonstrated community-focused recycling and circular economy initiatives. His advanced degrees in environmental studies and commitment to environmental justice, recognized through his 2024 Environmental Champion designation, provided grassroots perspective on sustainable business development.
Dr. Yelena Kann’s moderation brought 28 years of experience in biodegradable and biobased plastics, with PhD from University of Sussex, over 50 patents, and work with leading companies like Metabolix and Sabic. Her recognition as innovator and leader, serving as Vice-Chair of the ASTM committee on biodegradable plastics and recipient of multiple prestigious awards, positioned her uniquely to guide discussions on balancing technical innovation with environmental responsibility.
Dr. Nazli Gulsine Ozdemir’s founding of Gulsine Ltd and groundbreaking work on polymer aging and lifecycle assessment led to the patented A2P2 platform, uniquely integrating experimental methods with AI to predict lifespans of critical medical devices and water filtration systems. Her innovative approach combining physics-informed models with machine learning enables manufacturers to accelerate safety testing and confidently bring safer products to market faster.
Nima Vakili’s leadership as Founder and CEO of Safa BioWorks demonstrated pioneering work shaping the UAE’s next industrial era. Her mission rooted in purpose and powered by innovation leads transformation of regional natural resources into foundation of circular, low-carbon economy. Safa BioWorks’ development of the UAE’s first vertically integrated bioplastics and biomaterials platform, producing sustainable PLA biopolymers, sustainable aviation fuels, and renewable bio-based additives, directly advances UAE’s Net Zero 2050 and Vision 2071 goals.
Dr. Abdullah Alsehly’s role as Development Manager at Alsehly Holding Co. and active membership in the Al-Ahsa Chamber of Commerce and Industry demonstrated commitment to aligning manufacturing innovation with environmental stewardship. His insights on sustainable industrial transformation in the Gulf region provided regional context for global sustainability initiatives.
Excellence in Plastic Industry Awards: Recognizing Individual Leadership
The individual leadership awards recognized exceptional contributions across multiple aspects of industry development and innovation.
Simon Fiedler received the Rising Star in Circular Plastics award, recognizing his founding of Simiplas GmbH and rapid growth in global recycled plastics trading. His background combining FinTech and sustainability tech with commercial edge, plus his music production work including collaboration with Robin Schulz, demonstrated creative approaches to business innovation.
Don Thomson was honored with the Plastic Waste Innovation of the Year award for his founding of CRDC Materials and development of the REAP Business Model. His People’s Choice nomination at the 2016 World Economic Forum Circularity Awards and recognition as Top 100 Social Capital Leader by International Business Times in 2022 reinforced his contributions to circular economy innovation.
Juan Camilo Briceno received the Financial Leadership for Circular Economy Award, recognizing his CFO role at ACEBRI and leadership in financial strategy and growth since 2007. His MBA, specialization in Financial Management, and fluency in Spanish, English, and Mandarin demonstrated international perspective essential for global circular economy development.
Dr. Yelena Kann was recognized as Innovator in Biodegradable Polymer Science, honoring her 28+ years of experience in plastics stabilization, biodegradation, and sustainable materials. Her work with leading companies like Metabolix, EInk, and Sabic, founding of two recycling and plastic pollution startups, PhD in Chemistry from University of Sussex, 30+ published papers, 50+ global patents, and role as Vice-Chair of ASTM’s biodegradable plastics committee demonstrated comprehensive contributions to polymer science.
James Merrill received the Circular Innovation Leadership award for founding StokedPlastics and inventing the StokedPlastic® blend. His award-winning sustainable eyewear collections like StokedPlastic Sunglasses and StokedSnow Goggles, commitment to circular economy principles, and removal of over 350,000 plastic bottles from oceans and landfills demonstrated practical applications of circular innovation.
Sree Teja Deeti was honored with the Innovation in Alternative Materials award, recognizing his visionary environmental engineering and serial entrepreneurship. His founding of Vistar Leaf creating eco-friendly tableware from natural leaves, leadership of Renavart Recyclers for e-waste management, and Khammam Youth Association aligned with UN SDGs demonstrated integration of technical expertise with social impact. His Master’s in Environmental Engineering from Griffith University, Youth Icon of India award, GRIET’s Best Alumni award, and “Vision 2030 – Khammam StartUps” initiative to launch 50 startups by 2030 showcased comprehensive commitment to sustainable innovation.
Jeremy Selhore received the Sustainable Manufacturing Leadership award for his Technical Manager role at Plantic Technologies Ltd. His over 15 years of Australian rPET manufacturing experience, expertise spanning CSD bottle blowmoulding through PET fibre processing, collaboration with local RPET washing plants, and commitment to operational excellence through lean principles demonstrated practical sustainability leadership.
Rodrigo Tavares was recognized as Environmental Leader of the Year, though specific details of his contributions were not elaborated in the ceremony script.
Ahmet Abdulaziz received the Sustainable Materials Innovation award, recognizing his over two decades of global experience in polymer, petrochemical, and recycling sectors. His founding and leadership of QONEXA Industries, building and scaling circular economy operations across the GCC, and previous senior roles at PETRONAS and SABIC demonstrated comprehensive industry leadership.
Nima Vakili was honored with the Sustainable Bio Plastics Supply Chain Development award, recognizing her founding and leadership of Safa BioWorks as purpose-driven company pioneering UAE’s first vertically integrated bioplastics and biomaterials platform. Her focus on sustainable PLA biopolymers, SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuels), and bio-based additives supporting UAE Net Zero 2050 and Operation 300Bn goals demonstrated alignment of business innovation with national sustainability objectives.
Comprehensive Impact and Industry Transformation
The PolyNext Conference Dubai 2025 represented far more than a gathering of industry professionals—it was a comprehensive demonstration of the polymer industry’s commitment to transformation and sustainable innovation. The conference’s structure, moving from foundational circular economy discussions through technical innovation presentations to practical implementation case studies, provided a complete framework for understanding the industry’s evolution.
The diversity of participants, representing companies and organizations from across six continents, demonstrated the global nature of sustainability challenges and solutions. From Vietnam’s DUYTAN Recycling to Costa Rica’s CRDC Material, from Germany’s SK Industriemodell to Nigeria’s Ecoflow, the conference showcased how local innovation contributes to global environmental solutions.
The technical presentations covered the complete spectrum of polymer industry innovation, from bioplastics manufacturing and chemical recycling to digital marketing and blockchain integration. This comprehensive approach demonstrated that sustainable transformation requires innovation across all aspects of business operations, from core manufacturing processes to customer communication strategies.
The award ceremonies provided crucial recognition for both established leaders and emerging innovators, demonstrating that industry transformation benefits from both experienced guidance and fresh perspectives. The balance between corporate and individual recognition highlighted the importance of both organizational commitment and personal leadership in driving sustainable change.
Future Implications and Continuing Impact
The PolyNext Conference Dubai 2025 established new benchmarks for industry collaboration and knowledge sharing. The conference’s emphasis on practical solutions rather than theoretical discussions provided attendees with actionable insights for implementing sustainable practices within their own organizations. The detailed speaker presentations, covering everything from specific manufacturing technologies to comprehensive business strategies, created a knowledge base that extends far beyond the conference’s two-day duration.
The conference’s location in Dubai, combined with strong participation from UAE-based organizations and initiatives, reinforced the region’s growing leadership in sustainable innovation. The alignment between conference themes and UAE national objectives like Net Zero 2050 and Vision 2071 demonstrated how industry events can support broader policy goals while advancing commercial interests.
The integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital marketing into traditional polymer industry discussions showed how cross-sector collaboration drives innovation. The conference demonstrated that sustainable transformation requires not only technical innovation in materials and manufacturing but also advancement in communication, supply chain management, and business model development.
Conclusion: A Watershed Moment for Global Polymer Industry Leadership
The PolyNext Conference Dubai 2025 will be remembered as a defining moment in the polymer industry’s evolution toward sustainability and circular economy principles. The conference succeeded in bringing together the most influential voices in global polymer innovation, creating dialogue that bridged technical expertise with business strategy, regional initiatives with global objectives, and established practices with emerging innovations.
The conference’s comprehensive approach, covering everything from molecular-level materials science to international policy implications, demonstrated the complexity and interconnectedness of sustainable transformation. The presentations and discussions showed that successful environmental solutions require expertise across multiple disciplines, collaboration across geographical boundaries, and innovation across all aspects of business operations.
Most importantly, the conference demonstrated that the transition to sustainable polymer practices is not merely an environmental necessity but also a tremendous business opportunity. The success stories presented throughout the two days, from companies achieving remarkable growth while reducing environmental impact to innovators developing breakthrough technologies with global applications, showed that sustainability and profitability are not competing objectives but complementary goals.
The PolyNext Conference Dubai 2025 established a new standard for industry events, demonstrating how comprehensive programming, diverse participation, and practical focus can create lasting impact that extends far beyond the conference itself. The knowledge shared, connections made, and innovations presented will continue to influence polymer industry development for years to come, making this conference a true catalyst for global sustainable transformation.
The next PolyNext Conference is going to be happening on 4-5 November, 2026 in Dubai.
Register Now: https://www.polynextconf.com
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