Turning Tragic Plastic into Prosperity: The Vision of Donald Thomson

In a world grappling with the environmental toll of plastic waste, Donald Thomson stands as a visionary force transforming the narrative. As the founder of CRDC (Center for Regenerative Design & Collaboration), a Costa Rica-based company with a global footprint, Donald is reshaping how the world views plastic—particularly what he aptly calls “Tragic Plastic.”

CRDC’s mission is built on a bold yet practical foundation: to harness regenerative design and industrial symbiosis to create scalable, profitable solutions to plastic waste. Donald’s leadership in this space has earned international acclaim, driven by his innovative REAP Business Model—Recover, Enrich, Appreciate, Prosper—which was shortlisted as a People’s Choice nominee at the 2016 World Economic Forum’s Circularity Awards. The model now serves as the backbone of CRDC’s international education and impact initiatives.

With a career rooted in construction and sustainable development, Donald’s work has bridged disciplines from low-carbon concrete to green infrastructure. His portfolio includes multiple international patents in building product design, and in 2022, he was named among the Top 100 Social Capital Leaders by International Business Times.

But Donald’s real genius lies in the integration of waste into value creation, especially in the built environment. His work has turned discarded plastic into high-performing construction materials—demonstrating that environmental responsibility and economic viability can, and must, coexist.

Join the Movement at PolyNext 2025

If Donald Thomson’s story inspires you, there’s no better place to engage with him—and many other changemakers—than PolyNext 2025, the premier international conference for plastics, recycling, and sustainable innovation.

🗓️ Date: October 1–2, 2025
📍 Location: Crowne Plaza Deira, Dubai

PolyNext gathers global experts, startups, policymakers, and industry leaders to spotlight innovations that are redefining the plastics economy. From chemical recycling to circular design, from bioplastics to ESG strategies—PolyNext is where the future of sustainable plastics is being built.

Be part of the conversation. Be part of the solution. Be at PolyNext.