Riley Hart, a member of PLASTICS’ FLiP (Future Leaders in Plastics) is a Business Development Manager with chemical distributor, ALAC International, working to grow new opportunities with new and existing customers.
His customers are fortunate to be working with someone who has a background that fosters careful planning – Riley’s resume includes a B.S. in Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management, a master’s degree in the same field, and several years of supply chain, purchasing and procurement experience prior to his arrival at ALAC.
Riley sees shifts in the global supply and demand of chemicals as a significant area of concern for the plastics industry. “As many companies have shifted production to Asia over the last three decades for various reasons, markets like North America are now left without local production of key raw materials,” he explained. “This shift has increased supply chain vulnerabilities, especially in the face of geopolitical tensions and climate change, putting the plastics industry in a challenging position.” To overcome these challenges, Riley notes “It is crucial to map and diversify supply chains across multiple regions and collaborate with companies to ensure they can maintain and sustain production in North America.”
The effect of plastic on everyday life
The global nature of plastics has made itself felt not only in Riley’s perception of the business landscape, but in his own life as well. “It is very interesting how different polymers and additives interact with my daily life,” he said. “When I walk on vinyl flooring, when I swim in a pool with a vinyl liner, or just noticing the Resin Identification Codes on products I buy.” He added, “Plastic is typically just grouped into one large bucket for the average person, so I like to learn about all the differences.”
That level of awareness has affected life at home for Riley, as well. “Unfortunately, I was the consumer who threw all plastic into the recycle bin, figuring it would all get sorted out,” he recalled. “Now that’s changed and I’m more conservative on what is going into the recycling bin.”
The opportunities the industry offers
The sense of community in the plastics industry was another pleasant discovery for Riley, especially since arriving at a company that offers him access to FLiP (Future Leaders in Plastics) the Plastics Industry Association’s professional development initiative for industry professionals under the age of 40. “I’ve been in FLiP for a year and a half,” he shared. “It has been great getting to know other FLiP members and starting to build my network.”
Riley added that the plastics industry is a particularly great place for FLiP-generation career-seekers to consider exploring. “Plastic products are in almost every aspect of our lives,” he advises peers. “If you want to drive changes in sustainability, it’s better to be working inside the industry.”
PLASTICS and the Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) Committee are devoted to supporting and encouraging the next generation of plastics leaders who will play a crucial role in the innovation, technology and future of the plastics industry. FLiP’s mission is to provide young professionals under the age of 40 the exposure, education and resources they need to build lifelong careers in plastics. Want to join? Want to get your employees involved? Email: [email protected]
