Chemical Engineer with master’s in engineering and 24 years of experience in the plastic industry with knowledge in the design of polypropylene resin, plastic conversion processes     and mechanical and chemical recycling of polyolefins. Currently works as R&D manager in Esenttia and he is the Director of the investigation team group “Ciencia, Tecnología y Sostenibilidad en Polímeros”  and is PhD candidate in engineering- energy system in the National University where he is working with the use of biochar as absorbent in the microwave assisted pyrolysis of polypropylene.

Carlos Rodriguez Giraldo is a Mechanical Engineer with a Master’s degree with emphasis in Polymer Processing from Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia. With over 24 years of experience working with polymer materials, Carlos has dedicated the last 18 years to the BOPP industry and its application in food packaging. In that field, Carlos has conducted research, led product development, implemented new technologies, and engaged in problem-solving as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. He currently leads the R&D activities for Taghleef Industries in Latin America, overseeing regional and cross-regional development projects.

Chemical Engineer with more than 32 years of experience in the production, optimization, product development and plastic processing fields. He currently is the Marketing Manager for Vestolit and is responsible for configuring the value offer in products through its processing, efficiency, performance, development and sustainability to customers.

Philippe Desbois, Senior Principal Scientist, is developing new solutions in the research and development department of BASF’s Performance Materials. For more than 20 years, he has been involved in the Structural Material Research. Before focusing on Polyamides and lightweight composites, he investigated various fields of polymer science from styrenics and elastomers to engineering plastics. The overlap between new production processes and novel chemical routes is his area of expertise. He has held lectures at the Polytechnic Institute of Bordeaux and has filed more than 100 patents. He followed a double university course in engineering and polymer science: he received his PhD at the University of Bordeaux and an engineering degree from the ENSCP Bordeaux.

Viktor Zagorec is Raman technology product manager in Anton Paar responsible for benchtop Raman devices portfolio. Before he joined Raman team, Viktor worked in Anton Paar Croatia. He has joined Anton Paar 4 years ago. Viktor is chemist by profession and holds master’s degree in analytical chemistry. Besides chemistry background, he has business experience and holds master´s degree in management.

Yohana García is the leader of the Plastilene Group’s Sustainable Portfolio. She is a Chemical Engineer from the National University of Colombia. She is a specialist in Project Management, with a M.S. in Applied Chemistry and Polymeric Materials at the University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU. Yohana has worked in the packaging manufacturing industry for more than 15 years and has experience in development project management, life cycle analysis – LCA, as well as management systems auditing.

Dr. Alfonso Gonzalez Montiel, with a Ph.D. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from The University of Texas, Austin, is a distinguished leader whose expertise spans significant roles in the chemical and polymer industries. As the Regional Sales Director LATAM at Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), he masterfully designed and implemented a sales strategy that expanded market segments and exceeded revenue targets by fostering a robust team across multiple countries. In his entrepreneurial venture as the Managing Director and Founder of Rheomod de Mexico, Dr. Montiel spearheaded the development of specialized polymer additives promoting the circular economy, achieving a diverse product portfolio protected by patents across major global markets. His leadership is characterized by a strong focus on innovation, team-building, and strategic market expansion.