Plastics News recognized Benny Mermans, Chevron Phillips Chemical’s Vice President of Sustainability, in its inaugural class of Notable Leaders in Sustainability, published in December 2023.
The Notable Leaders in Sustainability feature is a new addition to the online news site’s special report calendar. Mermans, who has worked in the chemical industry for more than 35 years, was among 28 industry leaders worldwide recognized.
Spanning a career of more than three decades in the plastics industry, Mermans was nominated by his peers for his contributions to global progress toward sustainability. He has been instrumental in developing CPChem’s sustainability strategy around three key areas: climate change, product sustainability and circularity, and social responsibility.
In addition to his role at CPChem, Mermans serves on committees within Plastics Europe and the American Chemistry Council and chairs the World Plastics Council, for which he acts as delegate to the United Nations International Negotiating Committee, working to develop a global agreement on plastic pollution.
"The plastics industry has a unique opportunity to shape the future and be a key enabler towards a more sustainable future," Mermans said. "We continue to work to make plastics more circular, drive towards lower-carbon emissions and foster more sustainable use of plastics."
To qualify for the Notable Leaders in Sustainability honor, nominees must serve in a senior leadership role or lead sustainability initiatives at an organization and make a measurable impact on the environment through their efforts, according to Plastic News. Prospective honorees also must demonstrate leadership through involvement in professional organizations and civic and community initiatives.
01/15/2024