Sumita Ranganathan

Bio

Dr. Sumita Ranganathan has worked in the Plastics industry for 25+ years. She has extensive experience in film processing and compounding and has worked on several key projects at DuPont Canada and Sealed Air Corporation resulting in 14 granted patents and several commercial products. She is currently Senior Technical Manager at Inteplast Engineered Films and is responsible for Sustainability initiatives including strategy, portfolio and product development. She has an extensive professional network both within the organizations she has worked in, resin suppliers, academia and professional organizations. Hailing from India she is acutely aware of the issues uncontrolled plastic waste creates and is passionate about finding solutions to clean up and or proactively mitigate the problem. She truly believes that we can have it all – reap the many benefits of plastics and yet be responsible in the way we use (reduce, reuse) and dispose plastics. Sumita holds a Ph.D in Polymer Science & Engineering from Queens University, Canada; M.S in Colloid and Polymer Science from Dalhousie University, Canada and B.Sc in Chemistry from University of Madras, India. Being part of the SPC Executive Committee would give her an opportunity to make a small contribution towards a larger global goal of bringing awareness in the way we use/dispose plastics.

Why do you want to serve on the Executive Committee?

Having worked for the plastics industry for 20+ years I am aware of the benefits that plastics bring to society and the problem plastic waste is causing globally. I feel that it’s my moral and professional obligation to fix some of the issues. SPC – Greenblue is a great organization with a broad outreach and it would give me an opportunity to play a small humble role towards a much larger goal. Having grown up in India I am acutely aware of the consequences of unintended plastic waste in the environment and would like the US to be proactive and fix the issues before things get out of control.

What do you think you would contribute as an Executive Committee representative?

I have worked for the following major corporations: DuPont – a resin producer, DuPont Teijin Films – PET film producer, Sealed Air Corporation – film producer with converting (laminating, printing,bag making) operations, Sukano Polymers- masterbatch producer, Inteplast Engineered films – PE film producer with printing and bag making operations. As you can see I have experience in going down the value chain in the plastics industry and am well networked in those organizations. I hope to bring in a unique perspective from multiple angles. I am of Indian descent and bring in much needed diversity.