AMERIPEN Member Spotlight – Ingevity

AMERIPEN Member Spotlight – Ingevity

Brian Pontious

Government Relations Specialist

Interviewed by Rob Keith, Membership & Policy Director at AMERIPEN.

Rob: Tell me a little bit about your background. Where do you live? Where did you go to school?
Brian: I was born and raised in southern New Jersey and attended Temple University for my bachelor's and master's degrees. I am now based in Charleston, South Carolina, where Ingevity is headquartered.

Rob: What was your first job out of college? Were packaging and recycling issues on your radar?
Brian: My first job out of college was as the Policy Advisor for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Packaging was not a focus! In my role, I advocated for increasing opportunities for our farmers and ranchers and finding new ways to protect South Dakota’s environment and natural resources. I’m proud of our efforts to improve mental health resources for farmers and ranchers by funding a rural hotline dedicated to producers and vouchers to fund counseling sessions.

Rob: Tell me about your current role and work at Ingevity.
Brian: I’m a Government Relations Specialist at Ingevity and advocate for the company’s policy interests on a global scale, engaging with stakeholders across the US and EU to support sustainable practices and innovative solutions. Ingevity operates in three segments: Advanced Polymer Technologies (including our bioplastic/packaging unit), Performance Chemicals, and Performance Materials. Although I mainly focus on our bioplastics segment, I am fortunate to work across all segments to advocate for Ingevity and our customers.

Rob: What gets you excited about the work you are doing and how does AMERIPEN fit into that?
Brian: One of the most exciting aspects of my role is the ability to work with a diverse group of stakeholders from across multiple industries. One of the benefits of AMERIPEN is that it brings together all levels of the packaging value chain to advocate for sound, inclusive policy. Last year, I participated in several of AMERIPEN’s fly-ins and was inspired to see companies supporting and learning from each other. As an industry, we are stronger together, and AMERIPEN’s members know that better than anyone.

Rob: What are some of the unique issues and/or challenges surrounding  certified compostable materials?
Brian: One of the most significant challenges for certified compostable materials is that we are a small portion of the plastics industry and therefore have a smaller voice in policymaking. From legislation mandating PCR requirements for certified compostable products (that are composted and not capable of using PCR) to EPR legislation that does not provide funding for composting infrastructure and a pathway for certified compostable products, it is clear our industry is not top of mind when some legislators are drafting bills.

Rob: What do you see as the top priority in the packaging space and what role do you see AMERIPEN playing?
Brian: Our top priority is to ensure clear pathways for certified compostable products and composting infrastructure within EPR programs. As a material-neutral organization, AMERIPEN has have been critical to our efforts to ensure that certified compostable products are within the scope of EPR programs and provide funding to expand access to industrial and community composting. Much like recycling, composting is another tool in the toolbox for brands to consider when designing packaging and its intended end of life.

Thank you, Brian, for being a valued AMERIPEN member!