News & Updates

Marty is focused on West Coast sales for Smart Plastic and prides himself on being a market educator in addition to his sales role. He also plays a pivotal role in Smart Plastic’s Market Development for both additives and bio-based resin opportunities.

Marty has three main goals for the remainder of 2022; establish an extensive ECLIPSE™ Stretch Film end-user customer base, find three new product opportunities for SPTek additives, and expand his knowledge and participation in closed-loop and PCR solutions for the recycling market.

Marty is dedicated and passionate about the development of new packaging solutions and has been fortunate to be a part of several packaging organizations in senior sales positions including All American Containers and Diablo Valley Packaging.

Marty currently resides in northern California where his care and concern for the environment overlaps with his many hobbies including fishing, gardening, hiking, and working with livestock.

To reach out to Marty, please visit our Contact page.

In his role, Mariano will help align the strategic vision across all fronts of the business, develop and institute a long-term strategic plan along with its shorter-term milestones, and design a methodology to prioritize growth opportunities.

In 2022, Mariano’s focus will be on raising growth capital for key technology commercialization and capacity expansion. This will include plant, equipment, and infrastructure expansions for biobased polymer development. Investors who are looking for more information on Smart Plastic should connect with Mariano to discuss all available opportunities.

Contact Mariano

About Mariano Gonzalez

Over the past 20 years, Mariano Gonzalez has held executive positions in Investment Banking, Corporate Development, Strategic Planning, and Private Equity across the US, Europe, and Latin America. He currently serves on the Board of Learning Upgrade, a San Diego-based EdTech remote learning company and winner of the 2019 X-Prize foundation competition. Gonzalez is a member of YPO’s NY Liberty chapter and recently served as CEO of Project Laundry, a PE-backed company in the New York area. Gonzalez received his MBA from Kellogg in Chicago and was a Sloan Fellow at London Business School where he received a Masters's in Leadership and Strategy. He is currently a member of the Board of Rising Ground, a 190-year-old education foundation in New York. He is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish and enjoys fencing, basketball, soccer, and participating in Circular Economy initiatives.

In partnership with Smart Plastic Technologies, Sigma Stretch announced today they are expanding the production of Sigma Stretch VANISH, powered by SPTek ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation technology, to all five production facilities across North America. The initial launch of this product, which was rolled out to selected Sigma Stretchdistributors in late 2021, generated tremendous interest from brand owners who wanted to take action towards their sustainability goals. Switching to Sigma Stretch VANISH or SPTek ECLIPSE™ Stretch Film ensures that they will not add to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment if the stretch film is not properly recycled.

Mark Teo, CEO and President of Sigma Plastics said, “We evaluated numerous products to provide an option for our customers that would take care of any of our products that were not properly recycled and leaked into the environment. We selected Smart Plastic and their patent-pending SPTek ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation technology because it proved best-in-class. Expanding production and taking our partnership with Smart Plastic to new levels will be a tremendous highlight of 2022 for Sigma Plastics as we continue striving for environmentally responsible products and practices.”

Jay Tapp, President and COO of Smart Plastic Technologies, added, “The Smart Plastic team is tremendously proud to partner with long-standing industry leader Sigma Plastics Group on a number of important sustainability initiatives. Our latest collaboration with Sigma Stretch was the development of a range of ECLIPSE™ enabled hand and machine stretch films. Despite the impact of COVID-19, we built a strong partnership with Sigma Stretch, successfully launching ECLIPSE™ Stretch Film at Pack Expo 2021 in Las Vegas, and presenting at the 2021 AMI Stretch & Shrink Conference on the impact of plastic waste and closed-loop recycling. We are thrilled that the initial response has ignited a need for production expansion and look forward to continuing our work with Sigma Stretch throughout 2022.”

The initial launch of Sigma Stretch VANISH followed a period of intense efficacy and performance testing that determined ECLIPSE™ enabled stretch films performed identically to the original products. The launch produced over 500,000 pounds of stretch film which was allocated to various Sigma Stretch distributors. Additional distributors could order Smart Plastic’s SPTek ECLIPSE™ Stretch Film directly from Smart Plastic Technologies. With the production expansion, Sigma Stretch estimates that an additional 30 million pounds of Sigma Stretch VANISH will be available for distributors throughout 2022. First and foremost, SPTek ECLIPSE™ enabled stretch film is designed to be recycled. However, if it evades the recycling system, following a guaranteed functional life span of 2-years, the stretch film will completely bio-assimilate within 6-24 months, resulting in zero microplastics.

Tim Murtaugh, Founder of Smart Plastic Technologies, added, “As the urgency for responsible and sustainable products increases within the world of plastics, we are grateful to be partnered with such a reputable organization as Sigma Plastics Group. We look forward to seeing the monumental benefits of this partnership manifest.”

PFNonwovens and Smart Plastic Technologies announced that they have signed an exclusive joint development agreement for the use of Smart Plastic’s patent-pending SPTek ECLIPSE™ technology in PFNonwovens’ hygiene and medical nonwoven products.

Tonny de Beer, Chief Product, Technology and Sustainability Officer of PFNonwovens commented:

“We are very excited for this joint development partnership with Smart Plastic Technologies. Our initial work together has already shown that we can use the ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation technology on pilot-scale equipment. Now, our focus is to optimize the formulation for nonwovens to ensure performance and meet end-of-life goals.”

He added:

“Nonwoven fabrics have become a critical part of everyday life, and this technology has the makings of a breakthrough solution. Diapers, Fem Care and Adult Incontinence products are integral to how we care for ourselves and for each other. The pandemic has reinforced once again how nonwoven gowns and face masks save and protect lives. At the same time, it is imperative to find better solutions to deal with the post-use nonwoven waste and associated environmental problems. We envision that SPTek ECLIPSE™ enabled nonwovens will be a high-impact solution.”

Jay Tapp, President & COO of Smart Plastic, added:

“Smart Plastic and PFNonwovens are aligned on developing environmentally-responsible solutions as we transition to a more sustainable economy. SPTek ECLIPSE™️ bio-assimilation is a proven technology that has been used commercially across several industries both in the USA and around the world to significantly reduce the impact plastic has on the environment. Our strategic partnership with PFNonwovens represents an important step in Smart Plastic’s mission to reduce plastic waste and help prevent further damage to the environment.”

Smart Plastic’s SPTek ECLIPSE™ accelerates the bio-assimilation of polypropylene and polyethylene polymers at the end of a product’s guaranteed life span in terrestrial, marine, and landfill environments. The revolutionary ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation technology steadily reduces and modifies the polymer chains to enable the assimilation of these molecules by microorganisms, transforming the material into biomass, CO2, and water. The technology is FDA approved, 100% recyclable, and has already been commercialized by Smart Plastic Technologies in various industries.

Tim Murtaugh, CEO & Founder of Smart Plastic Technologies, also commented:

“We are very pleased to join forces with leading companies like PFNonwovens on our journey to create a legacy of true global sustainability. We are delighted to have an opportunity to build a strong working relationship with one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sophisticated nonwovens.”

Ahead of a busy year, Smart Plastic has tapped Consumer Products Executive Michael Scanlan to head strategic partnerships for the company. This hire comes on the heels of a successful 2021 where the company experienced record growth across all metrics.

Scanlan will be responsible for managing the Company’s key strategic partnerships which have been formally developed from several years of intense development work. In this role, Scanlan will be leading the sales and business development efforts in support of Smart Plastic Technologies’ three mission-critical cornerstones: ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation technology, bio-based resin systems, and closed-loop recycling programs. Scanlan will be working collaboratively with strategic partners to help them achieve their sustainability goals by reducing the environmental impact of plastic.

“We are thrilled to have Michael join the Smart Plastic team. Michael brings a wealth of leadership and expertise in both B2B and B2C brand development. Michael will lead and guide our strategic partner programs nationally and globally, and immediately gives Smart Plastic a west coast -- Los Angeles -- base of operations.” - Jay Tapp, President & COO of Smart Plastic Technologies.

About Michael Scanlan

Michael Scanlan has enjoyed a fast-paced career partnering with various consumer products companies to build brands, transform relationships, and delight consumers. With leadership experiences ranging from ground floor start-ups to global multi-nationals, Michael’s executive experience includes SVP of Sales at Diamond Wipes Intl. Inc., VP of Sales for Advanced Bio Development Inc., Global Team Lead at Nestle Waters, and Director of Sales for the Sweet Leaf Tea Company.

CHICAGO, IL (January 26, 2022) - Aligned on the growing importance of environmentally responsible products in the baby and toddler market, Smart Plastic Technologies and Munchkin, Inc. announced today that they have signed an exclusive joint development agreement to create baby lifestyle products using Smart Plastic’s patent-pending ECLIPSE™ technology. This partnership will introduce revolutionary consumer goods to the baby and toddler market, which is estimated to be worth USD 25 billion by 2028.

"Plastic waste is a planetary and societal crisis. Munchkin grasps the gravity of our global environmental situation,” stated Jay Tapp, President & COO of Smart Plastic Technologies. “Our partnership with Munchkin, an influential and respected market and thought leader in semi-durable consumer goods, will directly result in a significant reduction of plastic waste and help reverse the damage that has been done to our environment.”

Steven Dunn, CEO & Founder of Munchkin, added “Through our partnership with Smart Plastic, Munchkin is committed to a development process that considers the complete use and lifecycle of our products from ideation to disposal. The goal of our partnership is to make as many Munchkin products as possible disappear after their useful life. With Smart Plastic’s SPTek ECLIPSE™ technology, our products can still be recycled, but if they find their way into landfills or waterways, they fully break down resulting in zero microplastics. Now is the time to act. Our planet, our children, and their children need us to make the change now.”

Approximately 91% of plastic is not recycled and ends up in our forests, oceans, and landfills for generations. Understanding the urgency to create a higher level of awareness and a ‘call to action,’ the partnership between Smart Plastic and Munchkin will lead the way for companies in every aspect of the supply chain. Each organization sees the need to adopt circular economic models for the betterment of our planet and will leverage the expertise on both sides to have the ultimate impact. This strategic partnership contributes to each company’s impactful approaches and commitments to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Tim Murtaugh, CEO & Founder of Smart Plastic Technologies, also commented “Our strategic partnership with Munchkin represents another important step in Smart Plastic’s mission to join forces with leading companies on our journey to create a legacy of true global sustainability. We are delighted to have this opportunity to build a strong working relationship with a company that enjoys a global reputation for quality products and brilliant leadership. The adventure continues!”

About Smart Plastic

Founded in 2016, Smart Plastic is revolutionizing the potential of plastic to improve the environment for future generations. Their flagship bio-assimilation technology, SPTek ECLIPSE™, enables polyolefins like polyethylene and polypropylene to completely bio-assimilate at the end of the pre-programmed functional life, resulting in zero microplastics. This represents a key and critical aspect of the company’s commitment to plastic lifecycle management. All Smart Plastic technologies are designed to alter the very nature of plastic for the benefit of both people and the planet. Proudly made in the United States, all Smart Plastic products are 100% recyclable, FDA approved, and purposely designed for the circular and regenerative economies.

About Munchkin

Munchkin, Inc., is based in Los Angeles, California and has provided parents with innovative products for over 30 years. A global leader in children’s feeding & care products, Munchkin has 303 patents to date and has earned more than 180 international product and brand design awards in the past several years alone. As a member of the United Nations Global Compact, Munchkin’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection and animal welfare is reinforced through its numerous corporate social responsibility initiatives and its annually published Sustainability Report. Munchkin products are sold in more than 45 countries around the world and have received over 1 million five-star reviews. Munchkin is on a mission to be the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world. www.munchkin.com

Media Contact‍

Alyssa Wadey
Communications Manager, Remote Brand
alyssa@remotebrand.com

Happy Holidays from the Smart Plastic team! We hope everyone has a wonderful few weeks no matter what you celebrate.

Our offices will be closed December 24-27 & 31 as our team enjoys a well-deserved holiday!

We've been working hard for years to develop products that meet market demands while remaining true to our sustainability mission, and we are excited to share a few of these products at Pack Expo 2021. Now's your chance to get up close and personal with these ingenious products! We will be exhibiting the SPTek ECLIPSE™ Stretch Film, Co-Ex Film and Pouch at our booth from September 27-29. Register today and visit us at booth N-16013 to learn all about our SPTek ECLIPSE™ enabled products.

ECLIPSE™ Stretch Film

The most sustainable stretch film in the world

Delivering the performance you expect from the highest quality stretch films on the market, our revolutionary SPTek ECLIPSE™ Stretch Film is changing the game. Our stretch film is 100% recyclable and will completely bio-assimilate in marine, terrestrial and landfill environments within 6–24 months, leaving behind zero microplastics.

ECLIPSE™ Co-Ex Films

Multi-purpose films that reduce environmental impact

Our truly innovative SPTek ECLIPSE™ co-ex films have been developed to meet today's packaging challenges head-on, making them a vital tool in sustainable flexible packaging design. Like all ECLIPSE™ enabled products, our co-ex films will completely bio-assimilate following their guaranteed lifespan if they evade the recycling system.

ECLIPSE™ Pouch

‍A sustainable pouch that's truly recyclable

The SPTek ECLIPSE™ Pouch delivers the quality and freshness that you expect from any premium barrier pouch. Unlike other multi-layer pouches on the market, the ECLIPSE™ Pouch is 100% recyclable and will completely bio-assimilate after its tailor-made guaranteed functional life, resulting in zero microplastics.

ECLIPSE™ Straw

A truly sustainable drinking straw

Satisfying all of the quality requirements for hot, cold, foamy and frozen drinks while reducing environmental impact, the SPTek ECLIPSE™ Straw performs in all beverages. Following guaranteed life, this product will completely bio-assimilate within 6-42 months if it evades the recycling system: a critical part of the solution to global plastic waste.

Our team is ready and excited to connect with you. See you at the show!

After nearly 17 months of virtual trade shows, we are thrilled to be attending PACK EXPO 2021 in Las Vegas from September 27–29. This show gives us a chance to re-engage with industry members, to exhibit our new products, and to continue the conversation on sustainability.

PACK EXPO 2021 is bringing back face-to-face meetings and live showcases. We will be exhibiting at booth N-16013 and will be booking appointments with members of our team throughout the show. Come meet us in person to learn about the innovations we’ve been cooking up these past two years and to chat all things plastic, circular economy, closed-loop recycling and more!

• Explore over 1,500 companies across industries like food and beverage, household, personal, and pharmaceuticals.
• Learn about top advances in packaging and processing, sustainability, packaging materials, automation, robotics, and printing.
• PACK EXPO focuses on sustainability by highlighting companies innovating in the circular economic packaging space.

If you haven't yet registered for the show, you can do so here.

Stay tuned for additional announcements we’ll be unveiling in the lead up to PACK EXPO by signing up for emails.

‍

Smart Plastic Technologies has launched the SPTek ECLIPSE™ Straw, an innovative product that will completely bio-assimilate in marine, terrestrial and all landfill environments within 12–42 months, resulting in zero microplastics. The straw, which meets all requirements for hot, cold, foamy and frozen beverages, is produced with SmartPlastic’s patent-pending SPTek ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation technology. In a world’s first, this technology is backed by the C-13 carbon labelling and bio-assimilation test, conducted byLMPE, a respected eco-compatible polymeric materials laboratory located in Lucca, Italy.

"What’s unique about this product is its ability to truly and completely bio-assimilate in all environments - from industrial composting, to marine, terrestrial and anaerobic landfill environments - leaving behind zero microplastics.” stated Jay Tapp, President and COO, Smart Plastic.“In addition, the SPTek ECLIPSE™ Straw is made from 100% recyclable materials. This is where it differs from traditional compostable products, including paper straws, which cannot be recycled. This ensures that no matter where the straw falls at its end of life, it will not be detrimental to our planet or its inhabitants."

According to studies, 500 millions plastic straws are used every day throughout the United States alone. And while traditional plastic straws made from polypropylene (PP)are recyclable, they’re often not accepted at recycling centers because their size makes it difficult to properly sort them. Following a guaranteed lifespan of 18 months, the SPTek ECLIPSE™ enabled straws will completely bio-assimilate in as little as 12 months, resulting in nothing but C02, water and biomass.

Smart Plastic is the first company to pass the comprehensive C-13 carbon labelling and bio-assimilation test to determine the technology’s performance in all environments. The SPTek ECLIPSE™ straws are made up of 99% polypropylene (PP) and 1% SPTek ECLIPSE™.

Earlier in 2020 the company launched certified isolation gowns for healthcare heroes that also completely bio-assimilate, leaving behind zero microplastics.

For more information about the SPTek ECLIPSE™ Straw, visit www.changetheplastic.com/eclipse-straw.