Transforming Mixed Plastics Recycling For Commercial Scale With Dr. Julia Curley

Scaling mixed plastics recycling requires moving past lab experiments into viable commercial operations. In this conversation, host Christine Yeager sits down with Dr. Julia Curley (  / julia-curley-15a376101  , founder and CEO of EsterCycle (https://estercycle.co/), to discuss breaking down complex packaging materials into high-value chemical streams. They explore how low-energy chemical catalyst technology turns hard-to-recycle packaging waste into reliable feedstocks and responsible end markets. Dr. Curley breaks down dense inorganic chemistry into practical operational realities that consumer packaged goods leaders can actually execute. You'll learn what it takes to balance real feedstocks, real offtakes, and realistic cost structures while navigating evolving compliance standards. This episode offers an essential roadmap for sustainability executives seeking progress over perfection in their packaging supply chains. Chapters: [00:00] Podcast Intro & Guest Introduction (Julia Curley, EsterCycle) [01:35] Living with Intention and Sustainable Practices [03:32] The Origin of EsterCycle and Bioplastics Explained [06:06] Raising Pre-Seed Funding & the Challenges of Hard-Tech Startups [08:38] Navigating the Economics and Headwinds of the Plastics Market [12:05] Transitioning from Research Teams to Solo Entrepreneurship [13:33] Finding Advisors and Expanding Beyond the Scientific Bubble [15:39] Bioplastics: Consumer Acceptance vs. Industry Skepticism & Sorting Hurdles [21:34] Advanced Sorting Technologies (Infrared & AI Robotics) [24:48] Developing a True Circular Economy & Policy Impacts (EPR) [28:06] Practical Advice for Leading Sustainable Change [29:21] Host Summary and Key Takeaways [32:31] Podcast Outro