Women in Circularity: Andriana Kontovrakis

Women in Circularity: Andriana Kontovrakis

Introduction

A warm welcome back to “Women in Circularity,” where we shine a light on women moving us toward a circular economy. This month, I connected with Andriana Kontovrakis, the director of compliance services for North America at Reverse Logistics Group. Andriana specializes in recycling solutions and has more than 25 years of experience in the extended producer responsibility (EPR) and environmental compliance industries.

Shifts in Career

Andriana has worked in the recycling and compliance fields since finishing graduate school. Throughout her career, she has witnessed a major mindset shift in the U.S. regarding the practicality of EPR. Initially, EPR was seen as a concept limited to Europe or as a solution for specific problematic materials. However, now there are EPR laws or legislation in place for everyday products like packaging and textiles. This shift is encouraging and exciting, highlighting progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Impacts on Clients and the Environment

At Reverse Logistics Group, Andriana’s work involves providing data management, regulatory compliance reporting, and product take back opportunities for producers affected by EPR laws. They also operate producer responsibility organizations (PROs) for various industries globally. By working with stakeholders in the supply chain, they ensure responsible handling and recycling of products and packaging at the end of their useful life. This contributes to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Engaging Initiatives

Andriana serves on the board of the Association of New Jersey Recyclers and chairs their EPR legislative committee. This committee collaborates with recycling coordinators, recyclers, and trade groups to address challenges and opportunities related to EPR implementation. By developing solutions for challenging materials such as rechargeable batteries, mattresses, and solar panels, they contribute to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Factors Driving Commitment to Circularity

According to Andriana, consumer demand, incremental regulatory change focused on climate change, EPR, recycled content, product bans, and toxicity are driving companies to further commit to circularity. These factors align with SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Off-Topic Podcast Recommendation

Andriana recommends the podcast series “How I Built This” by Guy Raz. This series interviews founders of large companies, exploring their journey from humble beginnings to successful businesses. While not directly related to circularity, these stories inspire innovation and resilience, which are essential qualities in the field. This recommendation aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

MaryEllen Etienne is the creator of “Women in Circularity” and works on the Market Transformation and Development team for the U.S. Green Building Council. With over 20 years of experience in sustainability, she is a champion of the circular economy.

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.