A month after announcing its expansion into North America, The Good Plastic Company has appointed a new president and sales operation manager to help drive that expansion. Diane Barnes joins as president, North America and Linda Zupan assumes the role of sales operation manager.
The Netherlands-based company manufactures Polygood, surface panels made from 100% recycled and 100% recyclable plastic. Starting this April, the company will have stock readily available in North America. Its regional collaborations already include partnerships with Coach, SAP, LUSH, and Nike.
New York-based Diane Barnes previously held positions at global brands Vitra, Haworth, 3-form, and HBF + HBF Textiles. She will leverage her expertise and network to stimulate profitable revenue, heighten brand awareness, and oversee the company's expansion efforts with a focus on environmental responsibility and innovation.
Meanwhile on the West Coast, Linda Zupan joins after having spent nearly two decades at furniture company Vitra. She will be responsible for driving growth, promote sustainability, and oversee the company’s expansion through the sales cycle.
“We are pleased to have Diane and Linda guide us in this pivotal moment for The Good Plastic Company,” said Dr. William Chizhovsky, Founder of the company. “With their extensive experience in senior leadership roles at major multinational corporations and strong industry relationships, they will be integral in our continued growth. From working closely with our network of reps to reach sales goals, to establishing dynamic partnerships, their work will further solidify our position as a global leader in sustainable material solutions.”
Polygood panels bring colour to interior design, architecture, furniture, and retail displays. Each pattern originates from distinct waste sources like refrigerators, single-use cutlery, household appliances, or manufacturing components (check a collection of photos below). The company says the material prevents the emissions of more than 3 tons of carbon emissions for every tone produced compared to virgin material.
Polygood is produced at The Good Plastic Company’s factories in Ukraine and the Netherlands, with a combined capacity of 1,000 tonnes per year. The company has a large production hub in Ukraine where it produces its largest panels in high volumes, whilst it conducts research and development in the Netherlands and produces smaller panels. Plastic recyclers suppliers across Europe supply The Good Plastic Company with both post-consumer and post-industrial plastic to produce its panels.