PolyOne Corp. Appoints Vice President of Sustainability

Avon Lake, Ohio-based PolyOne Corp., makers of specialized polymers and thermoplastic products used in a variety of industries, including signage and screen printing, announces Walter Ripple as its vice president of sustainability. The company also announces that it has joined the Alliance to End Plastic Waste as a founding member.

In the newly-created role, Ripple is responsible for leading initiatives that help the company’s customers and PolyOne achieve sustainability and performance goals.

“(Ripple) will play a crucial role ensuring these efforts are aligned with the dynamic changes in the industry, emerging innovation and the shared responsibility of taking care of the planet,” the company says in a press release.

PolyOne honed its focus on sustainability in 2018 with four primary categories, People, Products, Planet, and Performance. With Ripple’s appointment, the company expects investments and engagement in these areas to grow.

“Walter has a broad understanding of our specialty technologies and their value-generating applications,” says Robert Patterson, CEO of PolyOne Corporation. “He has also forged deep, trusting, and collaborative relationships with our many stakeholders (and) is uniquely qualified for this important role, which will further accelerate our sustainability efforts.”

Patterson adds that the company is proud to have joined the Alliance to End Plastic Waste as a founding member.

Ripple comes to the PolyOne position with 27 years of experience, including a career with the company that dates back to 2008. Ripple joined the corporation through the acquisition of GLS, a global business he led and grew. Since joining PolyOne, Ripple’s positions have included roles such as engineered materials portfolio responsibilities. He holds a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Texas A&M University and an Executive MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.