Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Andrew Almack is an accomplished social entrepreneur and sustainability leader with a strong track record of driving positive change in the plastics and waste management industries. As the CEO and Founder of Plastics For Change, he leverages his expertise in sustainable business models, stakeholder engagement, and innovative technology to address global plastic pollution challenges.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
CEO / Founder, Plastics For Change (2013 - Present)
- Leads the strategic vision and day-to-day operations of Plastics For Change, a pioneering social enterprise that develops market-based solutions to plastic waste.
- Oversees the development and implementation of innovative programs that empower marginalized waste pickers, promote sustainable supply chains, and drive the circular economy.
- Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree for his exceptional contributions to sustainable innovation and environmental conservation.
- Serves on the board of Online Reading Tutor, providing strategic guidance to advance the organization's mission of improving global literacy.
Career Progression
TEDx Speaker, TED Talks (2020)
- Delivered a compelling TED Talk highlighting the potential of social entrepreneurship to address complex global challenges.
- Shared insights on the transformative power of inclusive business models and community-driven initiatives in the plastics and waste management sectors.
MIT SOLVE Alumni, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2018 - 2019)
- Participated in the prestigious MIT SOLVE program, collaborating with a diverse cohort of social innovators to develop scalable solutions to pressing societal issues.
- Leveraged the program's resources and networks to enhance the impact and sustainability of Plastics For Change.
Consultant, Ocean Conservancy (2016)
- Provided strategic consulting services to the Ocean Conservancy, contributing to the development of innovative approaches to ocean plastic pollution.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to identify and implement effective waste management strategies in coastal communities.
Co-founder and Change Maker, Plasticbank (2013 - 2015)
- Co-founded Plasticbank, a social enterprise focused on addressing plastic waste through community-driven initiatives and sustainable business models.
- Played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's mission, strategy, and operational frameworks.
Founder and Executive Director, Plastics For Change (Non-profit) (2011 - 2015)
- Established Plastics For Change as a non-profit organization dedicated to creating sustainable solutions for plastic waste management.
- Drove the development of programs and partnerships that empowered marginalized waste pickers and promoted circular economy principles.
Teaching Assistant, Entrepreneurship: New Venture Creation (BMG 214), Bishops University (2010 - 2011)
- Supported the delivery of a course focused on the fundamentals of new venture creation, sharing practical insights and guiding students through the entrepreneurial process.
Academic Background
Andrew Almack holds a Bachelor's degree from Bishops University, where he specialized in entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices. His academic background and hands-on experience have equipped him with a deep understanding of the intersection between social and environmental sustainability, business innovation, and community empowerment.
Areas of Expertise
- Sustainable business models and social entrepreneurship
- Stakeholder engagement and community-driven initiatives
- Circular economy principles and waste management strategies
- Innovative technology and data-driven solutions
- Leadership, strategic planning, and program management
Professional Impact
- Developed and implemented scalable programs that have positively impacted the lives of thousands of waste pickers in India and other developing regions.
- Played a key role in driving the adoption of sustainable procurement practices and circular economy principles among major corporations and industry leaders.
- Contributed to the global discourse on plastic pollution and waste management through thought leadership, speaking engagements, and collaborative initiatives.
- Recognized as a leading voice in the social entrepreneurship and sustainability sectors, with a proven track record of driving tangible, measurable impact.
Conclusion
With a steadfast commitment to sustainable innovation and social impact, Andrew Almack continues to be a driving force in the fight against global plastic pollution. As the CEO and Founder of Plastics For Change, he is dedicated to developing market-based solutions that empower marginalized communities, promote circularity, and inspire systemic change within the plastics industry and beyond.
