Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Ben Kneppers is the Co-founder of Bureo Inc., a leading social enterprise dedicated to creating innovative products from recycled fishing nets. With a strong background in sustainability, project management, and product development, Kneppers has extensive expertise in driving environmental initiatives and fostering circular economy solutions.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Co-founder of Bureo Inc., Kneppers is responsible for overseeing the company's strategic direction, product development, and sustainability initiatives. He is instrumental in collaborating with local fishing communities to collect and recycle discarded fishing nets, which are then transformed into a range of eco-friendly products, including skateboards, sunglasses, and other consumer goods. Under Kneppers' leadership, Bureo has become a recognized leader in the circular economy, diverting thousands of pounds of waste from the ocean and creating meaningful employment opportunities for coastal communities.
Career Progression
Prior to co-founding Bureo, Kneppers held various sustainability-focused roles, including Project Manager for the Department of Energy and Climate Change at Fundación Chile, NSW Chapter Chair at the Australian Life Cycle Assessment Society, and Sustainability Consultant at Edge Environment and Beacon Pathway Ltd. He has also contributed to the Green Pages Magazine as a writer, showcasing his deep understanding of environmental issues and commitment to sustainable practices.
Kneppers' diverse professional experience, spanning roles in project management, sustainability consulting, and research, has equipped him with a well-rounded skill set and a keen understanding of the intersection between business, technology, and environmental stewardship.
Academic Background
Kneppers holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a focus on sustainability and renewable energy systems. His academic training has provided him with a strong technical foundation, enabling him to develop innovative solutions that address pressing environmental challenges.
Areas of Expertise
- Circular economy and waste management solutions
- Product design and development for sustainability
- Stakeholder engagement and community partnership building
- Sustainability strategy and implementation
- Project management and team leadership
- Environmental impact assessment and life cycle analysis
Professional Impact
Under Kneppers' leadership, Bureo has grown into a recognized leader in the ocean plastics and circular economy space. The company's fishing net recycling program has collected and repurposed thousands of pounds of discarded nets, preventing them from entering the marine environment and contributing to ocean pollution. Bureo's products have been adopted by major brands and have garnered numerous awards and recognition for their innovative approach to sustainability.
Conclusion
Ben Kneppers is a seasoned sustainability professional with a proven track record of driving impactful environmental initiatives. As the Co-founder of Bureo, he is at the forefront of the circular economy movement, transforming waste into valuable products and creating sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. Kneppers' multifaceted expertise, coupled with his passion for environmental stewardship, positions him as a respected leader in the field of sustainable business and innovation.
