Professional Role and Company Overview
Ivan Liang serves as the Vice President of Supply Chain and Commodities at rPlanet Earth, a California-based company specializing in plastic reclamation and packaging production. His responsibilities encompass overseeing supply chain operations and managing commodities procurement within the recycled plastics sector, particularly focused on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) scrap and recycled PET (rPET) materials.
rPlanet Earth operates within the plastic recycling and sustainable materials market and is actively addressing challenges related to domestic recycled PET supply and imported recycled materials.
Industry Positioning and Public Commentary
Ivan Liang has been cited as an industry expert in key publications such as Recycling Today (April 2024) and Resource Recycling (January 2025), where he provides insights into supply dynamics influencing the US PET scrap market. He highlights that in 2023, demand for plastic scrap in the US exceeded supply, making the country a net importer of plastic scrap for the first time, with a significant 33% rise in PET scrap imports to a record 204,278 tons.
Liang emphasizes that despite positive trends in domestic PET collection efforts, sustained growth in domestic recycled PET supply depends on consumer and brand willingness to prioritize domestic rPET versus imports. He stresses the necessity of recycling education and supportive legislation—such as national bottle and tray bills—to enhance post-consumer PET supply.
Critically, Liang advocates for increased investment and funding to enable reclaimers and processors of plastic scrap to effectively compete with imported rPET materials and products, positioning this as a strategic industry priority.
Market Dynamics and Supply Chain Insights
- Supply Constraints: The US plastic recycling industry faces supply constraints due to stagnant collection rates, driving increased reliance on imported scrap feedstock. Canada and Mexico contribute 34% of US PET scrap imports, while Asian countries collectively contribute another 34%, with Thailand supplying over 23,000 tons.
- Pricing and Competition: Liang points out intensified competition from low-priced PET flake and pellets imports, influencing regional markets, especially on the East Coast.
- Regulatory Landscape: The absence of a distinct Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) code for recycled PET complicates monitoring of import volumes and duties, complicating market transparency and regulatory clarity.
LinkedIn and Networking Profile
Ivan Liang is based in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. His LinkedIn profile indicates a substantial professional network with over 3,000 followers and 500+ connections, reflecting a significant presence and influence within supply chain and sustainability circles. While detailed employment history and educational background are not public, his role at rPlanet Earth as Vice President underscores senior leadership and operational decision-making authority.
Company Initiatives and Industry Impact
rPlanet Earth has been active in scaling production capacities to reduce environmental impact, exemplified by recent plant expansions aimed at lowering the carbon footprint. Ivan Liang’s role directly aligns with these growth and sustainability initiatives, ensuring supply chain strategies support operational and environmental objectives.
Summary: Ivan Liang is a senior supply chain executive at rPlanet Earth with direct oversight of commodity sourcing and supply operations in the recycled plastics industry, particularly focusing on PET and rPET markets. His expert commentary underscores critical industry challenges around supply shortages, import competition, and legislative support needed to bolster the domestic recycling ecosystem. His leadership in supply chain strategy positions him as a key influencer in shaping operational responses within a dynamically evolving market landscape.
