Rachel Zajac-Fey
Rachel Zajac-Fay, MS, is a Senior Scientist for Geosyntec Consultants in Tampa, Florida. Rachel has 18 years of professional experience in environmental consulting. She specializes in ecological risk assessments, ecotoxicology, contaminated site assessments, and emerging contaminants. Rachel specializes in emerging contaminants including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics and is a practice leader for Geosyntec’s Microplastics group.
Wednesday Dec 9
Joint Government Relations and Sustainability & Product Stewardship Council Special Session | Microplastics Focus
Microplastics & Nanoplastics: Understanding the Science and Advancing Solutions
Micro- and nanoplastics are receiving increasing scientific, regulatory, and sustainability attention, raising important questions for consumer products and product stewardship. Through two complementary presentations, this session will explore both the evolving understanding of micro- and nanoplastics and opportunities to address their release across the plastics life cycle.
Part 1: Understanding the Microplastics Landscape
A multidisciplinary panel will lay the foundation for understanding the current micro- and nanoplastics landscape, including potential environmental and human health impacts, existing research gaps, methodological challenges. Speakers will also explore key U.S. regulatory developments and emerging litigation trends, providing insights into what these evolving issues could mean for consumer products and product stewardship.
Speakers:
Arie Feltman-Frank, Associate, Jenner & Block
Michael Peterson, Senior Principal, Gradient
Rachel Zajac-Fey, Senior Scientist, Geosyntec Consultants
Part 2: The Hidden Leaks: Microplastic Release Points in the Circular Economy
Where in the plastics life cycle can micro- and nanoplastic releases be most effectively addressed? This presentation will examine potential release points, from product design and manufacturing to use, recycling, and end-of-life management. Attendees will gain insights into strategies for reducing releases while advancing circularity, improving capture technologies, and strengthening recycling and waste management systems while considering potential tradeoffs associated with advancing circularity.
Speaker: Imari Walker-Franklin, Research Chemist, RTI International