Meeting the Short and Long-Term Challenges in Circular Plastics

Anthony Palmer Vice President, Global Circular Plastic Sustainability Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Anthony J. Palmer is Vice President of Chemical Market Analytics (by OPIS, a Dow Jones Company), where he is responsible for the Circular Plastics & Chemicals Sustainability business within the Base Chemicals & Plastics group. In this role, he coordinates research and insight activities related to carbon emissions and plastics reuse, reduction, and recycling. His work focuses on mechanical and chemical recycling technologies and economics, plastic waste supply and logistics, company ESG initiatives, and strategic responses to sustainability, as well as broader macro-industry implications.

Prior to his current position, Mr. Palmer managed the Chemical Consulting Group at IHS Markit, where he led engagements for clients with interests in the business, technical, and financial aspects of the energy, chemicals, and related process industries. His expertise includes strategic business management, financial and acquisition analysis, technology assessment, capital project planning, manufacturing strategy, international project development, expert witness and litigation support, and material supply strategy.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Palmer worked at CMAI (acquired by IHS Markit in 2011), CPI Consulting Associates, Chem Systems, and Exxon Corporation. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College, as well as a Master of Business Administration in Finance and International Business from Fordham University in New York, U.S.

In addition to his professional roles, Mr. Palmer is an Adjunct Professor of Management at Connecticut State University’s Ancell School of Business Administration, where he teaches courses in Strategic Management using the case analysis approach.

Alexandra Tennant Director, Global Recycled Plastics Service Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Alexandra Tennant is the Director, Global Recycled Plastics Service at Chemical Market Analytics (by OPIS, a Dow Jones Company).

Alexandra is responsible for content regarding market dynamics for recycled plastics within the Base Chemicals & Plastics group. As service lead for the Global Recycled Plastics Service, Alexandra monitors momentum across the recycled plastics value chain in areas such as supply, demand, pricing, regulations, and brand strategies.

Ms. Tennant joined Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS in 2025 and brings over 15 years of experience across the energy and chemicals industry. She is recognized for her expertise in recycled plastics and PET/RPET markets. She has held positions in finance and consulting, including ExxonMobil, Wood Mackenzie, and, most recently, McKinsey & Co.

Alexandra graduated Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University with dual degrees in Economics and the History of Art; she later earned her MBA from the School of Management at Yale University.

Robin Waters Executive Director, Circular Plastics & Chemicals Sustainability Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Robin Waters is the Executive Director of Chemical Market Analytics.

Robin is responsible for content development for the Circular Plastics business for the Base Chemicals & Plastics group.

In this role, Mr. Waters manages the Research & Insight for the Circular Plastics Service, which covers the dynamics and implications of the plastics transition from a linear to a circular economy. His responsibilities cover a broad spectrum of the circular plastics value chain, including regulations and policies, mechanical- and chemical-recycle technology and economics, plastic waste supply and disposition, price and margin projections, strategic responses to sustainability, evaluation of new business models and macro-industry implications. He also serves as a subject matter expert for other market advisory services, single-client projects, and polyolefins and plastics sustainability studies.

Mr. Waters joined Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS on June 1, 2022, following the acquisition of IHS Markit Base Chemicals, having joined IHS Markit in September 2012 as Director of Polyolefins North America. He brings over 30 years of industry experience with DuPont and LyondellBasell in various commercial management roles in the polyolefins, specialty polymers and plastic films industries.

Robin received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Georgia and an MBA from the University of Miami.