Scott Coleman joined Revolution in 2013 and was its senior vice president of growth and strategy until his promotion to CEO in July. Prior to Revolution, Coleman worked in operations and development, as well as investment banking.
Coleman holds a bachelor’s and a master’s in economics from Iowa State University and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
How does Revolution’s approach differ from other recycling companies?
Our circular approach goes beyond conventional recycling methods. We don’t just focus on collecting and processing plastic; we integrate the entire value chain — from collection, through recycling, to creating new high-performance products. We’ve integrated innovations like our Push for Pick Up mobile app, which simplifies recycling and helps track plastic waste from creation to collection. This allows us to manage the life cycle of plastics with unprecedented efficiency, creating a true sustainable loop that continually reduces environmental impact.
Recycling plastic is better for the environment; is it also economical?
Yes, recycling plastic can be highly economical, especially as the cost of virgin materials increases and regulatory pressures favor sustainable alternatives. At Revolution, we’ve proven that sustainability and profitability go hand in hand. Our products not only reduce environmental impact but also offer competitive pricing by using high-quality recycled content.
How did you get into the industry?
My journey began with a deep passion for sustainability and a desire to create meaningful change. I initially gravitated toward manufacturing and started my career in a supply chain role in the building products sector. I have always sought diverse experiences across finance, supply chain, sales, operations and strategy to broaden my understanding. This path led me to join Revolution over 10 years ago, where I uncovered a profound passion for advancing the circular economy. My varied experiences have allowed me to merge strategic thinking with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability.
What do you see as Revolution’s greatest opportunities over the next few years?
Our biggest opportunities lie in expanding our leadership in the circular economy across multiple sectors. We’re already a key player in agriculture and sustainable packaging, but we’re also investing in the stretch film market, with over $50 million dedicated to our new circular business model in that area and more investment to come in 2025. Additionally, the increasing demand for recycled materials presents massive growth potential as we scale our operations and continue to innovate.
What challenges do you foresee in the sustainable materials industry, and how is Revolution positioning itself to overcome these obstacles?
The sustainable materials industry faces significant challenges, such as the need for increased incorporation of recycled content into the products we use, consumer behavior changes and sophisticated recycling infrastructure. At Revolution, we’re tackling these issues head-on by investing in new technologies, advanced mechanical recycling processes, increasing recycled content in our manufacturing process and focusing on education to drive consumer participation. Additionally, our deep expertise in identifying market gaps and delivering innovative solutions has positioned us to lead the industry in addressing these challenges.
Are there any industries, in particular, that underutilize the services and products offered by Revolution and similar companies? How could those industries benefit from increased utilization?
We have seen a tremendous adoption of our circular solutions in agriculture, commercial and packaging markets. Our ability to manage the complexities of recycling and creating new applications for post-consumer flexible film is world class and our pioneering development of post-consumer resins for food contact materials represent a huge opportunity for consumers and industry to reduce reliance on virgin plastics and meet stringent sustainability goals. By integrating our solutions, businesses can not only improve their environmental impact, but also increase their efficiency and profitability.
Why is plastics recycling so important in keeping the planet sustainable?
Recycling plastics is vital because it reduces the demand for virgin materials, conserves energy, and cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions. By keeping plastics in a closed-loop system, we not only prevent them from ending up in landfills and oceans but also create sustainable products that can be recycled again. Revolution’s recycling efforts are not just about reducing waste but creating long-term, scalable environmental impact.
What innovations is Revolution pursuing to minimize plastic waste and prevent it from entering the environment?
We are constantly innovating to find better ways to reclaim plastic waste and reintroduce post-consumer recycled (PCR) content back into a sustainable product. For example, our development of our Push for Pick Up app helps us efficiently collect over 150 million pounds of plastic waste annually. We drive PCR to the max and have set new standards in the flexible film industry with our sustainable product offerings with solutions like our Revolution Bag can liner, made from up to 100% post-consumer recycled content, ensuring plastic waste that was once discarded after one lifecycle can be used again.
What does your leadership style look like?
My leadership style is highly collaborative and inclusive, focusing on building strong, cross- functional teams. Throughout my career, I’ve developed a culture of innovation and openness, where diverse perspectives are valued, and people are empowered to contribute to our mission. Sometimes it’s hard to speak up for what you believe in or say what needs to be fixed, I always encourage it. Differing perspectives and constructive disagreement almost always lead to better solutions. My goal is to continue pushing Revolution’s growth through innovation and sustainability; while ensuring we maintain our core values.
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