Robin Wiener received the inaugural Award for Recycling Leadership 2025 presented by the Global Recycling Foundation (GRF). Robin was presented the award in recognition of her dedication to global recycling efforts. 

GRF introduced this award to recognize industry leaders for their contributions, alongside its annual Recycling Heroes prize, presented to individuals and organizations for their own innovative solutions to the cause of recycling

Robin's contributions to the recycling industry 

Robin is president of the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) and serves as the chief advocate for the recycled materials industry, promoting safe, economically sustainable, and environmentally responsible recycling through education, networking, and advocacy. 

Under Robin's leadership, ReMA has expanded its reach and effectiveness within the U.S. and around the globe, fostering a culture of collaboration, safety, compliance, and innovation. She believes that the recycled materials industry is responsible for necessary everyday items and infrastructure.

Robin joined ReMA (then ISRI) in 1989 to direct the association's environmental compliance activities, eventually becoming assistant general counsel and then, in 1997, she was selected to lead the organization. ReMA's work in promoting public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development has helped the industry continue to grow and thrive, and to be recognized for its essential role in the U.S. and global manufacturing supply chains.

In addition to her leadership of ReMA, Robin currently serves on the boards of Keep America Beautiful, a non-profit organization that inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment, JASON Learning: Real-world STEM Curriculum available for all classrooms, and the Recycling Education and Research Foundation. She also serves on the Bureau of International Recycling's Electric, Electronic, and EV Batteries Steering Committee, and is a member of the U.S. Chamber Association Committee of 100 and the World Council of Recycling Associations. 

The leadership award reflects global engagement 

Upon bestowing the award, Ranjit Baxi, founding president of GRF, said: "Robin has been an outstanding leader and advocate for the crucial role recycling plays in every aspect of our lives. She has dedicated her time and energy to reminding people of how fragile the planet has become and of the central role recycling plays in preserving our precious raw materials."

"It is through the work of organizations like ReMA, which represents more than 1,700 companies in the U.S. and around the world, and the extraordinary leadership of Robin Wiener that we have no hesitation in making this award," he continued. 

"The Recycling Leadership Award has been established to support leaders like Robin Wiener who are individually driving the recycling agenda forward to every corner of the world. By taking the lead they are carving a path through the barriers which prevent sustainable practices which in turn shine a powerful light on the possibilities that reuse and renewal can offer the world."