The future of the plastics industry is being shaped by leaders who are willing to step up, take on complex challenges and drive meaningful change. At AmSty, John Brownhill, Erika Madrazo Cazarin and Jon Reid have already made an impressive impact, earning recognition as 2026 Plastics News Rising Stars. And they're just getting started.
Learn more about their individual contributions, which are inspired by passion and curiosity for a fascinating – and constantly evolving – industry.
John Brownhill: Advancing Circular Solutions for the Future
As Circular Business Manager at AmSty's The Woodlands headquarters, John Brownhill is focused on one of the industry's most important challenges – building scalable, sustainable solutions for plastics.
John has taken on complex, cross-functional work to advance circular initiatives, including leading efforts to develop and implement ISCC PLUS-certified processes and helping establish frameworks to integrate recycled materials into the value chain. His ability to combine technical knowledge with strategic thinking has helped position AmSty for future growth in circular solutions.
Never confined by a job description, John actively seeks opportunities to solve problems, create value and move the business forward – a mindset that reflects both leadership and vision.
Erika Madrazo Cazarin: Turning Insight into Innovation
In her role as Technical Service & Development Specialist in The Woodlands, Erika Madrazo Cazarin operates at the intersection of technology and customer needs – translating insights into solutions that drive growth.
Known for her proactive approach, Erika looks for opportunities around every corner.Building strong relationships across global and multicultural environments, she identifies customer challenges and helps deliver tailored polymer solutions across a wide range of applications.
Her journey, which includes relocating internationally to continue her career at AmSty, reflects both courage and commitment to growth. With a passion for continuous learning and knowledge-sharing, Erika is helping bridge technical expertise and business strategy while supporting the next generation of industry talent.
Jon Reid: Building a Culture of Safety and Accountability
As an EH&S / Process Safety Engineer at AmSty's Allyn's Point facility in Gales Ferry, Conn., Jon Reid plays a critical role in ensuring safe, compliant and reliable operations.
From strengthening processes like Management of Change and Process Hazard Analysis to leading risk assessments and incident investigations, Jon brings structure and accountability to complex systems. His collaborative approach has helped align teams, improve consistency and reinforce a culture where safety and trust are foundational.
Early in his career, Jon stepped into a role with a steep learning curve and met it head-on. Through research, collaboration and determination, he quickly built the expertise needed to lead effectively, demonstrating the kind of initiative and resilience that defines a Rising Star.
A Shared Commitment to What's Next
The recognition of John, Erika and Jon as Rising Stars is not only a reflection of their individual achievements, but also of the role they play in advancing AmSty's broader mission: delivering essential materials while continually improving how they are made, used and reused.