About Us

About Us

At Repurpose Farm Plastic, we went around the problem and studied it from every angle: the farmer struggling with piles of plastic waste, the recycler facing contaminated feedstock, the technology developer searching for adoption, and the policymaker working with incomplete information.

What we saw was a gap not just in technology but in communication. These groups rarely speak the same language, and critical opportunities get lost in translation.

That is why we are building more than a machine. We are building a hub, a place where farmers, recyclers, technology developers, and decision makers can connect, share data, and see the bigger picture of what is needed and where.

Together, we can close the loop and create a sustainable system for agricultural plastic recycling.

Our Team

Krisztina Christmon (Ph.D.)

(She/Her) Founder, CEO

  • The concept of Repurposing Farm Plastic originated during Kris' involvement in the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Enterprise Challenge in 2020, where her team claimed the grand prize. Although the team composition has evolved, Kris' unwavering dedication and ardor for the initiative have endured. Hailing from a farmer lineage, Kris has a history of tackling intricate scientific issues and assuming leadership roles. Leveraging her exceptional interpersonal aptitude, Kris champions the cause of Plastic Pollution awareness and spearheads the startup toward triumph.

    Kris earned her Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of Maryland. Her previous education is in Agricultural Engineering (BSc, MSc) at the University of West Hungary (Hungary) and in Evolutionary and Behavioral Ecology (MSc) at the University of Exeter (United Kingdom).

Benjamin Rickels (Ph.D.)

(He/Him) Advisor

  • Ben joined the team during the initial stages of this endeavour. His addition was ideal, considering his long-standing aspiration to construct a plastic recycling machine. Despite encountering setbacks in his previous attempts to devise plastic processing machines, his determination remains unwavering. Ben is an avid do-it-yourself enthusiast. His enthusiasm for plastic recycling was ignited by influential figures like Dave Hakkens (the mind behind Precious Plastic) and his involvement with a community recycling organization.

    Drawing inspiration from these experiences, Ben has crafted numerous designs and prototypes geared towards purifying agricultural plastic. Collaborating closely with the engineering team, he spearheaded the development of an innovative dry-cleaning technology tailored for agricultural plastic waste.

    Ben earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. Previously He studied Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh (BSc) and the University of Oregon (MSc).

Pamela Retseck

(She/Her) Advisor

  • Pamela is an accomplished businesswoman with over 30 years of experience in the recycling material industry. Her extensive expertise and network have been invaluable in the company's journey. Pamela has connected us with industry experts and potential buyers, opening doors to valuable opportunities. Pamela's wealth of experience and strategic insights have significantly contributed to our success.