Skip to main content
  • Conferences
  • Speakers
  • Skillcamp
Notifications
  • Strategies for Online and Offline Success
    ×
  • That Will Get You Speaking Engagements in 2024
    ×
  • For a Meeting or Talk
    ×
  • SpeakerHub's commitment to innovation and user-centric design.
    ×
  • How to Make Your Public Speech Professional and Memorable
    ×
  • SIGN UP
  • SIGN IN
  1. Home
  2. Find a speaker
  3. Chris DeArmitt PhD FIMMM FRSC
Chris DeArmitt PhD FIMMM FRSC's cover banner
Gold
Chris DeArmitt PhD FIMMM FRSC's picture

Chris DeArmitt PhD FIMMM FRSC

President
Phantom Plastics
Country or state 
United States (Ohio)
Available to 
Europe,
North America,
...
City 
Cincinnati
Fee 
Languages 
English
Volunteer
No
Timezone 
America/New_York

Personal Details

Bio

The leading authority on plastics, microplastics and the environment. Dr. Chris DeArmitt is an internationally recognized scientist, author, and thought leader in materials science, known for his relentless commitment to uncovering and communicating the truth about plastics and their environmental impact. With a career spanning decades and grounded in rigorous, peer-reviewed research, Dr. DeArmitt stands at the forefront of dispelling myths and correcting misinformation pervasive in today's environmental discourse.

Author of influential books such as "The Plastics Paradox" and "Shattering the Plastics Illusion," Dr. DeArmitt combines scientific depth with engaging clarity, revealing through meticulous analysis how conventional narratives about plastics and their ecological footprint often diverge dramatically from reality. His work is driven by a passion for scientific integrity, using evidence-based reasoning to challenge widely held beliefs and inform sustainable policies.

As the founder of the Plastics Research Council, Dr. DeArmitt has created an essential resource dedicated to educating policymakers, industries, and the public about scientifically validated environmental facts. He has reviewed and synthesized over 5,000 scientific studies, becoming a leading authority whose insights influence both academic circles and global industries.

Beyond academia and research, Dr. DeArmitt is a sought-after keynote speaker, adept at translating complex scientific concepts into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. His engaging presentations not only illuminate critical environmental truths but inspire thoughtful dialogue, driving meaningful change in how society perceives and interacts with plastics.

Dedicated to a future where environmental decisions are rooted in factual accuracy rather than misconceptions, Dr. DeArmitt continues to be an influential voice advocating for evidence-based environmental stewardship.

Current position (2)

President

Phantom Plastics

President & Founder

Plastics Research Council nonprofit

Achievements (4)
Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Elected Fellow, the highest rank of membership at an exceptionally young age in 2005. Achieving Fellow status in the chemical profession denotes to the wider community a high level of accomplishment as a professional chemist.

Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining

Fellow or Fellowship is the most prestigious IOM3 membership grade. It recognises those who have made a significant contribution. The award of Fellowship is a measure of esteem for both those working in academia and industry.

Leading Open Innovation Solver

Have won six open innovation cash prizes via Innocentive. Ranked in the top 0.01% of innovators world-wide.

R&D 100 Award

Prestigious award for commercializing new breakthrough products. This was awarded for POSS flow aids for high temperature plastics.

Degrees (3)
BSc Hons - Chemistry and Polymer Science
University of Sussex
1985 to 1988
MPhil - Chemistry, surface science, polymer science
University of Sussex
1988 to 1989
PhD - Electrically Conductive Polymer Colloids
University of Sussex UK
1989 to 1992

Presentations

Presentations (2)
Plastics & the Environment - The Shocking Truth

I reveal the shocking truth about plastics and the environment. Having read over 3000 scientific articles, I expose the lies we currently believe about plastics...

1 - Are we drowning in plastic? No - plastics are ~1% of materials we use
2 - We are told that plastics are bad for the environment when lifecycle analyses show plastics are usually the greenest solution
3 - Do we eat a credit card of microplastic a week? No - science says that would take over 20 000 years
4 - We are told that plastics cause litter, but studies prove that people cause litter, not materials
5 - We are told plastics take 1000 years to degrade but experiments show that plastic degrades faster than most materials we use
6 - Are plastics a threat to marine animals? Science shows no such threat
7 - Find out who misled us and why!

By knowing the facts, we can make wise choices for a brighter future.

Microplastics

The only keynote talk based on over 500 peer-reviewed studies to answers all your questions and fears about microplastics. It covers sources, concentrations, whether they accumulate, claims of danger to marine life, reports that microplastics are in our body (brain, blood, placenta) and much more. Executives, investors and customer was answers and this talk provides them.

Past talks (20)
Keynote - PVC Myth-Busting - the remarkable truth that has been hidden from us
PVC Pipe Association Annual Meeting 2023 Keynote
Key West Florida USA
March 20, 2023
Plastics in the Modern World - Fact, Fiction and Science-based Decisions
Packaging Forum 2023
Vilnius Lithuania
March 9, 2023
The Plastics Paradox: Fighting fiction with facts
Plastic Pipe Association (PPI) Semi-Annual Meeting
Louisville Kentucky
October 17, 2022
Plastics & the Environment - Facts, perspective and logic
Mitsubishi Plastics
San Diego USA
January 24, 2023
FINALLY THE TRUTH - Learn the facts about plastics & the environment
Plastics Extrusion World EXPO
Cleveland Ohio
May 8, 2019
Keynote Dispelling Myths about Plastic - A better future based on facts and evidence
Plastteknik Nordic 2023
Malmö Sweden
May 10, 2023
What’s new in functional fillers?
Compounding World EXPO
Cleveland Ohio
May 7, 2019
Is Demonizing Plastics the Answer?
YPO - Young Presidents' Organization
Plastics Network Virtual Learning Event
April 12, 2023
Plastics & the Environment: Facts and Solutions
AMI Functional Fillers
Philadelphia USA
May 16, 2023
Invited to speak about plastics in medical implants
60 Minutes CBS
New York NY
December 31, 2016
Plastics Innovation Case Studies: From Idea to Market in Record Time
Compounding World Forum
Fort Lauderdale Florida
December 31, 2016
Innovation Abyss: An Innovator’s Solutions to Corporate Innovation Failure
TechConnect Chemtura / Lanxess
Southbury CT
December 31, 2015
What Happened to Innovation in the Plastics Industry?
Compounding World Forum
Philadelphia PA
December 31, 2015
Plastics & the Environment - A better future based on facts
Coca Cola FEMSA 2025
Mexico City Mexico
January 22, 2025
Plastic Pipes - The Environmentally responsible choice
IPEX
Arlington Texas
February 19, 2025
Microplastics - facts over fiction
Smithers-Oasis
Kent Ohio
March 20, 2025
Plastics - Facts for a Brighter Future
31º Congresso Brasileiro da Indústria de Águas Minerais Naturais
São Paulo Brazil
March 21, 2025
Keynote & Panel Discussion
5º Congresso Brasileiro do Plástico
São Paulo Brazil
September 17, 2025
Solid Science & Wise Choices for a Better Future
Elite++ Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit
Mumbai India
September 3, 2025
HK Productivity Council HKPMA – Microplastics
The Great Plastics Distraction & Microplastics
Hong Kong China
September 10, 2025
  • All (7)
  • Videos (4)
  • Photos (2)
  • One sheet (1)
- YouTube
- YouTube
- YouTube
- YouTube
PVC Pipe Association Annual Meeting Key West Florida 2023
PVC Pipe Association Annual Meeting Key West Florida 2023
Speech 2023
Speech 2023
This speaker hasn't uploaded any slides yet.
#1 Independent Expert Debunks Myths with Science & Evidence
This speaker hasn't uploaded any press information yet.

Books & Articles (14)

The Plastics Paradox: Facts for a Brighter Future
Phantom Press,
2020
Innovation Abyss: An Innovator's Solutions to Corporate Innovation Failure
2016
Shattering the Plastics Illusion: Exposing Environmental Myths
The Plastics Paradox: Why We Need to Rethink the Material’s Reputation
Plastics persecution: It may be fun, but is it fair?
Plastics - Fact Over Fiction
Microplastics in Human Blood How Concerned Should We Be?
The Plastics Paradox: Facts for a Brighter Future (book)
The Miracle and Menace of Plastic
CEI Online Event: The Plastics Paradox: Featuring Chris DeArmitt and Angela Logomasini
*INTERVIEW* Dr. Chris DeArmitt Author of The Plastics Paradox - The Ross Kaminsky Show
The Ocean Patches - Fact or Fiction?
PLASTICS BENEFIT HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT (GUEST: CHRIS DEARMITT, PH.D.)
How the Environmentalists are Killing our Planet

Expertise (15)

Science
Business
Education
Social & Political
Government
Plastic pollution Environment and Sustainability Environment Plastic Free marine pollution Carbon Footprints Waste Ocean Plastics microplastic

Clients

CBS 60 Minutes
BBC
Sky News
PBS/NPR The Pulse
The Ross Kaminsky Show - iHeart 630 KHOW
Apple
Pop News - Sky Network
Coca Cola FEMSA
Mandy Connell Radio Show
AMI Compounding World EXPO
Competitive Enterprise Institute
Plastic Pipe Institute
Valgroup
P&G
Mitsubishi Plastics
University of California, Berkeley - Deplastify the Planet
LEGO
British Plastics Federation
European Plastic Converters
RACCOLTALAGIUSTA - UNIONPLAST
Plastipak
Altium
PVC Pipe Association
HP
iRobot
Chemtura / Lanxess
INEOS
Altium Packaging
STOROpack
Society of Plastics Engineers
Heartland Institute

Awards & certifications (1)

Chartered Chemist
Royal Society of Chemistry
2000

Reviews

Testimonials (26)
  • Chris spoke at our 2023 annual meeting and he was by far the best speaker. Delegates were unanimous that he was the best presenter and that his message was crisp and timely. PVC is the most sustainable choice available for infrastructure and other applications and Chris knows how to deliver the message so that everyone understands the truth from the misinformation.
    Bruce Hollands
    Verified
  • Chris spoke at our association's semi-annual meeting in 2022, and it was one of the best presentations I've ever seen. He was very comfortable with the space and the audience, spoke in a down-to-earth manner, and his slides were well designed, easy to follow, and informative. For this customized presentation, Chris collected data that is specific to our industry and prepared graphs to help convey that data easily. After witnessing an unexplained increase in the attacks against plastic in recent years and having no prepared rebuttals to those random claims about how plastics are harming the environment, it has been very enlightening to recognize that someone has the data to help fight fiction with facts. Thank goodness Chris DeArmitt has invested the time to research the truth data about how plastic materials are usually the best choice for numerous environmental considerations. Now, we need to help share this data with our audiences. Thank you, Chris!
    Lance MacNevin
    Verified
  • The expectations were high, when Chris entered the virtual stage on direct link from Cincinatti, US at the opening day of the 12th edition of Plastteknik Nordic 2023, in Malmö 10th of May, the most significant plastics fair in the Nordic countries. For thirty minutes he spellbound the biggest audience of the day, with well over hundred persons, with his comprehensive scientific research on plastic materials and the environment. That Chris is one of the top plastic experts and problem solvers in the world, was obvious to everyone of us present. We did not just appreciate the message itself, that plastics is not the villain it is said to be, rather the opposite, the best and most sustainable material and well suited for a multitude of applications. Much appreciated was also the way Chris delivers his presentation. Clear, pedagogic and fact based, with references to scientific research all through. All of us was inspired and felt like we took a step towards a better future, based on facts and evidence. Thanks again Chris, I am sure we will meet again soon.
    Per-Stefan Gersbro
    Verified
  • I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Chris DeArmitt in connection with our trade fair, Plastteknik Nordic 10-11 May in Malmö, Sweden. Plastteknik Nordic highlights the advantages of the plastic and rubber industry. For two full days, the industry gathers under one roof where you can learn more about what distinguishes plastic as a material, its properties, manufacturing methods, and what environmental effects it brings. Throughout our contact, Chris has been very professional and has done everything he can to accommodate our requests regarding his presentation and times and arrangements. He participated as a digital keynote, and we had a live broadcast from Cincinnati, US, to Malmö, Sweden. With his professionalism and expertise, he has drawn a large audience to his presentation. He engaged the audience to a very high degree, which is often difficult when broadcasting digitally, but this was no problem for Chris - not only was he highly appreciated by the audience as one of the best plastic materials experts in the world, but also for his very strong presence during his presentation. I would love to work with Chris again and highly recommend him, be it digitally preferred or physically.
    Mahtab Karimi
    Event Master
    Easyfairs Nordic
    Plastteknik Nordic 2023
    10/05/2023
    Verified
  • Chris is a passionate, no-nonense and motivating speaker. Not afraid to stick his head above the parapet and challenge established mantras with incisive, fact-based evidence, Chris naturally engages audiences and interviewers alike. Never short of a witty quip, Chris opens people's eyes and dares them to think differently. Highly recommended and eminently qualified speaker, using easy-to-understand scientific insights to challenge popular misconceptions. A must-see speaker to liven up any event!
    Tony Harrison
    Verified
  • Chris DeArmitt is the leading voice for todays febrile discussion about our use of plastics in society. When all around us is a sea of misinformation on plastics, Chris will explain, in his engaging style and the most straightforward of terms, the real facts and science behind this topic of our age. Chris knows his brief like no other and enthusiastically engages with his audience every time. I can think of no better speaker to bring some much needed balance to this vital and currently one sided debate.
    Fergus Hardie
    Verified
  • Chris is a passionate and experienced author/speaker on plastics materials, with a determination to provide solid evidence for all of his findings. He is extremely personable and has an ability to get truly inside the topic he is working on, debunking myths through sound science. He is engaging and knowledgeable.
    STEVEN PACITTI
    Verified
  • Chris stands for a scientific approach at its best. Independent, critical, unbiased and what is most important to me questioning internet gossip on plastics and the environment. I really found a reliable and strong partner, who is tirelessly working on debunking myths around plastics and by that enables decision makers to head for a brighter future.
    Robert Beregowez
    Verified
  • I am impressed by Dr. Chris DeArmitt's tenacious and enlightened advocacy in dispelling the myths about plastic. Although groups continue to demonize a product, whose versatility and quality has improved immeasurable products and industries, I admire Chris' strictly scientific approach and dogged determination to source information on the topic, rationalize and input new learnings, and clarify issues about plastic that are caught up in ignorance, sensationalism, poor journalism and special interest politics. Chris does not claim to have any astoundingly new insights on plastic and how it works, as a scientist he is simply distilling the existing (and developing) knowledge and learnings into a practical and workable format so that people may be able to understand the facts without the biased lens. As Chris notes, the litter problem with plastics is human - the treatment of (or failure to manage) waste requires changes in consumer behaviour - but the usefulness of plastic continues to be demonstrated. In his book, The Plastics Paradox: Facts for a Brighter Future, Chris succinctly set out the claims and the facts about plastic's impact in and on the environment, and the 'green' footprint comparisons to alternative products available to business and consumer. The material is presented in a lucid and clear language with illustrative scientific and useful figures - with all research back-up cited and linked. You will be surprised by his findings, and how far the facts and reality are from what is presented in the mainstream and social media. I read and digest numerous perspectives on a given issue to become informed and capable of addressing issues that present themselves. I work in and am familiar with the plastics business. Chris is a tremendous technical resource who is willing to demonstrate with evidence that plastics have and continue to provide immeasurable benefit to society, and assist our efforts to make better products that reduce harm to the environment. Dr. DeArmitt's book and his expertise are both invaluable assets to assist in becoming informed on the role and impact that plastic has today. Lorne O'Reilly, QC Barrister & Solicitor
    Lorne O'Reilly
    Verified
  • Chris really understands what the issues are facing the so called plastics crisis and is always able to share facts and science that proves most of the activist claims out there on the topic. His information is priceless.
    Bob Schiavone
    Verified
  • I cannot thank Chris enough for his tireless dedication to helping spread the science regarding plastics and recycling. His selfless sharing of his thousands of hours of unpaid work across the globe are so highly commendable. I find his resources invaluable in both my own education and to the many of my contacts that I direct to his website on a very regular basis. The only way that we can stop demonising plastics is to get the truth out there. It is a tireless and thankless task, but so very critical to ensure that mankind tries their very best to look after this planet.
    Susan Staff
    Verified
  • Chris has been instrumental in educating the industry about the demonisation of plastics and how they play a crucial role in our world. He explains and demonstrates how they are typically the greenest option, and that other material are unjustly promoted without considering the increased carbon footprint. He has supported us when asked and provided insights and expert opinion when required. I would highly recommend Chris to those wanting to understand the hard facts and not agenda-driven greenwashing.
    Guy Kitchener
    Verified
  • After hearing Dr. DeArmitt present I have seen overwhelming evidence that we have been misled into making policies proven to increase harm to the environment. By conducting the first comprehensive review of the science on materials use, waste generation, litter causes, microplastics, ocean plastics and degradation his work sets the foundation for sensible policies that will actually have a positive impact. As a scientist myself, I know how important it is to case decisions on solid data. I highly recommend that you listed to Chris because it will change your view on this topic forever...
    Dr. Nicolas Kokel
    Verified
  • Anyone who takes the trouble to read what Chris has written will find it is no trouble at all: he is factual, witty, extremely well-informed and above all, not afraid to tell the truth. Highly recommended!
    Erik Tempelman
    Verified
  • Chris stands for a scientific approach at its best. Independent, critical, unbiased and what is most important to me questioning internet gossip on plastics and the environment. I really found a reliable and strong partner, who is tirelessly working on debunking myths around plastics and by that enables decision makers to head for a brighter future.
    Robert Beregowez
    Verified
  • Chris is a true asset to the global plastics industry, often being the most engaging and informative speaker you will find at a plastics technology conference. But what's truly unique is -given his highly technical background as a PhD chemist and world-class innovator- Chris is able to distill complex concepts down to language that a layman would find fascinating. If you ever see Chris DeArmitt's name on a program, do not miss the opportunity to join the audience!
    Michael Chlebowski, P.Eng.
    Manager of Polymer Engineering
    Nexans
    AMI Compounding World Expo
    May 9, 2019
    Verified
  • We at Printex Transparent Packaging fully support the efforts Chris makes dispelling the myths of Plastics and providing scientific proof to counter-act the modern day trend of demonizing plastics. Consumers and manufacturers deserve to know the truth and as a PHD in plastics, he is the perfect person to ask for the truth!
    Clear Plastic Packaging | Printex Transparent Packaging
    Sustainable, 100% Recycled Transparent Sheeting is Now a Reality!
    Jane White
    Verified
  • Chris is a passionate advocate for data-driven decisions with respect to evaluating the sustainability of plastic as a material. He is fearless in expressing his views and a highly energetic speaker who has reviewed vast quantities of research and is a world wide expert in his field. The facts unfortunately won’t be palatable to many, but Chris has a unique capability to condense vast volumes of research into nuggets of truth that are confronting but undeniable.
    Siobhan O’Dwyer
    Verified
  • Chris DeArmitt is one of the most eloquent speakers that I’ve known and he is able to effectively communicate his ideas to a wider audience. Chris was invited to give a talk on the topic of Innovation to the Technology team at Chemtura in the Fall of 2016 and he regaled the audience with anecdotes and examples that were easy to relate and understand. Chris was able to draw on ideas from his broad expertise and explained the pitfalls during the process of innovating and how to overcome those.
    Subra Narayan
    TechConnect
    Verified
  • I have read Chris' work thoroughly, it is a fantastic source of data and information to reference. It is written in a very direct style, stating the facts and science behind materials (comparing to plastic application) and highlights key points to consider when making material choices. The book manages to dispel myths about plastic and explain in an easy to understand way, clearly portraying the information. As a Packaging Technologist, the information is great for consideration against other factors when choosing the right material for the application.
    Dan Coppins
    Packaging Technologist & Quality Manager
    Verified
  • Chris is an outstanding scientist trained within the field of Polymer Chemistry. Chris has a wealth on invaluable experience in the plastics Industry and he is highly respected for his ability to source data and countenance misinformation within the public domain.
    Dr Robin Gilmour
    Verified
  • Chris is a professional , extremely active , skilled and seriously documented speaker .
    Massimo Bergamini
    Verified
  • Chris is the best plastic expert I know. I learned so much from him and keep learning. If everyone reads his book on the truth about plastics, they will realize that plastic is green.
    Badr
    Verified
  • I have known Chris for a many years and I was amazed by his scientific approach based on solid data to the problem of plastic pollution. He is one of the few people I know who has devoted many hours of his private time in reading scientific documents and texts, university researches, articles in journals. Maybe one of the best experts in plastics
    Massimo Centonze
    Verified
  • “This book gives the honest and upfront truths about material choices and the environmental impacts of those choices. It offers multiple sources and angles to provide a comprehensive yet easy to read insight into our current trend of plastic-bashing and the future issues this will cause. I’d highly recommend a read if you want to be informed on this subject.” “A colleague just gifted me a copy of Dr. Chris DeArmitt’s new book, the Plastics Paradox. This is the most cogent, comprehensive, and courageous analysis of plastics and the environment that I have ever read. Easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to cross reference and fact check. Ruthlessly agnostic in the application of scientific rigor to the problems of plastics in the environment. This book should be an essential part of every plastic professional’s training and preparation.” Bill Duelge – Chief Technology Officer, BottleOne
    Bill Duelge
    Verified
  • Chris DeArmitt’s talk on promoting innovation in the plastics sector at the Compounding World Forum 2016 in Philadelphia was very well received by the large international audience of industry professionals. His presentation style is lively and engaging, while his content is relevant, thought-provoking and backed up with real world examples and his own extensive experience.
    Andrew Beevers
    Director Events and Magazines
    AMI
    Verified
Recommendations
34 Audience
Show More
Why choose me? 

The leading authority on plastics, microplastics and the environment - dispels myths with science.

  • Speakers
  • Agencies
  • Events
  • How it works
  • Blog
  • Upgrade
  • Podcast
  • About us
  • Organizers
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy policy
  • FAQ
  • API
  • Contact
  • Corporate Speakers Bureau & CRM
  • Motivational speakers
  • Leadership speakers
  • Business speakers
  • Inspirational speakers
  • Keynote speakers
  • Corporate speakers
  • Celebrity speakers
  • Top 50 Business Speakers
  • Top 50 Leadership Speakers
  • Top 50 Motivational Speakers
  • Top 50 Technology Speakers

Get speaking tips & so much more!

Twice a month we send you speaking tips, training ideas and lots of useful updates.

© 2026 SpeakerHub
All rights reserved.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • SoundCloud