Thomas Styranec
Polyethylene Technology Manager
Guest Speaker
Plastics 101: PE Manufacturing 101
Monday, September 9, 2025
2:00 p.m. to 2:55 p.m.
(see full conference schedule)
Presentation Description:
This presentation will provide an overview of the basics of Polyethylene manufacturing for gas phase and slurry loop processes.
Speaker Biography:
With over two decades of experience in the chemical industry, Tom is a seasoned chemical engineer specializing in polyethylene, polypropylene, and thermoplastic elastomers. Currently serving as Polyethylene Technology Manager at Shell at the Polymers Monaca manufacturing site Tom’s group is responsible for new grade development, process improvements and unit troubleshooting.
Throughout a career at Shell and ExxonMobil, Tom has held multiple leadership roles, including Technical Manager and Engineering Manager, overseeing complex manufacturing operations and multidisciplinary teams. Their expertise spans slurry, gas phase, and solution polymerization, as well as advanced processing techniques like reactive extrusion and twin screw extrusion.
A recognized leader in people development and technical innovation, Tom has led global quality improvement initiatives, led reactor platform strategies, and delivered significant cost savings through process optimization and reliability enhancements. Tom holds a M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a B.E. in Chemical Engineering from Youngstown State University. His work has been published in leading scientific journals and recognized with the U.S. EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Award.