Speaker Spotlight

James Merrill transforms global challenges into sustainable solutions. After witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of plastic pollution during his decade-long career with USAID and international NGOs across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, James channeled his passion for environmental stewardship into groundbreaking innovation.

From the front lines of humanitarian work—addressing gender inequality, violent extremism, agricultural development, and climate change—James discovered that meaningful change requires more than good intentions. It demands revolutionary thinking and practical solutions that can scale globally.

This realization led James to invent StokedPlastic®, a revolutionary rPET compound that replaces virgin plastic entirely. As founder and CEO of StokedPlastics, he has pioneered recycling technology that transforms discarded PET bottles into high-quality, sustainable plastic pellets used across multiple industries. His innovation directly tackles one of our planet’s most pressing environmental crises while creating economic opportunity.

Simultaneously, James founded Opolis Optics, an eco-friendly eyewear brand that embodies his love for travel, culture, and adventure while championing the communities he once served through humanitarian work. Both ventures demonstrate his unique ability to merge profit with purpose, creating products that benefit consumers while addressing critical global challenges.

James’s journey from aid worker to innovative entrepreneur reflects a profound understanding of what it takes to create lasting change. His experiences exposed him to both the profound beauty of diverse landscapes and cultures, and the stark realities of violence, poverty, pollution, and neglect—contrasts that shaped his vision for business as a force for good.

Today, James continues to be driven by a mission to uplift communities, protect the environment, and inspire a lifestyle that values sustainability and global stewardship. His work proves that the most powerful solutions often emerge when we combine deep empathy with bold innovation.