A civil discussion of civil engineering, sustainability, and geosynthetics.
Season 3 episodes drop every Thursday.
Geosynthetica’s Geotalk is available on popular podcast platforms (e.g., iTunes, Spotify) and the new season includes video spots on YouTube.
Season 3, Episode 3 – CEO Jean-Louis Vangeluwe on Merging Corporate Cultures, Corporate Responsibility, and Sustainability
Host: Tamara Tuttle (Atlas International Consulting)
Guest: Jean-Louis Vangeluwe (Solmax)
Published: 23 June 2022
Sponsored by: Demtech
Audio, Video & Article
Season 3, Episode 3 of Geosynthetica’s GeoTalk Podcast finds Tamara Tuttle (Atlas International Consulting) interviewing Jean-Louis Vangeluwe, CEO of Solmax, the world’s largest producer of geosynthetic materials. It’s a fascinating discussion of the business side of infrastructure, of material selection and company acquisitions, of sustainability, corporate culture, corporate responsibility, and what we owe to the earth. JLV also questions whether the geotechnical should continue using the word “geosynthetics.”
Season 3, Episode 2 – Ocean Health, Sustainability & Geosynthetics
Host: Chris Kelsey (Geosynthetica)
Guest: Boyd Ramsey (Boyd Ramsey Consulting)
Published: 16 June 2022
Sponsored by: Naue
Audio & Article
The swelling volume of microplastics in the ocean has caused significant concern across governments and industries. Some argue for “no plastics on beaches.” These arguments are generally in relation to litter, but typically encompass all types of plastic and functions, such as plastics used in infrastructure. Are all these plastics the same, from the perspective of the environment? In how they degrade? In how they contribute to microplastic concerns? Boyd Ramsey, an environmental barriers expert and the co-chair of the International Geosynthetics Society’s Sustainability Committee, discusses properly understanding plastics and the many things we all need to be better at–including within plastics industries.
Season 3, Episode 1 – Latin American Infrastructure & Opportunities in Geosynthetics
Host: Tamara Tuttle (Atlas International Consulting)
Guest: Francisco Pizarro (AGRU Chile)
Published: 9 June 2022
Video & Audio Link
Pizarro shares insight into the challenges and opportunities from the Mexico/US border to the tip of Chile. He and Tuttle identify how geosynthetic companies enter into and expand new markets, how different countries support development (such as in oil and gas, mining, transportation, and the use of public-private partnerships), and how geosynthetics serve some of the major needs: project economy, efficiency, and sustainability. Pizarro also shares what it’s like to doing business in Peru with a famous name. RELATED STORY with Additional Resources