#160 Interview with Chris Skinner, VP of Marketing and R&D at Owens Corning Composites at JEC World 25

What happens when two industry leaders unite for a greener
future? Dive into Owens Corning and PRAANA
Group's transformative journey in composites

During the recent JEC WORLD 2025 exhibition, Chris
Skinner shared insights into Owens Corning
Composites' sustainability initiatives and the strategic
merger with the PRAANA Group.

Sustainability Activities and Solutions

Chris Skinner emphasized Owens Corning's commitment to
transforming the composites industry through sustainability. Key
initiatives include:

Renewable Energy: Owens Corning has transitioned its European
melting operations to renewable energy sources, significantly
reducing the carbon footprint of fiberglass production.

Circularity: The company has introduced the SUSTAINA LOOP, a
process that incorporates post-industrial waste and end-of-life
composites back into their furnaces, promoting a circular
economy.

Hydrogen Gas: In 2024, Owens Corning successfully operated its
facility in France using hydrogen gas, achieving a 95% reduction
in CO2 emissions from the furnace.

Chris Skinner's Roles and Contributions

Chris Skinner wears many hats within the industry, contributing
to various initiatives:

Women in Composites: He actively supports diversity, including
gender, culture, and religion, to foster better decision-making
and innovation.

Startups: Chris invests in the startup booster at JEC, bringing
fresh perspectives and new talent into the composites
industry.

Board Member at JEC: He helps shape the future of composites,
driving relevance and impact across the organization.

Merger with PRAANA Group

The merger of Owens Corning Composites with the PRAANA Group, an
Indian organization committed to growth and sustainability, is a
strategic move to enhance sustainability efforts. Chris Skinner
highlighted three valid arguments for the merger:

Investment in Growth: PRAANA's commitment to investing in the
composites business will drive innovation and expansion,
supporting sustainable practices.

Shared Values: Both organizations prioritize sustainability,
ensuring that the merged entity will continue to focus on
reducing environmental impact.

Global Reach: The merger expands Owens Corning's footprint beyond
North America and Europe, leveraging PRAANA's presence in India
to promote sustainable composites globally.

Chris Skinner's vision and leadership are instrumental in
advancing Owens Corning Composites' sustainability goals and
fostering a diverse and innovative industry.

Now watch the Interview with Chris Skinner, VP of Marke

YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/jNsLIaVoUzI