THE ARCHITECT 

Shawn Arianpour is the co-founder of Unix Packaging LLC, a leader in contract beverage manufacturing since its inception in 2010. Under Shawn’s leadership, Unix has grown into one of the most advanced and successful facilities in the U.S., with cutting-edge operations in California, Nevada, and North Carolina.

Unix partners with some of the world’s most prominent beverage brands, including Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Path Water, while also serving nearly every major big-box retailer and national grocer in the U.S. Shawn’s vision and commitment to excellence have positioned Unix as a trusted name in the industry, delivering unparalleled quality and innovation.

THE VISIONARY

Lance Collins is a visionary brand architect and serial entrepreneur renowned for creating and scaling some of the most successful consumer brands. With a focus on consumer-first thinking, sharp product differentiation, and compelling storytelling, he has built transformative brands that include BodyArmor®, CORE® Hydration, ZENWTR®, NOS® Energy, FUZE®, CASA AZUL® Organic Tequila & Soda, and Beyond Plastic™.

Under Lance’s leadership, these brands have achieved remarkable milestones: BodyArmor® was acquired by Coca-Cola, CORE® Hydration was acquired by Keurig Dr Pepper, and ZENWTR® secured a partnership with PepsiCo in 2023. Lance’s expertise in crafting innovative, high-impact brands continues to redefine industries and resonate with consumers worldwide.

THE SCIENCE 

James Burton Fields II is a materials science expert specializing in polymer research and development with over a decade of experience. He earned his PhD in Chemical and Materials Physics from the University of California, Irvine, in 2017, where he focused on supercomputer simulations of biopolymers and proteins in solution. Following this, he served as a Senior Scientist at TruClear Global, developing digital display technologies using conductive polymer coatings and nanoscale composites.

In 2019, James founded Nano X Labs to bring optically-active nanoparticle composites into the food and beverage packaging industry. Since 2023, he has been the Head of R&D at Beyond Plastic™, leveraging his expertise in polymer physics and sustainable materials to create and commercialize biopolymer formulations that replace traditional plastics without compromising performance or scalability.

THE SCIENCE

Omar Ibrahim is a material scientist and engineer specializing in sustainable materials for environmental innovation. With expertise in bioplastics and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), he develops advanced solutions to global sustainability challenges. A graduate of UC Irvine with a degree in Chemistry and a specialization in Biology, he has spent the past four years advancing eco-friendly materials that support a circular economy.

Driven by curiosity and a passion for problem-solving, Omar continually explores new approaches to sustainability. Outside of work, he enjoys seeking fresh perspectives to inspire meaningful change to support sustainability.