Robert Peoples, Ph.D., has joined the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) staff as director of sustainability. In addition, Peoples will serve in the role of executive director of the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE), the industry-led effort to divert carpet from landfills.

Peoples comes to CRI after a distinguished 24-year career with Monsanto/Solutia. Most recently, Dr. Peoples served as director, carpet sustainability and market development in Solutia's Integrated Nylon Business. He has been actively involved in carpet recycling, technology licensing, and carpet-related health and indoor quality issues.

He has also served CARE in the capacity of vice chair and was named CARE Person of the Year for his contributions to the organization at last year's annual meeting.

Peoples holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry and mathematics and a Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry from Purdue University.