Crystal Dreisbach

Crystal Dreisbach has spent 15 years proving that reuse must transform from niche alternative to economic norm. As an early operator of reuse systems, she developed first-of-its-kind solutions including tech-enabled logistics, commercial wash infrastructure, and municipal integration models. Her core insight: treating reusable packaging as circulating assets — not disposable commodities — builds economically resilient systems while addressing the climate crisis. She now leads Upstream, a nonprofit organization that creates the enabling conditions for the reuse economy to scale through policy, financing, and cultural transformation. Crystal’s work has been featured on PBS, NPR, Fast Company, The Guardian, The Washington Post, and Packaging Dive. She holds an MPH and is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer.