Covation Biomaterials (CovationBio), a leader in sustainable biomaterials, has appointed Steven Ackerman as its new Chief Executive Officer. Ackerman, who has over 15 years of experience in sustainable materials, has been instrumental in advancing high-performance bio-based products for global markets.
“It’s an honor to step into this role and lead CovationBio into a new era of sustainable innovation,” said Ackerman. “The growing global need for sustainable material innovation is clear. We’ll continue to build on our strong foundation to deliver even greater value to our partners and the planet.”
Ackerman takes over from Dean Trivits, who had been serving as CEO after Michael Saltzberg’s retirement in 2023.
Since joining DuPont Biomaterials in 2010 and continuing through CovationBio’s formation in 2022, Ackerman has spearheaded innovation, global growth, and technical advancement in the Sorona® business. Most recently, as Vice President of Product & Technology, he strengthened collaboration between global technology teams and sales, marketing, and customers. His leadership connected laboratories across three continents, driving improvements in manufacturing, quality, and applications for Sorona® polymer in fibers.
Over his career, Ackerman has shaped Sorona® brand strategy, expanded business through textile value chains, and led new product development initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Lehigh University and a Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Delaware.
“Across our brands, we’re enabling entire industries to reimagine what’s possible,” Ackerman added. “As we move forward, we’ll embrace this collaborative approach as an essential ingredient for progress, expansion into new markets, and the creation of new sustainable solutions that benefit everyone in our industry, offer value to our end consumers, and respect our planet.”
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Newark, Delaware, Covation Biomaterials builds on its DuPont legacy with a portfolio that includes Sorona® polymer, Susterra® propanediol, and Zemea® propanediol. The company provides sustainable building blocks for industries ranging from apparel and carpeting to cosmetics, food, and packaging.
