overview

We have unique expertise in organics management and infrastructure, biobased and compostable materials, and cleaner production strategies. We assist a diverse group of private and public entities on waste reduction, organics management, public and stakeholder engagement, and developing end-markets involving producer responsibility and product end-of-life disposition. 

Founded in 1999 Darby Marketing, LLC brings together a collaborative team from an integrated network to fit client and project needs. We bring value at many touch points throughout the value chain, influencing collaboration and sharing of best practices.

Principal

Debra Darby, CCP serves as key strategic advisor to clients. Debra is a US Composting Council certified composting professional (CCP) and certified TRUE Zero Waste Advisor. Drawing on her experience working with organics (food waste) and compostables — plus her 25 years in environmental marketing, she has a proven ability to clearly communicate the value proposition of sustainable business practices. She has an earned reputation for understanding the applicable issues driving product stewardship.

Formerly the Director of Brand and Marketing Communications with Metabolix, a pioneering developer of biobased chemicals and polymers, she was hired to assist in developing a new brand for the joint venture between Metabolix, Inc. and Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM). She was responsible for strategy, planning and implementation of global marketing communications to commercialize a new family of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastic materials.  

Debra was elected board member of the U.S. Composting Council (USCC) and founding co-chair of the Compostable Plastics Task Force. She is an active member of the Environmental Business Council of New England/Solid Waste Committee (EBCNE), Northeast Recycling Council (NERC), MassRecycle, and serves on the board of the Compost Research and Education Foundation (CREF).

In 2016 Debra co-founded the Waste Valorization Conference with the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the AIChE. Now known as the AIChE Sustainable Packaging Symposium (SPS), which focuses on sustainable materials management, value-added products from waste, life cycle assessment and circular economy.

Ms. Darby received a Master of Science degree in Work Environment/Cleaner Production from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.  The Department of Work Environment also awarded Debra the Barry Commoner Award for exemplary performance in Work Environment.  The award was given for the capstone project that the faculty felt would have the broadest impact on society. Her capstone (thesis) project was titled, Expanding Organic Waste Diversion in New England.