Rob: It’s always valuable to be out in the ecosystem. It reinforces the fact that most companies are working through the same challenges we are. It’s encouraging to see so many that have an appetite to work together to share ideas and figure out ways to partner together. Everybody was talking about the circular economy and how to find ways to make their products recyclable or to enable recycling. That’s something we’re talking about and investigating every day across our company - from R&D to marketing to operations. We know we have a strong start with sustainable products and solutions. But we also know there’s so much more to do.
AD: How do we measure up in terms of our accomplishments in the sustainability space based on the priorities discussed by participants? What are we doing well?
Renae: We’re on top of creating a product roadmap and related innovations to address industry challenges. We’re putting those lines in the water. And, we’re especially proud of the high level of employee awareness and engagement around our sustainability goals and programs. That’s been a big focus for us over the past three years and will continue to be as we continue to innovate and invest for solutions.
AD: Tougher question - what’s one thing you realized that we need to do better as a result of what you were hearing?
Renae: We need to take a broad look at what is possible, the issue of single use packaging is broad and many solutions are being tested. As the head of Sustainability at PepsiCo said, “We are betting on many horses.” Tom Szaky, CEO and founder of TerraCycle, presented Loop, which is a reuse program for consumer products. It is due to go live in the next few months in NYC and Paris. The first generation of packaging looks amazing. Tom also gave a preview of the next generation of reusable packaging. We saw the first and second generation plans for Pantene packaging. They were beautiful. And both versions were made from aluminum.
Rob: We also need to advance our thinking about venture investments in the form of collaboratives. There’s a lot we can and will do as an individual corporation, but we know there’s so much more we can do together with other industry leaders and organizations.
AD: Where will you be next?
Rob: My immediate focus is back at the office where we’re working to put out our next sustainability report!
Renae: In addition to the day job, I’m looking forward to being on a panel at the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s Impact event in April where I will be able to share more of what we are working on Avery Dennison.
AD: Thanks to you both, and I look forward to being back to talk more about the SPC Impact event!
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