Sustainability and Value Creation: Insights from the Clemson FRESH Food, Packaging, and Sustainability Summit

The upcoming Clemson FRESH Food, Packaging, and Sustainability Summit promises to be a thought-provoking and insightful event, with a focus on "Creating Value While Advancing Sustainability." The 2025 summit, scheduled for March 3-5, 2025, on the Clemson University campus, will bring together industry leaders, academics, and sustainability experts to explore collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and forward-thinking ideas that can shape the future of the food, packaging, and sustainability landscape.

Unlock the Power of Sustainability and Value Creation

Aligning Sustainability Ambitions with the Value Creation Imperative

The summit will feature a session led by Lee Addams, Partner/Principal and Co-Leader of the Agriculture practice at EY-Parthenon. Addams will delve into the critical task of aligning sustainability goals with the need to create tangible value for businesses. Attendees will gain insights into strategies and frameworks that can help organizations capitalize on the synergies between sustainability and profitability, ensuring that environmental stewardship and financial success go hand-in-hand.

Building the Business Case for Sustainability

Kathy Bolhous, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Charter Next Generation, will share her expertise on constructing a compelling business case for sustainability initiatives. Attendees will learn how to effectively quantify the benefits of sustainable practices, from cost savings and operational efficiencies to enhanced brand reputation and customer loyalty. By demonstrating the financial and strategic advantages of sustainability, Bolhous will empower attendees to make a strong case for sustainability investments within their organizations.

The Making of a Sustainable Battery Plant

Manfred Pernitsch, Vice President of Corporate Real Estate Management and Security at BMW, will present a case study on the development of a sustainable battery plant. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the design considerations, technology integration, and operational strategies that can transform a manufacturing facility into a model of environmental responsibility. This session will showcase how innovative thinking and a holistic approach to sustainability can create value and set new industry benchmarks.

Driving Sustainability in the Retail Ecosystem

Eric Sinz, VP of Packaging at Target, will share his expertise on integrating sustainability throughout the retail supply chain. Attendees will learn about the challenges and opportunities in aligning sustainability initiatives across diverse stakeholders, from suppliers to consumers. Sinz will highlight best practices, innovative packaging solutions, and collaborative strategies that can drive meaningful sustainability improvements within the retail landscape.

Global Packaging Decisions for Iconic Brands

Josh Oleson, Senior Vice President of Packaging Supply Chain at TMS, will explore the complexities of making sustainable packaging decisions for globally recognized brands. Attendees will gain insights into navigating regulatory environments, balancing consumer preferences, and integrating innovative materials and design principles to create packaging that is both environmentally responsible and brand-enhancing. This session will provide a comprehensive roadmap for managing the multifaceted aspects of sustainable packaging on a global scale.The Clemson FRESH Food, Packaging, and Sustainability Summit will also feature keynote addresses from notable figures, including James P. Clements, President of Clemson University, and Howard Coker, President and CEO of Sonoco. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with William A. Singleton, III, Executive Director of Global Packaging at Mars Wrigley, Wendy York, Dean of the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, and Matthew May, Owner of EarthPeak Solutions, among other industry luminaries.With its diverse lineup of thought-provoking seminars and distinguished speakers, the Clemson FRESH Food, Packaging, and Sustainability Summit promises to be a must-attend event for professionals seeking to drive sustainable value creation in the food, packaging, and sustainability sectors. Register now to be part of the transformative conversations that will shape the future of these critical industries.