Colin Preston
Colin Preston is a Managing Consultant at Ramboll, specializing in Circular Economy and Resource Management. With 10 years of industry experience, he integrates circular materials and sustainable processes into value chains. Colin previously led R&D initiatives at NanoLab and Mori, focusing on coatings development, sustainable packaging, process scale-up, and circular materials. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and brings expertise in developing new products, packaging, and renewable materials.
Tuesday December 9
Joint Government Relations Sustainability & Product Stewardship Council Special Session
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Session
Packaging EPR in Practice: Learnings from the Food Industry
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is rapidly shaping the future of sustainable packaging, and the food industry has emerged as a leader in identifying and responding to this trend. This session will examine how the food sector is navigating EPR and explore the practical lessons that can be adapted for the household and commercial products industry.
The panel of experts will feature perspectives from the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance, ExxonMobil, the Consumer Brands Association’s SmartLabel, and Ramboll on advances in recycling technologies, consumer communication, and strategies to drive brand growth. Attendees will gain insights into real-world approaches, challenges, and successes in managing packaging responsibility, as well as actionable takeaways for applying similar initiatives in their own organizations.
This session is designed for professionals seeking to learn from the food industry’s leadership and explore ways to accelerate sustainable packaging and EPR initiatives across other sectors.
Moderator:
Michael Washburn, Principal, Washburn Consulting: Sustainability & Public Affairs
Speakers:
Rishi Banerjee, Senior Director of SmartLabel, Consumer Brands Association
Melanie Bower, Regulatory Development Manager at Plastics Circularity, ExxonMobil
Stefani Millie Grant, Associate Director of External Affairs, Unilever
Colin Preston, Managing Consultant, Ramboll