Doug Gatlin
Doug Gatlin is CEO of Green Seal, a global nonprofit organization with a mission to accelerate the adoption of safer, more sustainable products. For most of his career, Doug has developed and led programs that leverage the power of markets to solve human health and environmental challenges. Doug has been part of the environmental labeling movement almost since its inception. Working at US EPA in the late-90s and early 2000s, Doug was one of the founding members of the ENERGY STAR team. Later, during a 12-year tenure at the US Green Building Council (USGBC), Doug led standard development for the LEED green building program, and later ran the Building Certification and Personnel Credentialing services teams. Doug holds a B.S. in Political Science from Duke University and an M.S. in Energy and Environmental Policy from Georgetown University.
Thursday May 14
Sustainability & Products Stewardship Council Meeting | Credibility, Certifications & Claims
This session will explore emerging leadership in sustainable product standards and real-world innovation in safer chemistry.
From Market Challenges to Leadership: Green Seal’s Path for Sustainable Products
Part one of this session will highlight Green Seal’s initiative to align retailers, brands, and advocates around a shared definition of sustainability leadership for everyday products – bringing greater clarity, consistency, and credibility to a rapidly evolving marketplace. Participants will receive an overview of key product leadership elements identified to date, including safer chemicals, responsible sourcing, low-impact manufacturing, and sustainable packaging. Doug Gatlin, CEO of Green Seal, will share the vision and direction of this work, joined by Steering Committee members offering cross-sector perspectives and insights into the considerations shaping criteria development.
Speakers:
Elizabeth Arredondo, Sustainability Manager, Henkel Consumer Brands and Co-chair, Green Seal Safer Chemicals Subcommittee
Kira Austin, Sustainable Sourcing Manager, Aramark & Avendra International and Co-chair, Green Seal Responsible Sourcing Subcommittee
Lisa Dreilinger, Global Head of Regulatory, Consumer Microbial Control, Arxada and Co-chair, Green Seal Verified Performance & Claims Subcommittee
Doug Gatlin, CEO, Green Seal
Katherine Hofmann, Sustainability Strategic Initiatives Manager, Eastman
Gayatri Keskar, Global Packaging Material Science Leader, Kenvue and Co-chair, Green Seal Sustainable Packaging Subcommittee
Behind the Claims: Member Journeys
Part two of this session will bring these concepts to life through a case study from Midlab, one of the first companies to achieve Green Seal certification for floor care products formulated without intentionally added PFAS. Attendees will learn what motivates the company to pursue different certifications, outline the process and challenges for achieving them, and discuss the value they deliver – from product performance and market differentiation to advancing safer chemistry.
Attendees will leave with a better understanding of where product sustainability standards are heading and how organizations can respond with credible, high-impact strategies.
Speaker:
Jamey Gaston, VP of Quality, Science, & Regulatory, Midlab Inc.