Gayatri Keskar
Dr. Gayatri Keskar is an accomplished material scientist, keynote speaker, and member of the Fast Company Executive Board, known for providing expert guidance to renowned global brands. With extensive expertise in material innovation and product development, she specializes in developing integrated strategies to align emerging materials, processes, and technologies with complex industry needs.
In her role as the Global Packaging Material Science Leader at Kenvue Inc., Dr. Keskar empowers teams to adopt a science-driven, human-centered design approach that enhances total product experience. Her commitment to purpose-driven innovation and circular economy practices has made her a sought-after speaker and consultant, advising start-ups as well as Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies.
Throughout her career, Dr. Keskar has led cross-functional collaborations across academia, industry, and research organizations to drive advancements in the consumer goods sector. Her focus on continuous improvement and eco-conscious solutions underscores her approach, which emphasizes building planet-centric ecosystems through strategic partnerships and authentic storytelling.
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
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.