Defining Product Stewardship: Practical Approaches and Strategic Impact

A product steward's primary role is to minimize product risk and work toward creating safer, more sustainable products. They are responsible for managing the health, safety, and environmental impacts of a product across its lifecycle. This involves collaborating with key stakeholders from procurement, R&D, regulatory authorities and standardization, hazard communication, and marketing, all the way through end-of-life. Product stewards must anticipate not only compliance risks, but also potential risks to consumers and the environment. Their evolving role is challenged by pressures such as sustainability concerns, shifting scientific knowledge, and the need to address unintentional consequences or product misuse.

This session will provide participants with a foundational understanding of product stewardship, including key definitions and core principles. Board members from the Product Stewardship Society (PSS) will explore how product stewardship can be integrated into business processes, career pathways, and professional growth, while also offering practical examples of stewardship in action.

Speakers:                                           

Alison Gauthier, Managing Scientist, Exponent

Giselle Vincett, Vice President of North America, Yordas Limited