Paul Nowak
Paul Nowak, the Executive Director of GreenBlue, brings 30+ years of experience to the table through a variety of roles across the supply chain including, vice president of sustainability at Quad, general manager of manufacturing, senior director of client experience, and vice president of enterprise solutions for brands. Nowak’s passion for sustainability and embodiment of GreenBlue’s mission are demonstrated through his career accomplishments, including the creation of the first Quad Sustainable Packaging Public Report, the Annual Client Sustainability Symposium, and the development of the Quad Community Education Program. During his career, Nowak has highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry by serving as a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leader, founding the first Quad Business Resource Group for LGBTQIA+ teammates.
Tuesday Dec 8
Joint Sustainability & Product Stewardship Council and Retail Engagement Program
Beyond the Label: Navigating Transparency, Certification, and Marketplace Expectations
As consumer expectations, retailer priorities, and sustainability requirements continue to evolve, manufacturers face increasing challenges in navigating product transparency, environmental claims, and certification standards.
This program will explore how industry tools, labeling initiatives, and certification programs are evolving to meet these expectations, strengthen consumer confidence and support credible sustainability practices.
Part 1: Consumer Communication and Transparency
How2Recycle: Advancing Clear and Credible Recycling Guidance
Explore the evolving landscape of recyclability labeling, including how How2Recycle is helping companies navigate changing requirements while providing consumers with clear, consistent, and credible recycling guidance.
Speaker: Paul Nowak, Executive Director, GreenBlue
SmartLabel and Sunrise 2027: The Future of Product Transparency
Learn how SmartLabel and the transition to next-generation barcodes through GS1 Sunrise 2027 are creating new opportunities to expand acess to digital product information, enhance transparency, and strengthen consumer engagement.
Speaker: Rishi Banerjee, Senior Director, SmartLabel, Consumer Brands Association
Part 2: Safer Choice Certification in Practice
Inside the EPA Safer Choice Audit Process
Gain practical insights into the EPA Safer Choice audit process, including key requirements, certification expectations, and considerations for companies seeking to obtain or maintain certification.
Speaker: Julie Froelicher, Senior Director, Regulatory & Technical Relations, Procter & Gamble
Members’ Certification Journeys Series: How AlEn USA Designs for Safer Choice and Turns Consumer Insight into Sustainable Innovation that Delights.
In the second installment of the Members’ Certification Journeys series, AlEn USA will share a real-world case study of its approach to developing EPA Safer Choice-certified cleaning products. The presentation will explore the product development process, from identifying consumer needs and developing formulations to packaging design, regulatory approval, and final manufacturing.
Speaker: Cara Crumbliss, Director, Science & Regulatory Affairs, AlEn USA