Rishi Banerjee
Rishi Banerjee is senior director of SmartLabel at Consumer Brands Association. The Consumer Brands Association champions the industry whose products Americans depend on every day, representing nearly 2,000 iconic brands. From household and personal care to food and beverage products, the consumer packaged goods industry plays a vital role in powering the U.S. economy, contributing $2 trillion to U.S. GDP and supporting more than 20 million American jobs. In his role, he serves as head of the SmartLabel program. SmartLabel is the leading digital disclosure and consumer transparency platform which connects consumers to product data that goes beyond the packaging label. SmartLabel has gained significant industry adoption including 100,000 products from over 1,000 brands participating.
Rishi’s career spans across multiple sectors including government, non-profit, consulting and retail. He began his career at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) where he conducted research on foodborne pathogens. After USDA, Rishi served as Director of Regulatory and Technical Affairs for the American Frozen Food Institute. Rishi went on to lead the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) for the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) in U.S. and Canada. Following GFSI, Rishi led Regulatory and Industry Affairs at Amazon where he represented Amazon’s interests for human food, pet food, baby food and dietary supplements.
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