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Keeping it green: Sustainability sessions at Natural Products Expo West
Innovation continuously improves sustainability in the natural and organic products industry. These sessions will help you make your brand greener than ever.
6 Min Read
The natural and organic products industry is leading the way in sustainability efforts, from how ingredients are grown to how products are packaged. At this point, prioritizing sustainability should be table stakes for any brand or company. New innovation is constantly occurring, and what may work best for one product may not have the same impact on another product.
So, how does one keep up with it all? This year, Natural Products Expo West will bring together sustainability experts to cover a wide range of topics. We have gathered the must-see content and events for those wanting to dive into sustainability at Expo West.
Mark your calendars and prepare to tackle the CPG industry's impact on this planet together.
Working at the Intersection of Climate & Nature: The Opportunities & Challenges Companies are Facing Accounting for Their Efforts
Education Track: Climate Day
*This session is part of Climate Day at Expo West and is included with Exhibit Hall Badge.
Date | Time Tuesday, March 12, 10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
Location: Marriott, Grand Ballroom E
Climate Day Community Resource Fair
Don't miss this opportunity to network at Climate Day and further your climate journey at the Community Resource Fair! Find all the details about not-to-miss sessions here.
Education Track: Climate Day
*This event is part of Climate Day at Expo West and is included with Exhibit Hall Badge.
Date | Time Tuesday, March 12, 11:15 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Marquis Ballroom NE
The Evolution of Sustainability: What CPGs Need to Know
As sustainability has become a bigger concern for CPGs, investors, suppliers and consumers over the past 10 years, its meaning, implementation and metrics have changed. Cargill teams up with Innova to provide insights into how sustainability has evolved and where it may be headed; explain how changes in consumer expectations and government regulations may impact sustainability claims and goals; and cover some fundamentals to ground the conversation. In this session, you will learn:
• How sustainability claims are being used on packaged in new products and how they have evolved over the past 10 years.
• What makes supply chains sustainable and other sustainability fundamentals.
• How new sustainability regulations may impact CPGs.
Presented by Carghill
Date | Time Wednesday, March 13, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Location: Marriott, Platinum Ballroom 1-2
Packaging for the New Landscape, not the Landfill
All packaging is not created equal. But which is more important: Packaging that consumers believe is environmentally responsible, or packaging that is actually environmentally responsible? These days, conscientious consumers are looking to make informed decisions about what they buy and how it's packaged. The team from Amcor Rigid Packaging will walk you through the three essential steps to take when selecting the right packaging for your product and the most sustainable option for your brand. Offering success stories, this session will help you deliver a product in packaging you can be proud of, and one that will be recycled again and again and again.
Presented by Amcor
Date | Time Thursday, March 14, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Location: Marriott, Platinum Ballroom 3-4
Innovations in Sustainable Packaging
Big change takes bold action, and inspiration can have a ripple effect through our industry. Join us for a dynamic panel discussion where we'll hear from three companies that have embraced innovation in their packaging design and businesses, with the aim of reducing waste and its impact on the environment. OSC will also be presenting this year's winners of the OSC Packaging Innovation Awards!
Date | Time Thursday, March 14, 12:15 p.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Grand Ballroom F
How Organic Can Save the Planet
Purchasing organic agriculture is key to helping consumers live more sustainable lives; yet in a sea of conflicting information, meaningless labels and ever decreasing consumer attention, can make communication of organic challenging. Join us to learn about the latest research on how organic agriculture is helping both people and the planet and hear compelling case studies from industry leaders who have communicated these benefits in compelling and impactful ways.
Speakers
Jyoti Stephens, VP Mission and Strategy, Nature's Path Foods.
Krista Kinder, VP of Marketing, The Organically Grown Company.
Paul Lightfoot, general manager, Patagonia Provisions.
Brise Tencer, executive director, Organic Farming Research Foundation.
Erroll Schweizer, 25-year-plus award-winning veteran of food systems and prior VP of Grocery at Whole Foods Market.
Presented by Nature's Path Organic
Date | Time Thursday, March 14, 1:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Platinum Ballroom 3-4
From Farm to Shelf: Connecting Brands with Regenerative Supply Chains
An essential primer for brands, buyers, retailers and media curious about bringing regenerative products to market. Join this dynamic panel of experts as they explore the essential steps to transition supply chains from conventional to regenerative practices. Discover how a farmer-centric approach, combined with practical and scalable certification methods, can address the growing consumer demand for regenerative products that foster climate resilience.
Panelists:
Matt O'Hayer, founder, executive chairman and director of Vital Farms—Matt brings a wealth of knowledge on building ethical and resilient supply chains.
Andrew Vrbas, CEO of Pacha—Andrew is a trailblazer in the sustainable consumer goods industry, leading Pacha in its commitment to regenerative practices and ethical sourcing.
Tom McGrath, owner of Family Farmstead Dairy—With a dedication to regenerative farming practices, Tom represents small family dairy farms in the NE and embodies the principles of soil health and community prosperity.
Scott Collier, VP of business development at Whole Foods Market—Scott's expertise in retail strategy at Whole Foods Market offers unique insights into the integration of regenerative products into mainstream consumer channels.
Moderator:
Kristine Root, chief marketing officer, Regenified, a third-party verification system to champion the certification of regenerative products for a healthier planet.
This lively discussion will offer practical, first-hand insights into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to regenerative—from farm to brand to store—with the chance to ask questions about integrating these practices effectively into supply chains.
Date | Time Thursday, March 14, 1:45 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Grand Ballroom E
Eat Up! How Upcycled Ingredients Enable the Transition to a More Circular Food System
Date | Time Thursday, March 14, 3:30 p.m.- 4:15 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Grand Ballroom F
Winning Over Consumers With Sustainability Messaging: From Organic to Regenerative & Beyond
Date | Time Thursday, March 14, 4:30 p.m.- 5:15 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Grand Ballroom F
Tapping into the Upcycling Food Trend: Consumer Impacts and Insights
This insightful panel discussion will explore the dynamics in the food industry related to the intersection of consumer behavior and the upcycling trend. The panel will explore pivotal factors shaping the upcycling landscape, sustainability, and evolving consumer tastes. We'll offer a compelling glimpse into the successful integration of upcycled ingredients into consumer packaged goods and share the consumer sentiment behind it. Take advantage of this opportunity to understand the latest trends and innovations at the intersection of consumer behavior and sustainability.
Presented by Chinova Bioworks
Date | Time Friday, March 15, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Platinum Ballroom 3-4
Natural Products Expo West, the leading trade show in the natural, organic and healthy products industry, begins March 12 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Click through for the agenda, registration, travel information and more.
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