Desai will help lead company's internal and externalsustainability efforts
Graham Packaging has named Richa Desai as its new directorof sustainability. In this role, Desai will support and drive company-widesustainability initiatives including the development of goals, policies andprograms that promote efficient, cost-effective products, technologies andoperations.
Before coming toGraham, Desai served as the director of sustainability at global food packagingcompany Sabert, where she refined and championed the vision for Sabert’ssustainability platform and integrated sustainability into the packagingcompany’s business strategy. Prior to that, she served in a variety of rolesincluding sustainability manager at Uponor.
With a globalbackground that includes work in European, Asian and U.S. markets, Desai hasexperience working on sustainability initiatives for a variety of professionalbrands in the manufacturing industry. While at Sabert, Desai built thecompany’s sustainability program from the ground up, including setting its 2025goals with an aim to design future packaging for circularity. She also is anexpert at driving zero waste initiatives across plastic manufacturingfacilities while encouraging employee engagement.
“Graham Packaging hasa strong sustainability program that I look forward to building upon,” saidDesai. “I am excited to help Graham meet its sustainability goals while workingon a variety of projects, including everything from increasing PCR content inproducts, to driving energy waste savings, to working on the HolyGrail 2.0initiative and more. We will work together to continue to position Graham asnot only a packaging supplier but also a true partner that collaborates withits customers to meet their sustainability requirements.”
“Richa’s work in sustainabilityis an exciting addition to Graham Packaging as we continue to set our sights onour long-term goals,” added Tracee Auld, chief sustainability officer and chiefgrowth officer. “We are passionate about driving sustainability at every level,and with Richa’s knowledge and experience, we are well positioned to continueto deliver on our commitment to a sustainable future.”
Desai holds a bachelor’s degree from CEPTUniversity in Ahmedabad, India, a master’s degree from National Institute ofDesign, Gandhinagar, India and a master’s degree in environmental studies fromthe University of Pennsylvania.
