Graham Packaging names sustainability director

Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Graham Packaging has named Richa Desai as its new director of sustainability. In that role, Desai has been tasked with supporting and driving companywide sustainability initiatives including the development of “goals, policies and programs that promote efficient, cost-effective products, technologies and operations.”

Before coming to Graham, Desai served as the director of sustainability at New Jersey-based global food packaging company Sabert Corp. and in other roles, including sustainability manager at Finland-based Uponor.

Graham Packaging describes Desai as having a global background that includes work in European, Asian and the United States markets, including efforts to drive zero waste initiatives at plastic manufacturing facilities while encouraging employee engagement.

“Graham Packaging has a strong sustainability program that I look forward to building upon,” says Desai. “I am excited to help Graham meet its sustainability goals while working on a variety of projects, including everything from increasing PCR [postconsumer resin] content in products, to driving energy waste savings, to working on the HolyGrail 2.0 initiative and more.”

“Richa’s work in sustainability is an exciting addition to Graham Packaging as we continue to set our sights on our long-term goals,” remarks Tracee Auld, chief sustainability officer and chief growth officer at Graham Packaging. “We are passionate about driving sustainability at every level, and with Richa’s knowledge and experience, we are well positioned to continue to deliver on our commitment to a sustainable future.”

Graham Packaging says that from its Lancaster office and its flagship manufacturing facility in York, Pennsylvania, it oversees a company that produces more than 16 billion containers annually at nearly 70 plants in North America, Europe and South America. The company was founded in 1970 and acquired in 2011 by New Zealand-based Reynolds Group Holdings — a global supplier of consumer food and beverage packaging and storage products.