Packaging Simplified: Manufacturing Packaging Sustainably with Pretium

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Lisa Huett from Pretium Packaging to discuss sustainability in the packaging industry for episode two of the Packaging Simplified Podcast.

Lisa Huett is the Director of Sustainability at Pretium and plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's Sustainability and Innovation Division. Pretium Packaging is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing rigid packaging solutions for specialized applications. With a focus on sustainability, quality, and cost-effectiveness, they offer a diverse range of packaging solutions tailored to meet the needs of their customers.

With over 17 years of experience as a packaging consultant, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge to her current position. Lisa's extensive background provides her with a deep understanding of the diverse needs associated with rigid packaging across various end markets. As the Director of Sustainability, she leads the company's Sustainability Strategy, encompassing all aspects of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts and initiatives.

Lisa holds a Certificate in Sustainable Business from the University of Virginia's McIntyre Business Institute and actively engages in sustainability-focused organizations such as the Association of Plastic Recyclers, Ameripen, and Plastic Industries. She also serves on the board of the Southern California Women in Manufacturing Chapter and is part of the leadership team at Pretium's Women's Employee Resource Group. Recently, she completed MIT's Women in Leadership Program, demonstrating her commitment to both personal growth and supporting women in the manufacturing industry. Lisa's approach to her work is characterized by a strategic and collaborative mindset. She is deeply passionate about addressing both the welfare of people and the preservation of the planet. Her leadership in the field of sustainability underscores Pretium Packaging's commitment to making a positive impact on the environment and society while delivering high-quality packaging solutions.

During our conversation with Lisa, she provided valuable insight into the packaging industry and the shift towards sustainability, citing, “75% of consumers consider sustainability as an important factor when it comes to purchasing.” We discussed different types of sustainable packaging and legislation, and she addressed the common misconception of consumers thinking recycling doesn’t work, but she emphasized, “That’s not true, [...]we buy post-consumer resin, so please recycle.”

While the recycling infrastructure does have room for improvement, the hope is that a majority of brands will start incorporating PCR (post-consumer resin) to continue to create demand for it because capacity is coming online. Lisa provides a perspective that identifies challenges manufacturers are working to solve when it comes to providing sustainable packaging. “We have plenty of supply,” Lisa says, “we do not have enough demand.”

Listen to the full episode and subscribe to Packaging Simplified on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and iHeartRadio.

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Thank you, Lisa and Pretium, for this invaluable conversation. We have barely scratched the surface and look forward to continuing this conversation as demand and legislation continue to shape the future of sustainability in the packaging industry.