Scott Byrne

Bio

Scott Byrne serves as the Assistant Director of Global Sustainability at Sonoco, a global packaging solutions leader, committed to improving the lives of customers, teammates and communities. With his background in management and sustainability, Byrne helps ensure Sonoco is on the cutting edge of sustainability.

As Vice President of the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment (AMERIPEN) Board of Directors, Byrne works to further the organization’s goal of leading the packaging industry through advocacy based on science. Prior to joining Sonoco, Byrne was the Market Sustainability Manager for the US and Canada at Tetra Pak, where he was responsible for the implementation of sustainability programs and driving positive stakeholder engagement as the Director of Government Affairs at the Carton Council of North America, a recycling-focused industry group.

Byrne holds a master’s degree in environmental management and sustainability from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, as well as a Juris Doctor from the Chicago-Kent College of Law. He is a member of the Florida Bar. Byrne received his bachelor’s degree in business economics and public policy from Indiana University. When not working, Scott enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife and son and their two miniature schnauzers.

Why do you want to serve on the Executive Committee?

Packaging is being reimagined by powerful forces, including brand owners, innovators and the first two EPR laws to pass in the US. While the immediate focus is on end-of-life, the industry can expect to encounter challenges including calls for increased PCR, product bans, and movement towards a circular economy.

SPC can ensure this energy leads to true sustainable outcomes. A focus on end-of-life is overdue, but there must also be a focus on the entire life cycle to avoid unintended consequences. I want to help SPC balance recyclability with the more existential threat of climate change

What do you think you would contribute as an Executive Committee representative?

An ideal Executive Committee has a wide range of stakeholders and viewpoints. If elected, I would bring a material neutral perspective on a range of topics. At Sonoco I face sustainability challenges from our MRFs to our paper mills and within our portfolio that includes fiber and composite materials as well as flexible and rigid plastics. Externally I stay up to date on regulatory developments as a member of the AMERIPEN Executive Committee. I regularly interact with associations including INCPEN, TRP, AF&PA and NAPCOR. I believe that industry collaboration is a key to a sustainable future. Picture