Several of the industry’s largest retailers have instituted “green” requirements for consumer products manufacturers who, in turn, are now looking to their suppliers to submit evidence of their sustainability initiatives as well. Requirements range from reductions in energy, waste and air pollutants to eco-friendly sourcing, labor practices and safety for employees and the community. Hear from a panel of manufacturers and upstream suppliers who will share how they’ve met the challenges of green requirements throughout the supply chain during “Upstream Migration of ‘Green’ Requirements for Suppliers” at the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) Manufacturing Excellence Conference co-located with Pack Expo on Nov. 1 and 2 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Bruce Cords, vice president of environment, food safety and public health at Ecolab: As vice president of environment, food safety and public health, Cords is responsible for managing Ecolab's sustainability activities including raw material profiling, selection, and deselection. Cords has held a variety of positions within Ecolab's Research, Development and Engineering group during his tenure with the company. From 1985 to 2000, Cords was responsible for global product development and technical service in Ecolab's Food and Beverage division. Cords is a member of the American Society for Microbiology, the Institute of Food Technologists, the International Association of Food Protection and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Advisors of the University of Georgia's Center for Food Safety, and is a member of the Food Science and Nutrition Advisory Council at the University of Minnesota. Cords also currently serves on the Institute of Food Technologists Threat Assessment Group, McDonald's Food Safety Advisory Council, Senior Advisory Council of Global Environmental Management Initiative, and the Strategic Advisory Committee of the Soap and Detergent Association.