CMI names director of sustainability

The Can Manufacturer’s Institute (CMI) has named Roxanne Sharif as its new director of sustainability, effective Feb. 9.

According to Washington-based CMI, Sharif brings proven expertise as a corporate sustainability leader, supporting Fortune 500 companies in developing and executing sustainability strategies, data systems and reporting programs.

She has worked with organizations including the Nasdaq and U.S. Green Building Council, contributing to research, disclosure guidance and other climate- and sustainability-related initiatives. Most recently, she has contributed to statewide research assessing recycling system readiness in Tennessee, evaluating infrastructure capacity, access to recycling services and material recovery challenges to help inform future program design.

CMI notes that, previously, Sharif served as the director of sustainability for Mohawk Group, where she partnered with product engineering, procurement, operations, sales and audit teams to advance product stewardship, material transparency and compliance-ready sustainability programs. Her work included developing governance frameworks, managing environmental, social and governance (ESG) data and disclosures and supporting initiatives related to materials management, water stewardship and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

“Roxi is going to take CMI’s sustainability program to the next level, in the impactful programs she will execute, the compelling oral and written communications she will deliver and the bold leadership she will provide on key industry issues,” CMI President Scott Breen says. “Her mix of experience, passion and skill will increase awareness of and enhance the metal can’s strong sustainability performance.”

In her role at CMI, Sharif will lead its nonpolicy sustainability initiatives, guiding research, on-the-ground activations and cross-sector collaborations across the metal can’s value chain. Her work will focus on increasing recycling rates for all metal can types, strengthening the metal can’s sustainability performance and advancing high-impact programs that reinforce metal packaging’s role in a domestic, resilient circular economy.

CMI says Sharif will serve as a primary sustainability resource for its members and external partners, represent the organization publicly and help build consensus while navigating the evolving landscape of sustainability risks and opportunities.

“Metal cans are already one of the most recycled packages in the world, and that leadership creates real value for CMI members,” Sharif says. “I’m excited to work alongside members and partners to strengthen the systems that already work, expand access to recycling and deliver practical programs that increase capture and keep valuable material in the U.S. economy.”