Graham Packaging
Graham Packaging, a designer and manufacturer of sustainable plastic packaging solutions based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has appointed Balaji Jayaseelan to serve as director of sustainability and regulatory affairs.
In his new position with Graham Packaging, Jayaseelan will drive companywide sustainability initiatives for plant operations, design, engineering, procurement, finance and marketing. According to a news release from Graham Packaging, he will seek out ways to maximize efficiencies in the areas of energy, water management and waste management while pushing the boundaries for the amount of recycled content in plastic packaging.
“Balaji comes to Graham Packaging with a wealth of knowledge and experience in sustainability and regulatory matters,” says Tracee Reeves, chief sustainability officer at Graham Packaging. “In addition to developing and executing internal processes to support our zero-waste initiatives, he will also help create packaging solutions that deliver closed-loop pathways for our customers that help contribute to a circular economy.”
Jayaseelan has expertise in governance planning and the implementation of sustainable strategies across a multifaceted portfolio of consumer and professional brands. According to Graham Packaging, he is proficient in managing teams, focusing on innovation, cost efficiencies and digital transformation. Jayaseelan also has experience in the incubation and facilitation of startups in both services and product platforms.
“I see Graham Packaging as more than a packaging company, but rather a company that creates viable and sustainable solutions that may not exist in the market today,” Jayaseelan says. “My role is to serve as the glue that cross collaboratively works with other departments to create sustainable solutions that meet the precise needs of our customers.”
Prior to joining Graham Packaging, Jayaseelan was senior manager of sustainability for Newell Brands, headquartered in Atlanta, where he had global responsibility for developing, managing and executing sustainability and environmental, health and safety (EHS) strategy across global business units. He also served as an advisor for the Kids STEAM Academy where he promoted and taught early education STEAM learning through the application of arts, Legos and robotics to influence creativity, analytical, logical and public speaking skills.