Cathy Foley
Executive Vice President, Industry Relations & Supply Chain, Pratt Industries, Inc.
Partnering with Protein Producers to Build a Sustainable Future
As the world’s largest privately held 100% recycled paper and packaging company, Pratt Industries understands that every link in the protein supply chain matters. From right-sized packaging that reduces waste to fully circular recovery programs, Pratt is committed to helping producers strengthen sustainability while safeguarding products and streamlining operations. With decades-long partnerships across the meat and poultry sector and a leadership role with the Meat Institute, Pratt Industries embodies the spirit of collaboration that drives the Protein PACT Solutions Summit—working together to find practical, scalable solutions for a more sustainable future.
What is one major challenge your customer's face today?
One major challenge that customers and Pratt are facing today is an ever-changing and evolving regulatory landscape. Climate and packaging-related legislation brings uncertainty about its impact and how it is going to be realistically achieved. However, there is a bright side: many protein producers and suppliers are wading through this uncertain legislative landscape together. As a result, we can support and collaborate with each other in a beneficial way.
What solution are you most excited about?
The protein industry and Pratt are both on a path toward a more sustainable future. What excites me the most is that we are both working toward realistic solutions to achieve that sustainable future.
At Pratt, we are committed to continuous improvement. We are focused on year-over-year reduction of key environmental metrics. As we continue to grow, we invest in state-of-the-art technology and equipment for our 100% recycled paper mills. By utilizing our hub-and-spoke model of vertically integrated facilities, we successfully reduce waste and conserve resources. We also focus on right-sizing and light-weighting our packaging to reduce material use without sacrificing structural integrity.
Building relationships with other producers who share our focus on sustainability is extremely important to us. Individually, we can make a difference, but together we can move the needle, building a global sustainable future.
Why is collaboration important in this space?
When members of the protein industry and packaging experts team up, the results benefit everyone. Protein producers are masters at delivering high-quality products to consumers, while Pratt specializes in creating advanced packaging solutions. Partnering with organizations like the Meat Institute and individual producers is invaluable because it allows us to share a common vision.
By collaborating, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes that each of us has faced. This allows a relationship to be built on mutual understanding and effort. We are not in this alone. And thankfully so, because it will take all industries committed to a sustainable future to achieve it.
Join us at the Protein PACT Solutions Summit