• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

SGS Expands Global Sustainability Services to U.S. Market, Supporting Clients' Environmental Initiatives & 'Green' Supply Chains

Posted on: Tuesday, 11 August 2009, 08:15 CDT

FAIRFIELD, N.J., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- SGS Consumer Testing Services today announced the expansion of its global sustainability services to the U.S. market with a new sustainability program headquartered in the company's Fairfield, N.J. office. The program is designed to assist companies in evaluating the environmental impact of their products and operations, 'greening' their supply chains, validating environmental labeling claims, and otherwise supporting corporate sustainability initiatives.

Services range from product lifecycle analysis to carbon footprinting, restricted substances testing and social responsibility risk assessment. The U.S. team will interface with SGS offices in Europe and Asia to assist in providing sustainability services across global supply chains.

The U.S. program is being spearheaded by Jennifer McDonnell, recently appointed to serve in the new position of U.S. Business Development Manager, Global Sustainability Services. McDonnell is a sustainability expert with international experience in creating strategic waste reduction and recycling programs, developing eco-friendly product and packaging criteria, managing renewable energy installations and energy efficiency upgrades, and related activities. She most recently served as Environmental Coordinator for Whole Foods Market's Northeast and North Atlantic Regions.

"Companies are increasingly being evaluated for their performance in the areas of environmental, social and economic sustainability. In the environmental arena in particular, they need guidance in making product-focused decisions such as choosing the most efficient, effective and ecological packaging option or developing best practices for eco-responsible materials sourcing," McDonnell said. "SGS brings rigor and clarity to this often-complex process by providing quantitative metrics and scenario modeling for informed decision-making. Our tools can help companies make concrete progress toward improving their performance and ensuring transparency."

The SGS consumer products sustainability services complement and enhance other company services, including corporate social responsibility compliance audits, materials and performance testing, quality inspections, systems compliance, and emissions verification.

McDonnell has also served as an advisor to Green Polymer Technologies, Stella Bananas, Waste Management, Waste Reduction Systems, Organic Diversion and Peninsula Compost. Internationally, she has worked with companies in the UK, Turkey and the Philippines.

McDonnell holds a BA in Biology and Organizational Behavior from Brown University in Providence, R.I., and earned certification from Rutgers University, NJ as a Recycling Professional. She is an active member of the New Jersey WasteWise Business Advisory Council, the Buy Recycled Alliance of New York (BRANY), the Association of New Jersey Recyclers, The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Green Committee, and the New Jersey Food Council.

About SGS Consumer Testing Services

SGS Consumer Testing Services is a division of the SGS Group, which is the world's leading verification, testing and certification company. The company's comprehensive testing, product inspection, process assessment and technical services cover the entire supply chain from product development to retailing for electrical products, wireless products, soft line products, hard line products and food products. SGS' global network and expertise provide a single consolidated source that can help manufacturers, suppliers and retailers reduce risk, improve efficiency and product quality, and ensure compliance to both national and international standards. SGS Group has more than 50,000 employees and over 1,000 offices and laboratories in 140 countries. For more information about SGS Consumer Testing Services, visit www.us.sgs.com/cts

SOURCE SGS Consumer Testing Services

Source: PR Newswire

More News in this Category