The Foodscapes Collective

Clemson University will host the annual Clemson FRESH Food, Packaging & Sustainability Summit from March 3 to 5, bringing together top minds from industry and academia to explore innovative strategies and collaborative efforts in sustainability (Register here). The summit, known for its impactful discussions and forward-thinking presentations, focuses this year on the theme, “Creating Value While Advancing Sustainability.”

Attendees will enjoy a mix of educational sessions and engaging activities, including tours of the South Carolina Botanical Garden and scenic waterfall hikes. Key presentations promise to deliver valuable insights on sustainable business practices and advancements in packaging and production technologies. See the full agenda here.

One of the summit’s standout sessions, Aligning Sustainability Ambitions with the Value Creation Imperative, features Lee Addams of EY-Parthenon. Addams will discuss how companies in the agri-food value chain can better align sustainability goals with financial imperatives. By framing sustainability efforts as value-generating opportunities, businesses can build stronger partnerships and long-term resilience.

Another highlight, Building the Business Case for Sustainability, will be led by Kathy Bolhous, Chairman and CEO of Charter Next Generation (CNG). Bolhous will share strategies and commitments that propelled CNG to a leadership position in sustainable films and flexible packaging, emphasizing how intentional actions can foster innovation and a culture of change.

BMW’s $700 million investment in a sustainable high-voltage battery plant in Woodruff, S.C., will also take center stage. Rich Everly, vice president at BMW Group Battery Line, will present The Making of a Sustainable Battery Plant, detailing how sustainability influenced the facility’s design and the 17 distinct initiatives integrated into its construction.

Josh Oleson of TMS will explore Delivering Value While Maintaining Sustainability, demonstrating how sustainable packaging solutions can reduce costs through energy savings, emissions reductions, and circularity.

The 2025 Clemson FRESH Summit offers a dynamic platform for sharing knowledge and actionable insights on the intersection of sustainability and value creation, promising inspiration and solutions for attendees from diverse sectors.

Will we see you at the summit this year?