Novolex expands sustainability and public affairs team

Novolex, a Hartsville, South Carolina-based packaging company, has announced plans to expand its sustainability and public affairs capabilities to support a growing portfolio of brands and products designed for the circular economy, according to a Novolex news release.

Erik Gonring

“As we grow our business, we are constantly expanding our focus on sustainability and engaging with a wide array of stakeholders who are equally committed to understanding and meeting sustainability goals. This not only benefits our customers but also the families that depend on our plants and the general public who use our products every day,” says Novolex Chairman and CEO Stan Bikulege. “With increasing focus on circularity, ongoing investment in innovation and a strong portfolio of leading products, the time was right to promote from within and add new talent to enable us to meet our commitment to be stewards of the environment.”

Phil Rozenski, a 12-year veteran of the Novolex family of brands, has been promoted from senior director of sustainability to vice president of public affairs. In this new position at Novolex, he oversees public policy matters, stakeholder relations and sustainability engagement.

Erik Gonring, who previously held positions in sustainability and communications with McDonald’s Corp. and the J.R. Simplot Co., joins Novolex as director of sustainability. Gonring focuses on key trends in the sustainability space and supporting the company’s growth.

“It’s an exciting time for the Novolex due to our increasing scale and relevance. We’re learning a lot from our investments in sustainability, giving us insights that will help us contribute to the supply chains in which we participate,” Rozenski says. “That also requires us to participate in many diverse partnerships. We’re fortunate to have the resources in place to support a strategy that will continue to drive the company forward.” 

Rozenski and Gonring will report to a senior vice president that will join the Novolex executive management team. The company is actively recruiting candidates for that position. 

Recycling Today featured Novolex in the Summer Edition of its Plastics Recycling publication. Read more about the company and its Bag-2-Bag program here.