C-Suite Perspectives: John Galt on Sustainability, Circularity, and Profitable Growth

Banner graphic for The Conference Board’s “C-Suite Perspectives” series with the headline “Sustainability that Boosts Profits.” On the left is a circular headshot of John Galt, Chairman of Husky Technologies, smiling outdoors. On the right is a circular headshot of Alexander Heil, PhD, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, wearing glasses against a blue background. Logos for “C-Suite Perspectives” and “The Conference Board” appear at the top, with a “Listen and Subscribe” button below John Galt’s photo.

We wanted to highlight a recent episode of C-Suite Perspectives, a podcast series by The Conference Board, where guest host Alex Heil, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, sits down with John Galt, Chairman of Husky Technologies, to explore the intersection of circularity and business performance.

Husky Technologies is a global leader in plastics processing technologies, serving industries from food and beverage packaging to medical devices across more than 140 countries. In this wide-ranging conversation, John shares how sustainability has been embedded in Husky’s culture and operations for decades – and why he sees circularity not as a constraint, but as a powerful driver of innovation and profitability.

Alex and John discuss:

  • Husky’s history and leadership in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) processing and high-volume plastics applications
  • Why circularity and profitability are not in conflict, but mutually reinforcing when approached through innovation and waste reduction
  • How sustainability initiatives like lightweighting, mono-material packaging, and post-consumer recycled (PCR) processing reduce environmental impact and costs
  • Why life cycle assessments (LCAs) are critical to understanding true environmental outcomes across air, land, and water
  • The role of extended producer responsibility (EPR) and deposit return systems in scaling effective recycling systems

 

John emphasizes that PET plastic – universally recognized by the #1 inside the triangle – is among the most sustainable materials available when it’s responsibly designed, collected, and reused. He also underscores the importance of collaboration among brands, governments, waste management companies, and consumers to build the infrastructure and incentives needed to scale circular solutions globally.

Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, or sustainability professional, this episode offers thoughtful insights into how environmental responsibility, economic value, and long-term growth can move forward together.

Listen now to hear how leadership, advocacy, and practical innovation are shaping the future of circularity. The episode is available through The Conference Board, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, and Spotify.

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