Sev-Rend has named Mark Hoppenjans its new national sales manager and sustainability lead. The Collinsville, Ill.-based company says Hoppenjans’ onboarding aligns with its goals to further service its clients in the produce industry with high-performance packaging and allows it to expand its footprint by bringing in experience from other packaging areas such as corrugated.
Hoppenjans has worked for the past several years as an independent sustainability consultant for a number of large firms, where he supported organizations requiring sustainability awareness, compliance, research and program development, according to a news release.
“Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Sev-Rend team that will allow us to grow in some key areas with a bold focus on sustainability and how it pertains to our products we deliver to the market along with the knowledge to help guide our clients to achieve their sustainability goals,” Sev-Rend CEO Rob Williams said in the release. “His experience in packaging sector is tremendous and adding in his knowledge, along with his passion for sustainability, makes him a perfect fit.”
Hoppenjans brings over 20 years of experience to the Sev-Rend team, ranging from business development to operation management to sustainability initiative expert, the release said.
He became GRI certified at the beginning of 2023, gaining expertise and global recognition in sustainability reporting.
“This is a key component to my career path as I was always involved in the packaging field where sustainability is a main focus,” Hoppenjans said in the release. “We have the opportunity to help educate our client base on this ever-evolving subject where many become confused and overwhelmed. This certification allows me to train the Sev-Rend team on the importance of such items as reclamation, waste to energy, carbon capture and transitional risk in waste. Combining this with my packaging experience made working for Sev-Rend the right choice. I am very excited to join the Sev-Rend team to offer world class products and service to the produce industry.”
Hoppenjans’ addition to the Sev-Rend team is in line with the Sev-Rend growth strategy, the company says. His vast knowledge and network will allow him to further strengthen Sev-Rend’s position as a leader on the sustainability front for packaging not only in the fresh produce space, but other markets as well.
In addition to the new hire, Sev-Rend says its implementation of a new online ordering system along with pouch converting equipment are other examples of its commitment to support the market.
