Rising Stars in Sustainability: Jessica Beal

For our Rising Stars series, we're featuring the next generation of leaders who are working toward a more sustainable world. We recently spoke with Jessica Beal, manager of sustainability at American Beverage Association, to learn about her role, her inspiration, and advice for those new to the field.

Describe your role for your company and what a typical day looks like.

As Manager of Sustainability at American Beverage my main responsibility is to stay current on consumer brand issues and trends regarding the environment and advancing the circular economy. Currently, I am digging into the details of policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), deposit return systems (DRS) and minimum content, as well as keeping on top of the continued focus on reuse/refill systems and materiality. I engage on these topics in webinars, at conferences, and meetings with our members and partners, growing my value as a subject matter expert.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in corporate sustainability?

This was a happy accident. After the pandemic, I had to reassess my career plans. I had just evacuated Panama as a sustainability Peace Corps Trainee. My plan for the next few years disappeared, and my job search led me to a role in government affairs at American Beverage. After a year becoming acquainted with our issues, I realized I wanted to stay within the organization but transition back home to the sustainability space. I found our sustainability issues to be both meaningful and challenging.

What have you found most challenging and/or most rewarding about your work?

Adjusting my sense of reality to understand the average consumer. As professionals in sustainability, I think we can have an idealistic view of what the average person will do. I want to believe a consumer will do XYZ because – as someone who has a passion for saving the planet – I am willing to go the extra mile to do so. Personally, a great challenge has been taking a step back and finding the balance between consumer expectations and reality. This has also been the most rewarding experience, as I know the solutions we create are based on sound research and logic.

Talk about a project you’re currently working on.

With the help of my team, I manage our Every Bottle Back recycling investment portfolio. ABA has partnered with The Recycling Partnership and Closed Loop Partners to invest $100 million into community recycling access infrastructure and education. We have currently committed $39 million to 65 projects throughout the United States.

Do you have a sustainability role model or inspiration?

I believe my biggest inspiration and role model comes from Indigenous peoples. Throughout my life I have learned so much about how they care not only for our planet but also for people. I have always admired their respect for the natural world.

Talk about your favorite moment in nature.

My mom and I took a spontaneous camping trip to the Badlands National Park a few years ago. In less than 24 hours, we made the decision to hop in the car with our gear and take the drive from Chicago to South Dakota. It was a trip of firsts: my first National Park, and my first experience being in true awe of the diverse landscapes the United States has to offer. Hiking through those colorful, jagged rock formations felt otherworldly in that moment.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning their career in corporate sustainability?

My best advice would be to say yes to every opportunity you are presented. I have learned so much just by taking advantage of each thing that came my way. Each experience was essential to my growth. Some experiences led me to new interests, others built my confidence, and those I did not particularly enjoy helped me realize what I am not fond of.

What are you excited about for the future?

I am excited to see the continued innovation from within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space. To make a difference, brands are going to have to think out of the box. We have already seen some great things coming from our companies, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.