Sustainability nonprofit GreenBlue has announced the appointment of James Ewell as Director of Chemicals Program, where he will expand the scope of GreenBlue's new chemicals program by developing tools and resources for industry to select safer chemicals in product design and manufacturing.

Ewell has 15 years experience in working with leading companies on sustainability strategies. Previously he was the Director of Consulting and Senior Project Manager for McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC), where he developed and implemented criteria for designing and manufacturing sustainable products. He worked with leading companies such as Procter & Gamble, Ford Motor Company, Seventh Generation, Herman Miller, Shaw Industries, and others to design corporate sustainability strategies.  

Notably, Ewell’s appointment at GreenBlue marks a homecoming, as he was a member of the original GreenBlue founding staff from 2003-2005.

“GreenBlue is fortunate to have someone with James’ expertise and insight into corporate sustainability strategies leading this important area of work for us,” said GreenBlue President & CEO Lance Hosey. “James played an important role in GreenBlue’s history and we’re delighted that he will be an instrumental part of the leadership team shaping our future.”

In June GreenBlue announced its new Chemicals program, which will build off the success of CleanGredients, an online database that provides verified scientific data to help companies identify safer alternatives for use in consumer products. Under Ewell’s leadership, the GreenBlue Chemicals Program will develop additional tools and resources to identify and promote safer chemicals as an essential step in the design and production of more sustainable products.

“The material health and safety of consumers products is a growing area of concern for the private sector and the public at large,” said Ewell. “I’m thrilled by the opportunity to return to GreenBlue to develop a new program that will cultivate the private sector innovation needed to make chemical products more sustainable.”