A student's experience building sustainability within the egg industry

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Eggs in a Carton
For her co-op placement, Sanghamitra Kamath, an undergraduate Environment and Business student, worked in the L.H. Gray & Son Limited marketing department. L.H. Gray & Son Limited is a family-owned egg grading station established in 1934 and located in Strathroy, Ontario.

Sanghamitra was responsible for creating marketing literature while conducting her own research about trends between egg packaging and sustainability. She learned about industry practices regarding the procurement, grading, packaging, and selling of eggs. Specifically, she analyzed sustainability regarding materials being used for packaging such as pulp, plastic, and styrofoam. Sanghamitra’s research determined which materials were most sustainable. Through these experiences and continuous learning, she became more familiar with sustainable marketing principles and developed a new found interest in the relationship between business practices and sustainability.

During her time at L.H. Gray and Son, sustainability became second priority due to COVID-19. The egg industry was placed under immense pressure from the sudden increase in demand and subsequently, this demand disrupted any progress made towards eliminating plastic in packaging. Packaging companies could not keep up with pulp production and began using plastic alternatives. This motivated Sanghamitra’s research further, and at the same time, considering the company’s motives concerning sustainability.

Her work experience in the marketing field permitted her to gain an insight into the egg industry and how it differs in sustainability from typical food industries. "Just because the role has nothing to do with sustainability, doesn't mean I can't bring it to the role myself" - Sanghamitra Kamath.

Learn more about the Environment and Business program.