How and Why Retailers Are Replacing Billions of Plastic Bags with Jesse Langley from Lotus Sustainables

Can businesses help solve one of the world's biggest environmental challenges? In this episode of Logistics with Purpose®, hosts Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter sit down with Jesse Langley, CEO of Lotus Sustainables, to explore how innovation, purpose-driven leadership, and supply chain collaboration are reducing our dependence on single-use plastic bags. Jesse shares his remarkable journey from serving in the U.S. Navy to leading a global sustainability company that has already diverted more than 6.5 billion plastic bags from landfills. Together, they discuss why changing consumer behavior is so difficult, the role legislation plays in accelerating sustainability, and how businesses can create products that are better for both people and the planet. The conversation also explores leadership during uncertainty, the power of B Corps and Conscious Capitalism, sustainable innovation, resilient supply chains, and why solving environmental problems starts with building better partnerships. Whether you're a supply chain professional, sustainability leader, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about creating positive impact, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring ideas for building a better future. In this episode you'll learn: - Why legislation may be the biggest driver of reducing single-use plastics - How Lotus Sustainables has diverted over 6.5 billion plastic bags from landfills - What purpose-driven leadership looks like during uncertain times - Why innovation should focus on solving real customer problems - How B Corps and stakeholder-focused businesses create lasting impact - Lessons from military leadership that translate into business success - Why Europe is leading the way in sustainability and what others can learn Additional Links & Resources: - Connect with Jesse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-langley/ - Learn more about Lotus Sustainables: https://lotus-sustainables.com/ - Learn more about Logistics with Purpose®: https://supplychainnow.com/brands/logistics-with-purpose/ - Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose®: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen - Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/ - Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter. For addtional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: [https://supplychainnow.com/how-why-retailers-replacing-billions-plastic-bags-lwp161](/how-why-retailers-replacing-billions-plastic-bags-lwp161)