Kaj will be speaking at Cleaning Products 2011 on "Choices in Innovation that Drive Business Success" which should be a highlight of this year's conference! Leading into this year's event, he shared some of his thoughts on innovation, challenges in using renewable materials and what he's most looking forward to hearing at Cleaning Products 2011.

• In your opinion, what are the key trends driving innovation in the cleaning products industry currently?
  One of the key trends driving innovation is the need to provide new chemical demand to fuel new chemistries and materials by helping overcome risk barriers and feasibility on the supply side. Also moving things forward are the ideas of catalyzing new solutions in sustainable thinking, new chemical sourcing options and starting points, concentration and formats.
  
• What are the challenges you face in formulation while using renewable materials?
  Some of our biggest challenges include getting early materials through the regulatory process, facing new compatibility issues and bringing in new materials that are not yet commercial, but at a price point that is reasonable and affordable for consumers.
  
• How do you work with your design team so your packaging represents the content and it's easy to use for the consumer? The most important thing we do is we actually sit across from each other so that we can talk. We watch other use the product and imagine what solutions might make things better. Then we watch and test again!
  
• What are you looking forward to hear at the Cleaning Products Conference 2011?
  Everything new. Cleaning Products 2011 will be a great opportunity to hear smart people talk about the challenges they have faced/are facing and learn from their experiences. I'm also looking forward to seeing what unique partner opportunities might exist.
  

Kaj Johnson biography

Kaj Johnson is a Green Chef at Method Products in San Francisco. What the heck is a "Green Chef" you ask? Green is clear- It's a formulation scientist that is passionate about using the very best environmental and human health solutions to solve consumer needs. As a chef, the goal is to make every consumer experience a great one driving them back for more. Method develops environmentally friendly cleaning, laundry, air care and personal care products.

Prior to joining Method, Kaj worked in formulation and new business development for 22 years with Clorox. At Clorox proud to have played a key role in the launch of Brita and Greenworks products. During years at Clorox, Kaj did new laundry product development, home cleaning, technology acquistion, business development, packaging, and New ventures/Partnering. He graduated from UCSB in chemistry & chemical engineering.