Hearst has a portfolio of testing facilities, a legacy for offering expert advice and a thriving accreditation business. Tara Blackburn saw an opportunity to develop this offering even further. She pitched a new sustainability testing vertical focused on proving “sustainable” elements of products. To enhance her understanding of sustainability, Blackburn achieved practitioner status for Environmental Management and Assessment.
With the existing infrastructure allowing Hearst to measure energy consumption, she proposed using the facilities to combat greenwashing, prove “eco-claims” and provide consumers with a trusted, transparent accreditation. The endorsement highlights specific green claims on the logo and is paired with supporting green content showcasing testing protocols. Blackburn now partners with leading environmentally conscious brands that excel in areas including sustainable sourcing, management and extraction, zero-waste initiatives and low-energy products.
Blackburn is also an advocate for DE&I and is keen to embed diversity into Hearst’s recruitment processes. Judges said Blackburn showed great drive, “turning a problem into an opportunity and running with it”.
Take me back to the Media Week 30 Under 30 2022 winners list
_1.jpg)
.jpg)