Interpack 2023: “Women in Packaging” panelists emphasize workplace diversity for business success

11 May 2023 --- One of the main topics highlighted at Interpack this year was “Women in Packaging,” marking the first time Interpack discussed the topic of gender equality within the packaging industry.  

The “Women in Packaging” conference was held with five female panelists on May 8. The speakers from around the world represented different aspects of the packaging industry.

PackagingInsights speaks to some attendees about what it means for one of the most significant packaging events of the year to host the presentation. They discuss the industry’s progress toward diversity bringing new perspectives and inclusive company cultures. 

Regarding the topic’s place at Interpack, Dr. Afsaneh Nabifar, head of global market development biopolymers at BASF, tells us that “despite the fact that the world is moving in the right direction, the situation of women in the industry is not set in stone. That’s why we must keep up the momentum and the efforts to show how crucial diversity is in the workplace.”

Interpack highlights women
Nabifar continues that Interpack demonstrates an openness and consciousness about the transformation of the world and the industry by hosting the “Women in Packaging” event. 

“As women are underrepresented in technical jobs and leadership positions, supporting them can play an important role concerning the scarcity of trained professionals. Support can mean measures like mentoring programs, image campaigns for the sector, creating equal opportunities and attractive working conditions,” writes Interpack. 

Dr. Afsaneh Nabifar, head of global market development biopolymers at BASF.Marjo Halonen, vice president of communications at Metsä Board, says at the event that she was happy that women in the industry were given a space to grow and network as “networking is important among women. We have to invest time in this.”

Halonen tells PackagingInsights that Interpack, a global trade show, provided an opportunity to gain attention to inclusion and reach many participants across the packaging industry.  

“I think it is a great way to share learnings, support networking and hopefully inspire women with learnings and ideas on progressing their career. I am glad Interpack chose this as a panel topic – it shows that the topic is highly relevant and topical for the whole industry, and this was an innovative way to do it,” explains Halonen. 

Trade show for change
While the general ambiance of the event was a celebratory experience, there were still noticeable gender discrepancies walking the show floors of Interpack. 

“The entire packaging industry is here at Interpack, and that is great to see. But looking around, there are noticeably more men than women. What better place than Interpack to draw attention to this important issue when the entire industry is here,” a representative of Messe Düsseldorf tells us.

At the discussion, the host Nerida Kelton, vice president of sustainability and Save Food at the World Packaging Organization, speaks on the noticeable progress made over the past 25 years, with women taking on more roles in the engineering, design, materials, science and research sectors. 

“We had our first physical conference in Australasia about a month ago. Fifty percent of the speakers were women, and 50% of the attendees were women. So I think we’ve come a long way. We have a long way to go, but I think we are going in the right direction,” she tells the predominantly female audience. 

“This isn’t a normal event for Interpack. My dream is for the team and ladies in Messe Düsseldorf to have this in all their events around as tradeshow code. We should have a “Women in Packaging” event at all of those. So let’s see if Messe Düsseldorf can arrange that,” calls the host. Marjo Halonen, vice president of communications at Metsä Board.

Progress in packaging
The head of global market development biopolymers at BASF explains that packaging is present in people’s everyday lives. Therefore, the industry becomes a role model regarding the progress it makes. 

“Whatever we change there impacts our habits and behaviors. Therefore, the packaging industry appears as a leading sector to contribute to a more diverse presence of genders, a place where women can take meaningful leadership roles,” believes Nabifar. 

Historically the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) has been predominantly male-dominated, she tells us. “In the last couple of years, there has been a proactive movement to change this landscape, as it is recognized that diversity in gender and cultures boosts creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. As the world is changing, so is the packaging industry.”

Halonen adds that manufacturing industries generally are in a similar position regarding female representation in top management and engineering. 

“Many companies recognize the need for improvement in terms of diversity and how we need versatile expertise to innovate and succeed. Above all, by valuing and making the most of diversity, we can be an even better workplace for our employees now and in the future.”

“There is room for improvement even though progress is happening,” Halonen continues. 

Nerida Kelton, vice president of sustainability and Save Food at the World Packaging Organization. Gaining a female perspectiveThe vice president of communications at Metsä Board sees companies increasingly recognizing the importance of diversity to innovation and good leadership. 

“I think talented women will have very good chances to advance in these companies who understand the benefits of diversity, companies with clear goals and targets to develop as a company,” says Halonen.

She advises the packaging industry to look for companies with programs and targets to promote diversity and learn from them.

“Women’s curiosity can help not only with energy but also with our intelligence to mix and link aspects of this industry, like in materials and machines. Maybe women can understand processes before others,” Halonen says on the panel. 

The Messe Düsseldorf representative echoes the benefit of having women in the packaging industry. “It is one of many fields that could benefit from increased female representation,” she says. 

“Women are taking more and more places in the packaging industry. They succeed in leadership roles and act as role models for their colleagues, irrespective of gender,” adds Nabifar. 

Creating an inclusive space
The host anecdotes that it was challenging for her to have confidence in her capabilities when she was younger. She was not always confident “to stand in a room, in my truth, my skills and expertise. I can do that now. I’m extremely proud that I received a fellowship a couple of weeks ago for my technical expertise in packaging.” 

At the “Women in Packaging” talk, Nabifar recalls her experiences as the only woman in the room for much of her career. 

“I have a very technical background, so for many years I was almost the only woman in the room, but I was never discriminated against. I think the company culture is very important and I always have the respect of my colleagues.”

Concerning how the packaging industry can create a more welcoming space for women, Halonen calls for more promotion of the packaging industry as an accepting workplace. 

“We need to promote opportunities and make the packaging industry an attractive workplace, as the diversity of our personnel and inclusive culture fuel our capability for sustainable innovations and renewal. We still have room for improvement, and we’re actively taking steps toward a more equal and diverse workplace,” concludes Halonen. 

By Sabine Waldeck with live reporting by Natalie Schwertheim