Expert in chemicals & environmental regulations, REACH, RoHS, CPSIA, Packaging/ Food contact material regulations, GHS/CLP, MSDS Preparation, Global Chemical Notifications, Cosmetics regulations and Biocides, Sunanda Kadam shares her thoughts about women in the packaging industry.
Usha Benjamin (UB): Can you give us a brief introduction about yourself and your career? Also plz brief us about your background, growth and accomplishments in the world of packaging.
Sunanda Kadam (SK): I have a Masters (MSc.) in Organic Chemistry and have over 20-years’ experience in the chemicals industry working in regulatory compliance. At Intertek, my responsibilities include supporting our clients to ensure they comply with the ever-increasing chemical and environmental regulatory landscape, for example, REACH, RoHS, and California Prop 65, as well as various food contact and packaging, biocide, and cosmetic regulations. My experience in regulatory consulting is complemented by my expertise in risk assessments, supply chain management, sustainability, and assurance services for international exports. Within the packaging industry, I am particularly interested in the area of sustainability innovation, as I believe sustainability is of growing importance when it comes to product development in the global marketplace.
I live by the mantra “To be successful, you can never stop learning!” As a result, you will find me at many industry events and forums. Additionally, I have authored several articles on the impact of global chemical regulations and Globally Harmonized Systems (GHS) for the classification and labelling of chemicals. These articles have been featured in several industry publications. I have also spoken and participated in numerous international meetings and world-class conferences/events.
UB: Why did you choose your career in the packaging industry?
SK: I chose a career in chemical and regulatory compliance, specifically for food contact and food packaging regulations, because food safety and quality have always been of great interest to me. packaging plays an important role in protecting our food from physical damage and preventing contamination from micro-organisms, air, moisture, chemicals, and toxins. It is my goal to help educate companies, as well as consumers, on the effects that packaging materials can have on food products.
UB: What’s the most you enjoy as a working woman?
SK: The best thing about being employed by Intertek is the ability to work independently. I also enjoy the great support I receive from my colleagues. Intertek provides women with a platform to not only grow and develop their own careers but also to be involved in socially responsible activities that support a greater purpose to make the world a better place by bringing quality, safety and sustainability to everyday life.
UB: What is your biggest challenge as a working woman and in particular in this industry?
SK: Packaging has traditionally been a male-dominated industry; however, I have seen a shift in recent years making this field more and more diverse. Today, women have more opportunity, not only in the packaging sector but in their careers overall regardless of the industry. I have been very fortunate, throughout my entire career to have an employer like Intertek who recognizes the importance of gender diversity across all levels of the business.
UB: What’s it been like to balance career and family as you’ve moved through your career?
SK: I’m the first to admit, balancing a career and family can be tricky for anyone at times, however, I believe if you are passionate and enjoy your work, it is much more manageable. Careers and family are both important, and each demands time and attention, causing the other to take a back seat at times. I have been fortunate that at Intertek, we have a lot of flexibility, which makes the work-life balance much easier.
UB: What pastimes do you enjoy in your spare time?
SK: I love traveling and exploring the world, meeting new people, and listening to music.
UB: If there were something that must change or get better in your work environment, what would they be?
SK: In my opinion, I don’t see the need to change anything in my current work environment. I feel extremely supported and content in my current role.
UB: What motivates you to press on in your career? What is the secret behind your wonderful accomplishments in the world of packaging?
SK: My passion for global regulatory compliance keeps me motivated. The evolution of green technology is driving innovation and creating new opportunities. In my heart, I would like to continue to expand my expertise in green-related work, as I believe strongly in the need to protect our environment. This is by far the best and most rewarding career I have had in my life.
UB: What signs of progress do you see when it comes to women in packaging for the future?
SK: Many of the green initiatives managed by global packaging companies require individuals that can design, build, install, retrofit, lead, and much more. Additionally, several green careers have high wages and good benefits. When it comes to careers in the packaging industry, there has been a significant increase in interest and representation amongst women over the previous decade. The possibilities are endless!
UB: What should the packaging community, in particular, do differently to bring more women into our industry? SK: It is important to ensure men and women are judged by the same criteria. It seems that women are currently moving to ‘the top’ in the packaging industry as barriers are being removed. We must continue to recognize the performance and contribution of hard-working women and encourage continued respect and equality in the workplace.
UB: Finally, what is your message to budding-women about a career in the packaging industry?
SK: The packaging industry remains relatively stable despite economic ups and downs because there will always be a need for packaging. The growing commitment to sustainability has increased the demand for green products and services and created a variety of new occupations and career paths. Many global packaging companies offer higher wages and better benefits, ensuring fair compensation and promoting workplace flexibility for women. So, why not explore a rewarding career path that will provide greater satisfaction?