Packaging MEA has been steadfastly committed to championing the inclusion of women in the regional packaging industry since 2016, notably through its dedicated section within the magazine titled “Women in Packaging.” In line with our mission to foster diversity and encourage young talent, the PRIME Summit 2023 hosted a pivotal Fire-Chat: Pack Talk Round Table, convening industry experts to discuss the critical theme of “Empowering Women in Packaging: Closing the Gender Gap for Industry Growth and Innovation.”
During this engaging session, women took centre stage, sharing their insights and experiences, enlightening delegates, and cultivating new avenues of thought and connectivity. The panellists, accomplished women from various sectors of the regional packaging landscape – Brand Owners, Converters, and Manufacturers – contributed to an enriching discourse, inspiring the entire audience.
Historically, the packaging and processing industry has been predominantly shaped by men, with women in leadership positions remaining notably scarce. However, recognizing the inherent value of diversity, fresh perspectives, and innovative impulses, companies increasingly seek to bridge this gender gap.
The session at PRIME Summit 2023 acted as a catalyst, opening doors for more women to venture into the packaging sector and offering guidance to nurture young talent. As women remain underrepresented in technical roles and leadership positions, the importance of support systems, such as mentoring programs, image campaigns, and equitable opportunities with attractive working conditions, cannot be overstated.
Building upon the substantial discussions from PRIME Summit 2023, this report encapsulates the impactful session’s insights, highlighting pivotal measures aimed at fostering an inclusive and thriving packaging industry.
Reports
In an era of transformative change, the packaging and processing industry witnesses a paradigm shift with women taking center stage. The recently concluded PRIME Summit 2023 in Conrad, Dubai, brought together industry experts for a crucial discussion on “Empowering Women In Packaging: A Fireside chat with Industry Experts.” Moderated by Sara Jackson, Technical Director of the Circular Packaging Association, and Executive Director of Green Ethics, the panel explored the profound impact of gender diversity on innovation and sustainability in the historically male-dominated packaging sector.
Sara Jackson initiated the panel by challenging the notion of empowering women, asserting that women are already making a difference. The discussion delved into the significance of the circular economy in our daily lives, emphasizing the need for change at the community level. The panelists, Sonya Kayani, Leila Nagib, Emma Barber, and Cristal Morival, each representing different sectors, provided unique insights into the packaging industry.
Highlights
Sara Jackson posed a thought-provoking question to kick off the discussion: What key takeaway did the panelists want the audience to remember? Sonia Kayani emphasized Tetra Pak’s commitment to sustainability, striving to create a more sustainable future.
Leila Nagib highlighted the importance of gendered approaches in the circular economy, citing studies linking inclusivity to innovation. Leila Nagib expressed, “Women play a pivotal role in unlocking and addressing packaging challenges. Studies show that companies with gender diversity are 6 times more innovative. It’s time to embrace a gendered approach to circular economy strategies.”
Emma Barber stressed the need for action, especially with the upcoming COP, urging the region to take practical steps in handling packaging. “Talk is not enough. We need to take practical steps. With upcoming COP, the region must take tangible actions towards sustainable packaging. Let’s put our money where our mouth is.”
Design for Sustainability: Cristal Morival
Sara Jackson directed a pertinent question to Cristal Morival, focusing on Lamarque International’s approach to designing for the circular economy. Cristal acknowledged the challenges, emphasizing the need for client involvement and advocating against greenwashing. Cristal Morival shared her insights, “Get involved, but in the right way. We need to move beyond greenwashing and involve consumers genuinely. Education and regulation are key to navigating the sustainability landscape.”
Consumer Empowerment & Brand Responsibility: Leila Nagib
Leila Nagib shed light on Mars Wrigley’s efforts to redesign packaging for circularity. Leila acknowledged the challenges and stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships, including government and NGOs, to create a supportive ecosystem for sustainable practices. Leila Nagib highlighted, “We’ve seen that you need several brand owners to partner for those innovations to be scalable and to provide options. There is this.”
Tetra Pak’s Holistic Approach to Sustainability: Sonya Kayani
Sonya Kayani detailed Tetra Pak’s holistic approach to sustainability, covering the entire value chain. From ethically sourcing raw materials to creating recyclable packages, Tetra Pak is committed to a sustainable journey. Sonya Kayani reiterated, “As a representative of Tetra Pak, I want the message to be clear – the packaging industry takes sustainability seriously. We are committed to creating a more sustainable future.”
Recycling Challenges and Solutions: Emma Barber
Emma Barber, representing Degrade, addressed the challenges faced by recyclers, stressing the importance of consumer participation. Emma highlighted the need for urban planning, waste management investment, and education to increase the availability of clean segregated feedstock. Emma Barber emphasized, “Talk is not enough. We need to take practical steps. With upcoming COP, the region must take tangible actions towards sustainable packaging. Let’s put our money where our mouth is.”
Closing Thoughts: Sara Jackson
Sara Jackson concluded the panel by initiating a discussion among the audience regarding the gender gap within the packaging industry. She posed the question of whether a genuine gender gap exists or if there should be increased representation of women in future audiences, prompting a collective consideration of the industry’s inclusivity. Sara Jackson encouraged the audience, stating, “Cities cover only 3% of the global landmass yet consume 75% of resources.” Emphasizing the need for change, she highlighted that the process should commence within our communities. The panel comprised experts from various sectors, highlighting the significance of adopting inclusive and sustainable practices.
In summary, the discussions at PRIME Summit 2023 concerning the empowerment of women in the packaging industry resonated with the shifting landscape and the pivotal role women play in promoting sustainability. The panelists offered valuable insights, advocating for a transition from mere words to tangible actions, stressing the importance of inclusiveness, genuine engagement, and collaborative endeavors to shape a circular and sustainable future.