Source: PKN – Champions of Change speak out at Women in Packaging forum

Caps & Closures proudly partnered this year’s Women in Packaging event held Thursday 10 November exploring the theme, Champions of Change: Women Walking the Talk.

Hosted by Lindy Hughson at the stunning State Library of Victoria, we were treated to some remarkable women sharing their journeys, insights, struggles and successes in the packaging arena.

Behavioural Science Strategist, Sonia Friedrich, spoke about the psychology of change with examples and insights that were invaluable for understanding the barriers to change, not only from the consumer perspective but at a personal level also. Her enthusiasm and passion in this area was contagious and left several of the Caps & Closures team hungry for more information.

We also heard from Julia Kay and Joanne Howarth, both founders of companies at the forefront of change with innovative, sustainable solutions to reduce non-recyclable plastics entering the waste stream. Their stories of successfully getting these products to market were inspirational despite the many hurdles they faced throughout an incredibly turbulent pandemic period.

Cath Cornaggia introduced herself as a rebel and spoke with great passion about the education and empowerment of women. Cath highlighted the correlation between educating women and girls and building successful businesses.

Sally Carter from Brookfarm and Jessica Ansell from OF Packaging spoke of their collaborative efforts to successfully bring a mono-material, recyclable pouch to market. The story of their journey was truly inspirational and highlighted what can be achieved when a common goal unites determined, empowered women.

Finally, the panel showcased three highly successful women – Zaidee Jackson, Nerida Kelton and Sally Williams. Hosted by Bindu Panicker, we were treated to their insights and opinions into the role women play in helping reach a point of self-sufficiency when it comes to recycling and sustainability within Australia and the necessity of national guidelines that unify local and state governments so that there is a clear path forward with a common goal.

Photo: Arianna Leggiero. Source: PKN – Champions of Change speak out at Women in Packaging forum

Some feedback from our staff who attended the event:

Olivia – “It was a great atmosphere, and the food was amazing! Sonia Freidrich was particularly engaging with her take on behavioural psychology. She explained how our brains work against us and shared some strategies to combat this, which was certainly very interesting from a sales/marketing perspective. It was so motivating to listen to these entrepreneurs share their journey to create a sustainable product they were proud of. Much like Julia Kay, who saw the need for change in packaging within the shipping industry, so had transformed her idea into a globally recognised innovation. The panel hosted by Bindu with Zaidee, Nerida and Sally was a great change of pace because we heard the unscripted responses and expertise from all these accomplished women. It truly was an uplifting experience to see so many women in packaging excited about minimising waste and how their innovations could help shape the future of packaging!”

Joanne – “The PKN’s Women in Packaging event was a most informative and inspiring day. Guest speakers spoke passionately about the packaging industry, their sustainability achievements, and their drive to change. Celebrating women’s role in the packaging industry was empowering and inspiring. It is vital to encourage women to flourish in this industry. I have worked in the packaging industry for 16 years. I have been fortunate to have seen significant change during this time in innovation and women’s evolving role in this space.”

Jessica – “Spending the afternoon surrounded by like-minded and passionate women who share the packaging space with us was inspiring. As someone who’s only just begun my career in the packaging industry, after listening to all the well-accomplished speakers, I felt motivated to return to work and implement the characteristics and behaviours these women embodied.”