On International Women’s Day, Barcelona Packaging Hub organized a special webinar to highlight the role of women in the packaging industry and foster dialogue on the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
This event, held at the facilities of United Barcode Systems (UBS), brought together outstanding professionals from various companies associated with the Hub. They shared their experiences, the challenges they have overcome, and strategies to promote a more diverse and inclusive environment.
A space for dialogue and reflection
This webinar provided a platform to hear the voices of women from different generations and roles within the packaging industry, each bringing valuable experiences and perspectives. Throughout the event, key topics were discussed, including generational diversity, inclusion in technical roles, and the impact of equitable environments on the industry’s evolution.
Diversity of women and perspectives on the future of packaging
The event was a unique opportunity to gain insight from industry professionals on the evolution of the sector and the actions needed to promote equal opportunities.
The speakers agreed that, while significant progress has been made, there are still areas that require continued efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable future. They highlighted key initiatives and strategies that companies can adopt to accelerate this change.
Challenges and progress in women's Inclusion in technical roles
One of the key topics of the webinar was the inclusion of women in technical positions within the packaging industry.
Sara de Mier, HR Manager at UBS, highlighted the difficulty of finding female talent for these roles and shared strategies to overcome these barriers, such as promoting inclusion through education and adapting facilities to ensure a safe and accessible work environment for all.
The discussion also acknowledged the progress made in diversity and inclusion. Esther Las, HR Director at Mengibar, and Judit Bueno, COO, EFQM Assessor, and Senior Transformation Advisor at UBS, analyzed the sector’s advancements but agreed that there is still work to be done.
Clara Dan, After Sales Coordinator at Movitec, shared her experience in a key post-sales role, addressing the specific challenges women may face in positions like hers.
The event concluded with insights from Mariona Pascual, Marketing Manager at INVpack, who reflected on the industry’s evolution and the need to continue driving diversity at all levels.
Opportunities for women and the Impact of inclusive environments
The speakers highlighted the numerous opportunities available for women in the packaging industry, especially as companies move toward more inclusive environments.
Marta Palau, National Sales Director at UBS, shared her experience after 25 years in the sector, emphasizing her achievement in establishing a balanced commercial department where men and women work under equal conditions. She stressed that diversity is not only a matter of equity but also a key factor in business success.
Similarly, Tania Buchkivska, SAT Coordinator at Movitec, underscored the importance of collaboration among women in the industry. She noted that strengthening these networks not only drives individual career growth but also fosters synergies that, over time, enhance female representation in packaging.
Advice for young women and the power of perseverance
Fiorella Alcorta, Project Manager at INVpack, shared an inspiring message for young women aspiring to build a career in technical fields within the packaging industry:
“Choose what you love the most, keep going, and don’t let anything or anyone hold you back.”
While the sector has traditionally been male-dominated, Fiorella emphasized that women should pursue their passions fearlessly, challenge stereotypes, and create new opportunities for themselves.
This mindset not only fuels professional growth but also strengthens personal development. Facing challenges with determination allows women to excel in evolving industries while paving the way for future generations in a more inclusive and equitable environment.
Barcelona Packaging Hub and its commitment
With this webinar, Barcelona Packaging Hub reaffirms its commitment to diversity and gender equality in the packaging industry. Through this initiative, the Hub continues to foster a space for dialogue and reflection, promoting women’s visibility in the sector while addressing the challenges and opportunities they face.
The event served as a platform for sharing experiences, insights, and advice, emphasizing the importance of fostering inclusion and supporting women’s professional development in all areas of packaging.
The full recording of the webinar is now available on the Barcelona Packaging Hub YouTube channel, where you can learn more about the impact and contributions of women in the evolution of the industry.