Women In Plastics: Breaking The Mould

By Rebecca Shortland - Marketing Executive, British Plastics Federation

All of us in the world of plastics are aware of how male-dominated the industry is, which begs the question… how successful could our sector be if we expanded the skills, attitudes, and opinions of those within it? Increasing the number of women in plastics would undoubtedly lead to growth and improvement throughout all areas of the industry. That’s exactly why we want to highlight some of our industry’s female rolemodels for International Womens Day — to recognise their achievements and successes, while encouraging young women at the start of their careers to understand the opportunities within the industry.

 

Dr Bronagh Millar

Characterisation Manager

Polymer Processing Research Centre

First on our list is Dr Bronagh Millar from the Polymer Processing Research Centre. Dr Millar is the Characterisation Manager in the Polymer Processing Research Centre in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Queens University Belfast, who is currently working on the design of new cardiovascular stent sheaths to reduce complications during cardiac procedures.

Dr Millar says she is inspired by the increasing scope for circularity in polymer: ‘it really excites me to see how much we can improve this space in the coming years which will bring obvious environmental benefits but also increase employment in the circular sector’.

She wants to let all women just starting their careers in the industry know that ‘the most important thing is to continue learning. Having that broad, relevant knowledge is critical when it comes to applying for new roles and taking on new challenges’.

A quote from her colleagues: “The polymer industry in Northern Ireland owes a lot to Dr Millar for her dedication to her chosen field of polymers. Bronagh is a very hard working and highly motivated member of our team in the PPRC and is equally happy talking with both company representatives on a polymer issue as with a medical doctor about the requirements of a new innovative medical device”.

 

Carolina Gregorio

Policy and Advocacy Strategy Director

DOW

Another prime example of the incredible women in our industry is Carolina Gregorio from DOW. Carolina is the Policy and Advocacy Strategy Director for Packaging and Specialty Plastics business for EMEA region in Dow, who’s role is all about following key policies around circularity and net-zero for plastics.

Her colleagues describe Carolina as ‘one of the most enthusiastic people in the office, who’s passion and dedication for a more circular economy has made a phenomenal impact and inspired all her team to follow in her footsteps’.

Carolina loves the opportunity to network with an extensive number of industry peers and different stakeholders to build a more sustainable future for plastics... she says ‘what could be more inspiring than being part of an industry revolution that will define how a new sustainable plastics industry will look?’

Carolina wants to let all women at the beginning of their careers in plastics know that ‘if you really want something and put in the effort and passion, it will come. Give wings to your dreams.’

A quote from her colleagues: “Carolina is an inspiration. She combines her passion for women's rights with her true belief in advances in sustainability, using her business role as a platform to drive improvement for everyone.”

 

Beverly Parr

Propieter

B&J Parr

Next up we have Beverly Parr, the head of B&J Parr, who has taken over the family business after the passing of her father several years ago. As a female leader in a male-dominated industry, Beverly has had to work hard to be seen equally amongst her male-peers, but through determination and dedication to learning the business and sector, she is now growing the business while being an inspiration to others at the same time.

She’s done an incredible job developing a strong and dependable management team who help her shape B&J Parr into a modern business, growing into new markets while retaining and strengthening the family business ethos it was built upon by her father.

A quote from her colleagues: “Bev is an absolute pleasure to work for - being approachable, supporting, and suitably demanding, she’s found the perfect balance of family, support, growth, and development”.

 

Katherine White

Commercial Director

Plastribution

Also on our list is Katherine White, the Commercial Director from Plastribution’s polymer group. Katherine is responsible for a team of around 60 people, covering functions such as Sales, Supply Chain, Technical Support, and Marketing. She is the first woman ever to be promoted to Plastribution’s board, and works to support the UK industry on key areas such as Brexit, legislation changes, and sustainability.

Katherine wants to let women thinking about/at the start of their careers in the industry know that ‘it’s easy when you join the industry to believe you need to come from a certain background or behave in a certain way, but the industry needs a diverse mix of people to thrive, so be confident to be yourself. Whilst the industry undoubtedly faces many challenges, it’s an exciting time to be part of its development’.

A quote from her colleagues: “Plastribution would not be the company it is without Katherines input. She is a testament to the value of women in senior positions within a male dominated industry”.

 

Rebekah Parsons

Setter Technician

Tex Plastics Ltd

Our next highlight is Rebekah Parsons from Tex Plastics - the first ever female setter technician in her company (meaning she is highly skilled to set up, fix, and improve machines). Tex Plastics think of Rebekah as ‘a perfect fit in their business - an absolute asset and role model in demonstrating to other employees what is achievable if you have the correct mind set, guidance, and support’.

Rebekah says she is inspired by women in the industry who have achieved so much more than she has, ‘they have paved the way and it makes me want to strive to accomplish as much as I can in my field’. She wants to let all women just starting their careers in the industry know that ‘the sky is the limit’.

A quote from her colleagues: “We’re proud to see how such a quiet and timid young lady has really found her confidence and voice, proving to others, and above all herself, what she is truly capable of.”

 

Michelle​ Horton

Infeed & Business Administration Manager

Eurocell Recycle

And to finish off an incredible list of inspiring women in plastics… Michelle Horton from Eurocell Recycle. Michelle is the Infeed & Business Administration Manager, meaning she manages tasks like reducing the landfill by 30%, ensuring plants have sufficient material, and building a strong admin team.

Michelle’s team say her level of professionalism, commitment, hard work, knowledge of the business and market, and her capacity to deliver results quickly, is simply outstanding. ‘Anything you ask her, even if outside her scoop of work, will be delivered with excellency’.

Michelle says she is inspired by the teams she works within and the huge sense of achievement when she reaches/exceeds the goals that are set out for the year. She wants to tell all women just starting their careers in the industry to ‘believe in yourself and ensure you are always moving forward towards your own personal achievements and business success’.

A quote from her colleagues: “It's a luck and a privilege to have her in our team”.

 

From technicians like Rebekah, to proprietors such as Beverly, and every woman in between, the women highlighted in this article are prime examples of how beneficial diversity in the industry truly is. While International Women’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate another year of progress for women, it is also a crucial reminder of how strongly gender inequality still exists in many places, and definately within the plastics industry. It is up to all of us to ensure we're aware of the realities women are facing, and work together to reduce misoginy in the workplace — not just on International Women's Day, but every day.

Find out more about International Women's Day.

If you're interested in a career within the industry, take a look at Polymer Jobs, Polymer Zone, and Plastik City.

 

What Is International Women’s Day?

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.

 

Author

Rebecca Shortland

*Please note that this article is not a press release. Do not use on your own website unless given specific permission from the author.