I was first introduced to the world of packaging when studying at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in packaging science. It was during my studies, and during a product development engineering internship at Fisher-Price, when I discovered just how integral packaging innovation can be to our daily product interactions. I thought packaging was an interesting subset of product development engineering, so I decided to minor in the field. I worked in packaging development at Kellogg’s and Keurig Dr. Pepper before I joined Unilever. I spent over seven years working brand-side at Seventh Generation, where I developed new packaging for a variety of home care products. My time at Seventh Generation helped me foster my expertise in the sustainable packaging space and prepared me well for my current role within Unilever’s global packaging R&D team. Now, as a sustainable packaging manager, I lead the “less plastics” and renewable feedstocks agenda across our diverse portfolio of products, supporting Unilever’s commitment to reduce its use of virgin plastic.
From my time working on the Seventh Generation brand, to my current role in Unilever’s global packaging R&D team, I love that my work directly contributes to Unilever’s waste-free world vision and helps to reduce our environmental impact. For example, helping to roll out 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) content in our plastic bottles, which involves a huge amount of technical work and innovation. Being on the front lines of the sustainable packaging movement allows me to actively contribute to protecting the planet and create a more sustainable future — something I personally find incredibly rewarding.
