News

Last March 8th was International Women’s day, which got us thinking about all the incredible women that work in our industry.

We had already reached out last year to women working in and around the industry for the International Day of Girls and Women in science to tell us about their experience… and this year is no different! Here are some stories about women working in the plasticisers industry:

Betty Lu

Vice president Oxo and plasticisers at Perstorp

What do you enjoy about your work the most?
The plasticiser and plastics industry is extremely dynamic and versatile. To see our products contribute in so many areas of our modern live, anywhere from saving lives to generating fun and joy, to see formulators and companies constantly work and strive for better performance, higher sustainability solutions, lower cost, to see investment happening for this industries sustainable future: that makes me proud and excited.

What is the turning point in your life which inspired you to make your career choice?
I ended up in plasticisers by coincidence really, but the plasticisers business has made me grow and develop myself more than any other product/segment in my career due to its complexity and constant evolution.

What would be your message to young girls to encourage them to take up careers in STEM?
Plastics has been seen as a sustainability concern for the environment: joining the science and technology world can make you become a part of the solution.

Vanessa Doms

Commercial Director and member of the Executive Committee at Proviron

What do you enjoy about your work the most?
There are many aspects that I love about my job. Managing and coaching a successful and dynamic team being one of the most important one’s. Making sure that each member is content and willing to give their utmost to push our company forward. Encourage them to explore their own ideas and guide them to turn these ideas into successes.

What is the turning point in your life which inspired you to make your career choice?
It has always been very clear to me that my career path had to be one of free choices and doing whatever I wanted to do. My parents led by example in that regard. I am a bio-engineer by education and decided from day 1 that I wanted to combine my science background with the commercial aspect. This allowed me to travel, meet people of different cultures and explore the world. Being a woman has never been a consideration in these choices. Today I am a business women and a mom of 3 great children with a very supportive husband. My key to success is having this continuous support and back-up from my family to go for it.

What would be your message to young girls to encourage them to take up careers in STEM?
We have the privilege of living in a society where men and women do have the same chances and rights. If you like science or technology: don’t hesitate – just go for it. If you have the chance to participate in any program like Erasmus to study abroad: go for it. It will open up a world of opportunities.

Michela Mastrantonio

Manager of European Plasticisers

What do you enjoy about your work the most?
What I enjoy the most is contributing to the dialogue between science, policy making and public opinion when it comes to plasticisers. Fact-based information empowers people by providing an instrument to understand society and make the right choices as consumers. Scientifically sound facts should be a key driver of policy making and at European Plasticisers we do this: we communicate on the benefits of plasticisers in our everyday life based on robust scientific evidence.

What is the turning point in your life which inspired you to make your career choice?
Eight years ago, when I joined European Plasticisers, I was fascinated by this industry that is in constant development: from creating molecules that offer outstanding performance, to bringing major benefits to our society in a great variety of applications, from construction to sport equipment, from wire and cables to urban agriculture!

What would be your message to young girls to encourage them to take up careers in a science-led field?
Go for it! Science and innovation are waiting for you!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT WOMEN IN THE PLASTICISERS INDUSTRY