How did you get into the packaging industry?
My path into the packaging industry was not planned. I completed a down-to-earth apprenticeship at Sparkasse Bamberg and a dual degree in economics and finance. I then did an internship in Hong Kong and started working for an auditing company in Frankfurt. But I quickly realized that I would rather work in sales with direct contact to people. More or less by chance, I therefore applied for a job in the packaging industry, specifically with a film manufacturer, where I found a position that I enjoyed: I was able to use my financial knowledge as a basis, had contact with customers as well as a haptic product of which I could experience the manufacturing process first-hand.
You have now been International Key Account Manager since January. So, you have risen within the company in a short space of time?
Yes, I saw the job offer as appreciation and am very grateful to Mondi for it. I knew it was a huge opportunity, so I didn't hesitate for long to accept the new challenge. I am now responsible for a global customer in the e-commerce sector, which I had already dealt with in my previous job.
Investment in the Advancement of Women
You travel a lot. How do you experience the proportion of women in the industry?
The packaging industry is basically still male-dominated. But it is investing a lot to promote more women. I can clearly see that. I recently attended a major conference and was amazed to see that there was only one man at the table, which is not a common situation. Mondi's goal is to achieve a 30 percent share of women by 2030 and to offer a diverse working environment. I can already see that a lot of emphasis is placed on diversity in the individual plants.
As a paper specialist, can Mondi also benefit from the sustainability trend at personnel level?
Yes, sustainability is a good driver and increases the attractiveness of the packaging industry. I know young people who apply to us specifically because they want to make a contribution to a more sustainable future in their careers. We develop sustainable, recyclable products.
In the Mondi Action Plan 2030, we have determined that our focus is on circular solutions. Our work is guided by this. This is also very tangible for the end consumer. We produce paper packaging with barriers that can be used in all segments and that can gradually replace unnecessary plastic. However, we attach great importance to developing the right packaging depending on the product characteristics and follow the motto of "paper where possible, plastic when useful" is one of our key slogans. We at Mondi are in the unique position of being able to offer both and work closely with our colleagues from the plastics division to offer customers the best possible solution.
Another trend is further material and energy savings, which we are striving for in packaging – from production to delivery. However, dispensing with packaging altogether is not an ecological solution. Products need all kinds of protection on their way to the end consumer, and the right product protection is particularly important to us and our customers.
You wanted to work with people and tangible products. How close are you to this goal now?
Very close. I communicate with customers and Mondi experts from the individual divisions almost every day. I accompany new product developments by watching the tests on the machines. And when I see Mondi packaging in the shops, I'm delighted. It doesn't get much more concrete than that for someone who originally came from the world of finance.
