The Female Side of Packaging
The first day of the TAROPAK Trade Fair concluded with a discussion panel titled "Women in Packaging" organized by MTP Group, TAROPAK, Greenopack, POPRAWA, and Satisfly. The panelists discussed not only the role of women in the packaging industry but also the future of the entire sector.
Monika Poprawa, CEO of Greenopack; Dominika Dukiewicz, Production Director at POPRAWA P.S.A.; and Beata Pyś-Skrońska, Director of the Polish Chamber of Packaging (Polska Izba Opakowań), shared insights on the challenges facing packaging manufacturers and the future direction of the industry. The discussion was moderated by Marek Kich, CEO of Satisfly.
Although the packaging sector remains male-dominated, the panelists noted that this trend is slowly shifting. Women are increasingly taking on senior roles and making a tangible impact in the field. Greenopack, for instance, is an all-women team—a coincidence rather than a deliberate choice, as Monika Poprawa emphasized, but a sign of growing confidence among women in the industry. Beata Pyś-Skrońska also confirmed this positive trend of women stepping into leadership positions.
Key Drivers Shaping the Packaging Industry
The most significant factor currently shaping the packaging industry is ecology—a theme that permeates nearly every discussion. Environmental care, reducing the negative impact of packaging, and introducing more sustainable solutions have become central topics across the industry.
Another major influence is the zero-waste movement, which emphasizes producing packaging from recycled materials. New packaging is designed to be both environmentally friendly and easy to recycle.
On the other hand, the packaging market remains highly price-sensitive. The main barrier to adopting more eco-friendly packaging made from sustainable materials is the economic factor. Consumers, who largely prioritize cost, often drive manufacturers to offer affordable—and not always environmentally friendly—solutions.
The industry is also grappling with the trend toward reduced consumption. Part of this shift is due to the challenging financial situations of households. However, another factor concerning packaging manufacturers is the rise of Generation Z, a demographic that values "being" over "having."