Melinda Bonamour
Market Development Director Paper, BU Flexibles
Every year, the United Nations holds an International Day of Women & Girls in Science, aimed at reducing the gender gap in this field. This year’s theme is ‘Women in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability’, and we spoke to Melinda Bonamour, our Paper Market Development Director within our Flexibles Business Unit about her experiences. Melinda joined the Coveris team two years ago in January 2023, but with 28 years in packaging, is vastly experienced in our industry.
Can you tell us about your role and main responsibilities?
Simply, my main job is to find the right material for its application and deliver an optimal sustainability performance for both the packaging and the product. I do this by having a technical focus on packaging and material characteristics and mainly focus on keeping its contents fresh and safe until it’s used by the consumer. Packaging design, aesthetics and shelf-presence are important but more of an add-on for me.
I’m not only focussed on paper, but on every material alternative and if the content can only be protected by plastic or aluminium, then I can work with that to ensure the best possible results. I believe there are a lot of products out there that can be packed in paper, but they are not currently as people aren’t fully aware about the opportunities available.
What was your path to working in science/technology?
My path to working in technology started during my studies of applied mathematics at Comenius University in Bratislava, in Slovakia, which I graduated from with a PhD degree. However, I have always been interested in technical topics. I started working in packaging in January 1998 and since then, have always been in the cross-position of technical sales and working closely with customers.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy that every day is completely different. Every day brings a new challenge, a new application, a new case study. My job is never boring, that would be a nightmare for me!
Are there any challenges?
The main challenge in my job is communicating with people that paper packaging can offer proper protection. The packaging world I am in is very plastic focussed, having been in use for 25 – 30 years, and I am educating about potential paper solutions and their sustainability benefits.
Have you had any role models in your career?
My biggest role model was my first boss at a packaging manufacturer, a male, who took me on as a complete outsider back in January 1998. He saw my passion for the job, and he hired me in the new sales department for CEE. After a short time as a sales assistant, within 2-3 years I became key account manager. This way, by complete accident, I found my passion in packaging technical sales.
Can you tell us about your experience as a female working in science/technology?
In my 28 years of experience, packaging has largely been male dominated, but we are seeing improvement and more women in technical roles across manufacturing plants. I would like to see more females in management positions in packaging, but I am seeing change for the better and the industry feels more open to the hugely valuable contributions of women.
Any words of advice to someone considering a career in this field?
If someone from the younger generation wants to change the world, they can start with packaging because it offers a lot of opportunities. If you are curious, creative and solution-oriented, go for it. Be prepared to overcome challenges and never take no for an answer.
Our thanks to Melinda for giving us insight into your role and your experiences in the evolving packaging industry, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
