5 tips for women looking to make their mark in the plastics industry
“The biggest barrier is our mindset.” When Christine Bunte, Managing Director of Plastics Europe Germany, says this, she is not just referring to personal experiences, but to a structural problem that also affects the plastics industry. This is because many young women still choose not to pursue technical careers – not necessarily due to a lack of interest, but because of societal conditioning and a lack of role models.
So how can you find your own path into the industry? Five practical tips.
The statements quoted in this article were taken from the ‘ ’ interview dated 17 September 2025, published in CHEManager.
1. Gain practical experience early on
The path into the plastics industry often begins with an interest in technology, but this is not always pursued consistently.
Christine Bunte emphasises how important it is to introduce children and young people to technical subjects at an early age. Initiatives such as ‘Girls’ Day’ are a good start, she says, but often come too late to fundamentally change existing ways of thinking.
This makes it all the more important to gain your own experience – whether through work placements, projects or initial insights into companies.
In short: ‘ ’ The earlier you try your hand at technology, the easier it will be for you to break into the industry later on.
2. Question gender stereotypes – they are often learned
Why do fewer women still choose technical careers? For Christine Bunte, a key reason lies in the way we think.
“I’m firmly convinced that the biggest obstacle to gender equality – whether in the plastics industry or in any other sector – is our way of thinking,” she says. She is referring to societal conditioning that categorises interests at an early age as ‘typically male’ and ‘typically female’.
In short: Personal interests should take precedence over societal labels.
The biggest barrier is our mindset.
3. Actively seek out female mentors and networks
Careers rarely develop in isolation. Support and guidance play a central role.
“I have been both a mentee and a mentor, and I can say with conviction that both roles are incredibly enriching,” says Christine Bunte. Mentoring can help you find direction, recognise your potential and take the next step in your career with confidence.
Networks such as “Women in Plastics” create precisely these spaces: for exchange, visibility and mutual support.
In short: Actively seek out mentors and networks – they open doors and provide guidance.
4. Make the most of the industry’s diversity to kick-start your career
The plastics industry is more diverse than many people realise. It ranges from packaging and mobility to medical technology and climate protection technologies.
It is precisely this breadth that opens up a variety of entry opportunities – not only in traditional technical roles, but also at the interface with areas such as communications, sustainability or product development.
In short: ‘ ’ The sector offers more paths than you might think. Make the most of this diversity to kick-start your career.
5. Don’t see career and life as a contradiction
A frequently discussed topic remains the balance between work and private life.
Christine Bunte sees this primarily as a matter of structural and cultural challenges: “Leadership potential has nothing to do with family status.” At the same time, she argues that better framework conditions are needed – for example, in terms of childcare and the distribution of responsibilities.
In short: Career and family are not mutually exclusive – what matters are the right conditions and an open mindset.
Why the plastics industry needs women
- Skills shortage: The sector is urgently seeking qualified talent
- Innovation: Different perspectives strengthen problem-solving
- Transformation: Issues such as recycling, the circular economy and climate protection benefit from diverse thinking
- International cooperation: Networks and partnerships are becoming increasingly important
Conclusion: Diversity as an opportunity for the industry’s future
The plastics industry is undergoing change – both technologically and socially.
“Discussions about diversity are becoming more concrete and are evolving from awareness towards concrete action,” observes Christine Bunte.
For young women, this means that opportunities are growing. Anyone interested in technology, seeking support and willing to break new ground will find an exciting working environment with prospects in the plastics industry.
Read the full interview with Christine Bunte and Miriam Olivi in CHEManager here!
Christine Bunte
- Position: Managing Director, Plastics Europe Germany ( )
- Professional background:, Corporate Advocacy & Environmental Policy at BASF
- Experience: industry, politics and European cooperation
- Focus: The transition to a climate-neutral circular economy
- Commitment: Dialogue across the entire value chain
Author: Elena Blume | K-Mag
Elena Blume has been writing for various specialist magazines for eight years and has been part of the K-Mag editorial team since 2021. She is particularly interested in topics relating to innovative plastics solutions that contribute to sustainability and address current challenges relevant to industry and society.
