25.07.2023

Miriam Olivi: The Plastics Industry Needs a Cultural Change – and More Women

Miriam Olivi bei einer Diskussionsrunde auf der K-Preview
Miriam Olivi, President of Women in Plastics Italy, talks in a video interview about courage, mentoring and why the plastics industry must now set the course for greater diversity.

20.08.2025

The plastics industry is facing change: sustainability and digitalisation are dominating discussions – but diversity and promoting young talent are also becoming increasingly important. In a video interview, Miriam Olivi, President of Women in Plastics Italy, explains why more than just visibility is needed to achieve this. At K 2025, an event will be dedicated to this topic – by women for women.

Diversity as a Driver of Innovation in the Plastics Industry

The plastics industry is changing – technologically, but also culturally. Nevertheless, women are still severely underrepresented in the industry. Miriam Olivi knows this challenge from her own experience. She has been active in the plastics industry for over three decades and is now President of Women in Plastics Italy. "After 30 years in the industry, I have noticed how difficult it is for women to be heard and noticed – especially when it comes to technical or strategic decisions. That's why it was imperative for me to take action," she says, describing her motivation.

The aim of the initiative is not only to connect women in the plastics industry, but also to promote, educate and raise their profile. This includes training on specialist topics as well as soft skills workshops, mentoring programmes and monthly webinars. The focus is on empowerment and knowledge transfer.

It's not just about technology – it's about a cultural change in the industry. And that has only just begun.

Miriam Olivi, President Women in Plastics Italy


















According to Olivi, companies in particular have a central role to play in supporting this change: "Companies can do a lot, for example, rethink their HR processes, empower women in leadership roles and also change the way they communicate. Now is the right time to start."

Short CV of Miriam Olivi

  • Name: Miriam Olivi
  • Position: General Manager at Frigosystem Corema & President of Women in Plastics Italy
  • Commitment: Mentoring and promoting young talent in the plastics industry
  • Focus: Diversity, networking, empowerment for women in the plastics industry


To her LinkedIn profile
 Video by DSTNCTVE

Miriam Olivis has an optimistic view of the future: "I see a plastics industry in which women can make decisions in all areas. Where different generations work together and leadership is not based on power, but on promoting others."


Diversity creates perspectives: Click here for the article on women in the plastics industry!

Elena.jpg
The portrait was generated by AI.

Author: Elena Blume | K-Mag

Elena Blume has been writing for various industry magazines for eight years and joined the K-Mag editorial team in 2021. She is particularly interested in topics related to innovative plastics solutions that contribute to sustainability and address current challenges relevant to industry and society.

At a glance

The plastics industry needs more diversity – not just on paper, but in corporate culture. Miriam Olivi, President of Women in Plastics Italy, explains in an interview how mentoring, networks and a new leadership style can make change possible.