Mara Hancker is Managing Director at IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen and she accept to be interviewed to share her experiences in the EPS world.
“As a communicator, I am a kind of bridge builder between industry, politics, the media, NGOs and the interested public. I translate studies into content pieces with facts and hopefully also entertainment value. I want to keep the dialogue going between the stakeholders and thus contribute to better decisions for climate protection, the circular economy and the competitiveness of the industry. I also support the EPS processors in our association with various projects such as the CO2 calculator, the EPS material flow diagram in Germany and - most importantly - the development of additional recycling paths in Yellow Bag Recycling.!”
“My goal and also my biggest challenge is a fair and appreciative perception of plastic packaging. Often only the waste is seen and criticised, while product and climate protection thanks to packaging are hardly noticed. As an association, we have already achieved a lot in this respect, but of course there is still a long way to go and we can only reach this goal together. A few successes and awards are a kind of inn along the way, where we can recharge our batteries. For me, one such milestone was being named Association of the Year or winning the German PR Award. This confirms our strategic approach. And who doesn't like to celebrate an award like that? Together with the IK team and our agency partner, I am proud of our newsroom.plasticpackaging. It is the core of our communication and the platform for good content, critical discourse and dialogue. A real asset for our IK I have learnt that facts need good ambassadors and patient diplomats and that we must not leave the important issues of our time to the populists.”
“I would say not only to women but to all newcomers to the profession what the TV character Ted Lasso teaches his team: stay curious and don't judge. Critical dialogue, an interest in the other person and an open-minded attitude are the way to achieve medium and long-term goals. And don't be afraid of contradiction. It can strengthen our own arguments and helps us grow. And there is certainly no shortage of dissent when it comes to EPS packaging. This is a wonderful opportunity for communicators - whether male or female.”
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