Celebrating International Women’s Day at Amcor with Lucie Charbonnel

1. Can you explain your role as Senior Sustainability Manager?

I’m committed to the circular economy, so I focus on the areas that make packaging a more sustainable resource, rather than one dependent on fossil sources like oil. As part of my role, I work on the recyclability of our products, as well as the quantity of recycled content in our products. I also look after the legislative and financial mechanisms needed for circularity, such as taxes on plastics. Basically, I act as the link between our internal and external stakeholders, such as the recycling industry and legislators across the European Union and in each Member State.

2. What was your career path?

I’ve got a Master’s in chemistry and chemical engineering from the National School of Chemistry in Paris. From there, my career to-date has all been in packaging and plastics, either working for raw material suppliers and packaging manufacturers, or further down the value chain at a large consumer goods company. I started in technical roles with close customer contact, helping to develop products and processes that better met customers' needs. I then moved into marketing and business roles, where I learned how to be successful, not just in the lab but also in the marketplace. Two years ago, I joined the Amcor Sustainability team. I find it's a great place to make a positive impact on the world by tackling key challenges faced by our industry, and the planet, such as decarbonisation and the fight against climate change.

3. What is your proudest achievement while working at Amcor?

I’ve got many, but while I was Product Director for Films & Foil, I secured a >1M euro deal for a Personal Care application after intense negotiations. I had to use my analytical and negotiating skills to identify an acceptable commercial solution for all parties, including some with conflicting interests. Collaboration was key, working with the great functional experts we have at Amcor in Commercial Excellence, Operations, Sales, and more. Communicating in a very clear yet always respectful manner also made a difference. The project was challenging, but extremely rewarding.

4. Who is your inspiration, and why?

My husband is my inspiration. He is always stepping out of his comfort zone, exploring new fields and acquiring new skills. Anyone can take inspiration from this outlook on life. Paraphrasing Mark Twain, his motto is “I knew it was impossible, so I did it!”

5. What is the most important piece of life or career advice you have been given?  

Follow your heart and do what feels right for you. Don’t listen to the pessimists. Also, consider new roles for their content and not just the job title. What matters most is your attraction to the role. If you like it, then you will be motivated to bring great ideas and contributions to the table. This is what will make you a happy and successful professional.

6. What message would you send to young people thinking about their careers?

The world is facing unprecedented challenges in the coming decades: climate change, raw material scarcity, energy challenges, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical instability and so on. All these require innovative, “out of the box” solutions, which means there is a huge space for young people to invent new fields of solutions and new business models. My advice is to shine in your chosen working path and don’t let anyone restrict your ways of thinking. In addition, don’t forget to pay attention to your physical and mental health. Be sure to nurture a satisfying work/life balance.

7. When you’re not working, where are we likely to find you? 

I love outdoor sports and being in the forests and mountains. Nature is very important to me. In the summer, we like to go backpacking in the Alps for three or four days at a time, equipped with our little tent and a few basic supplies. I like the feeling that you really don’t need much to be happy.