Usha Benjamin, Managing Editor of Packaging MEA, speaks to Theresia Gollner, ALPLA on sustainability, operational excellence, regional manufacturing challenges and women’s evolving role in packaging.
As packaging evolves across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, operational excellence, sustainability and diverse talent are increasingly important. Gollner shares her journey, her views on sustainability, and why competence, commitment and attitude matter most.
Usha Benjamin (UB): Could you share your career journey and how you came to your current role at ALPLA Group?
Theresia Gollner (TG): My career journey has been defined by operations, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on people and sustainability. I started in operational and project-driven roles, gaining hands-on experience in manufacturing and cross-functional collaboration.
After my most recent role as Operations Manager of ALPLA Plastic Middle East Industries in Dubai, I progressively took on regional responsibilities across Operational Health and Safety, Product Quality and Sustainability. Today, as Regional Operational Projects & Sustainability Manager for AMET at ALPLA Group, I combine operational excellence with sustainability integration, supporting sites across the region to align performance, safety, and environmental impact with ALPLA’s global strategy.
UB: What inspired your career in packaging and manufacturing?
TG: Manufacturing and packaging appealed to me because of their tangible impact. You can see the results of your work every day — optimized processes, safer workplaces, and products that reach millions of consumers.
Packaging is at the intersection of innovation, technology, and sustainability. It constantly challenges you to reduce material use, improve recyclability, and find smarter solutions without compromising quality or safety.
UB: What are your key responsibilities in your current role, particularly across operations and sustainability?
TG: My role bridges operations and sustainability at a regional level. Key responsibilities include leading operational improvement projects, supporting sites on efficiency, standardization, and HSE performance, and translating sustainability targets into practical, site-level actions. This involves close collaboration with plant management, engineering, HSE, and corporate sustainability teams to ensure alignment between strategy and execution.
UB: How is sustainability implemented at the operational level in your facilities?
TG: Sustainability becomes real when embedded in daily operations. This includes energy and water efficiency projects, waste reduction initiatives, increased use of recycled materials, and strong HSE standards. We focus on data-driven monitoring, employee engagement, and continuous improvement. Operators, technicians, and managers all play a role — sustainability is not a separate function, but part of how we operate every day.
UB: What are the main operational or sustainability challenges facing the packaging industry in the Middle East?
TG: The Middle East faces a unique combination of challenges: rapid market growth, high resource intensity, and rising regulatory and customer sustainability expectations.
Energy and water management are critical, as are building reliable recycling infrastructure and supply chains for recycled materials.
Operationally, developing skilled talent and harmonizing standards across markets remain both challenges and opportunities.
UB: As a woman working in a predominantly male industry, what challenges have you encountered, and how have you addressed them?
TG: Personally, I don’t look at my experience in terms of having to work harder because I am a woman — I work hard because that’s how I approach my job. I strongly believe the right person should be in the right position, regardless of gender, age, or background. What matters to me is competence, commitment, and attitude.
When those are there, trust and credibility follow naturally. I’ve been fortunate to work in environments where leadership encouraged my development regardless of me being a woman, and where performance and mindset are valued above labels.
UB: How has the role of women leaders in packaging and manufacturing evolved?
TG: There has been a clear and positive shift. More women are entering engineering, operations, and leadership roles in packaging and manufacturing. Companies increasingly recognize the value of diverse perspectives, not only for inclusion but also for performance and innovation.
While there is still work to do, progress is visible and encouraging.
UB: ALPLA’s apprenticeship programme in South Africa includes women trainees. How significant is this initiative for the industry?
TG: Inclusive apprenticeship programs are highly important for building a sustainable talent pipeline. Encouraging female participation helps address skills shortages while opening technical and operational career paths to a broader workforce.
“I strongly believe that women can perform any role across the industry, and initiatives like this help move beyond outdated stereotypes that limit women’s career options. By providing equal access to training and development, the industry takes a meaningful step toward recognizing talent and capability over traditional expectations.”
UB: What skills are important for young professionals looking to build a career in packaging?
TG: A solid technical foundation is important, but equally critical are problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Packaging is evolving rapidly, so understanding sustainability, digitalization, and continuous improvement methodologies is a major advantage. Strong communication skills and the ability to work across cultures and disciplines are also essential in regional and global roles.
UB: You are also involved in cat rescue and rehabilitation. What drives this interest, and what does it mean to you personally?
TG: Animal rescue is very close to my heart. Supporting vulnerable animals, especially cats needing medical care or rehabilitation, is my way of giving back outside work.
This connection comes from my parents, who taught me to care for animals and continue this through a farm that shelters many rescued animals. It teaches patience, compassion and responsibility—qualities that also shape my approach to leadership and teamwork.
For me, it is both grounding and deeply fulfilling.