Women InPlastics Italy is the new association that brings together professional women who, with various roles and different skills, work within the plastics sector. After a first year of activities carried out informally in which the foundations for this new adventure were laid, the Association has now been formally established and has been provided with a Memorandum of Association and a Statute, as well as a Manifesto, Regulations and a Code of Ethics.
From female entrepreneurs to female employees, from managers to freelancers, members pledge to abide by the values and principles of the association to generate real and pervasive cultural, environmental and social change in an industry that, historically, has always been strongly “masculine.”
The primary goals of the association are to promote a culture of inclusiveness and social and environmental sustainability; to educate to improve the image of plastics through its most virtuous uses; and to foster contacts and relationships to create professional and supportive exchange networks among all those who will join the association and share its Manifesto.
On October 29, 2024, the first associative assembly was held in Cremona, Italy, attended by more than 50 new members: these are the first women who have already enthusiastically confirmed their willingness to be part of this newly formed Association and who will commit themselves to promoting participation in the life of the association and spreading the values of Women in Plastics Italy.
Individuals, as well as companies, associations and entities with legal personality can join the association as Supporting or Aggregate Members. All Members pledge to promote a culture of sustainability to spread a positive image of plastics by emphasizing its essentiality and value, and to create an inclusive and respectful work environment by ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Supporting companies are asked - by equipping themselves with clear and measurable goals that are gradual and compatible with their own specificities - to promote an inclusive culture and create an environment based on respect by preventing all forms of violence, stereotyping, discrimination or prejudice, to define fair representation in Governance, to guarantee equal opportunities and pay equity for their employees, and to develop initiatives to reconcile work and private life. The first assembly of Women In Plastics Italy was also the occasion for theelection of members of the Board of Directors and other bodies , who will remain in office for the next term until 2028.
The assembly elected:
- Miriam Olivi, president
- Erica Canaia and Clelia Petri, vice presidents
- Maria Elena Veronese, secretary
- Emanuela Balzanelli, Treasurer.
During the first assembly, the activities on which the group has excellently worked in 2024 and which WIP-IT will continue in the coming year were also illustrated: the focus will be on training and information initiatives, with the organization of events and courses that allow women to increase their talents, gain awareness, but also deepen their knowledge of plastics and technological innovations, guiding them to good practices of use and recycling. Special attention will be paid to support and training initiatives for the younger generation.
The association will also work to intensify relationships among women, particularly in the plastics sector, as well as with institutions, public and private, to work together on the same goals.
The event concluded with a postponement to the next event, in May 2025 in conjunction with the Greenplast fair.
