Stephanie Walker: The Importance of Women in STEM Careers

In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary at UNESCO headquarters, we speak to Stephanie Walker, technical manager at James Cropper Paper & Packaging about her role in the industry and the importance of women in STEM industries

Could you tell us about yourself and your role within print, paper, and packaging?

In a nutshell, I lead a team of people who manage the process of introducing new products as well as working on enhancing existing products. This includes managing the technical services and chemical systems within the James Cropper Paper & Packaging business.

It’s a hugely varied role, meaning not only do I support in the paper mill itself, but I can also be found in the laboratory or in the office working alongside the marketing and sales teams.

Some of the recent projects I’ve worked on include delivering a fully sustainable outer wrap for Bruichladdich’s Luxury Re/Defined range – the first of its kind in the whisky space; introducing the 100% paper poppy for the annual RBL Poppy Appeal, cutting carbon emissions by 40% and now fully recyclable; and launching premium garment tags made from recycled denim and coffee cups for New Zealand lifestyle brand, Untouched World.

Women in STEM careers has been a topic increasingly discussed in recent years, why do you think this is so important to champion?

The latest government figures show that women make up 29% of the STEM workforce so there is still work to do to achieve gender parity. Having a diverse, equal, and inclusive team has a myriad of benefits including providing different approaches to problem solving, improved innovation and creativity, better communication, an increasingly skilled workforce, and in turn, economic growth.

Seeing more women in STEM will only encourage the next generation of girls to fulfil their potential and contribute to the future of the industry, economy, and society as a whole.

Many industries are trying to diversify, including print, paper, and packaging. Do you see these areas as being core to STEM and could we do more for these industries to be more aligned with STEM subjects?

I loved chemistry and physics at school, so much so that I went on to study chemistry at master’s level. Following academia, I wanted to use my knowledge in a practical setting and became a development chemist in traditionally scientific companies.

It wasn’t until I was job-hunting in 2023 that I considered a move into paper and packaging – I simply wasn’t aware of the opportunities it offered. I think the industry could benefit from reaching out to schools, colleges, and universities to get young people excited about the real-world possibilities available if you pursue a STEM education.

At James Cropper, we’ve opened our doors for students to visit and undertake apprenticeships and it really brings to life what a career in print, paper, and packaging can offer, from experimenting in order to create a bespoke colour for a brand to transforming worn denim and used coffee cups into luxury packaging.

Would you recommend a role in print/packaging to young women looking for new career paths?

I would recommend my role to anyone looking for a technical role that also opens up many transferable skills and enables a real insight into how a fast-paced, future-focused business works.

But yes, I’d want to show particularly women that there is a place for everyone with opportunities for development and progression. We need diversity of skills, backgrounds, and opinions to ensure a creative, dynamic, innovative workforce to help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

What inspired you to progress further in the industry?

I’ve always sought out mentors who have provided me with a sounding board for my ideas and helped open doors and encouraged me to embrace new opportunities.

I also work hard to provide a positive role model for my young son. I think it’s important he sees me as an ambitious woman who enjoys working and is constantly learning, being challenged, and building a career as well as treasuring family time.

What do you think the future of women in print, paper, and packaging holds?

Recent times have contributed to advancements in the industry, including flexibility and hybrid working that benefit all. The perception is that the industry requires solely lab-based work using machines but at James Cropper, we’re able to pursue flexibility to fit our different lifestyles. I would like to see this continue to improve to boost representation in the industry and increase the number of women taking up senior roles in print, paper, and packaging.

What innovations and changes are you most excited about in the future?

I am excited about the evolution of the creation and use of paper and in turn, how James Cropper is advancing to meet these ever-changing needs and challenges. We marry the technical with the aesthetic – constantly seeking new fibres to incorporate into our papers, as well as natural dyes, ensuring paper is absolutely perfect for its end use whilst also solving industry problems.

Sustainability is absolutely key to our approach, with many customers keen to see the full lifecycle of the product – from the use of local raw materials to the reduction of their carbon footprint. James Cropper is fully committed to safeguarding a better future and I feel fortunate to play a part in this.

What is your favourite part of working in print, paper, and packaging?

Before I joined James Cropper, I hadn’t worked in the industry before, but I found it instantly interesting, and it continues to surprise me today. I love new challenges, and this role puts me right at the heart of the business – exploring new ways of doing things, testing our technical capabilities, and offering customers added value.

I also really like that James Cropper is a family run business with core values that reflect my own, including community, ethical practice, and continuous development. Plus, we’re based in the beautiful Lake District which enables my love of getting outdoors!

To learn more about International Day of Women and Girls in Science you can go to the UNESCO website to hear from more women in science and discover ways to encourage change in the industry.