PPEC Observes International Women’s Day With Candice Ruggero Of Cascades Recovery+ BY THE PAPER AND PAPERBOARD PACKAGING ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL International Women’s Day is not just a celebration of women’s achieve- ments but also a reminder of the importance of gender equality and in- clusivity. In Canada’s paper packaging industry, women play an integral role in driving sustainability forward. From leadership positions to front- line roles, women contribute their expertise, knowledge, insights, and experience in advancing the circularity and environmental attributes of paper-based packaging. On this International Women’s Day, the Paper and Paperboard Pack-
aging Environmental Council (PPEC) recognizes and celebrates the contributions of women in the paper packaging industry. PPEC sat down with Candice Rug- gero, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Cascades Recovery+, to learn about her experience in the indus- try. We talk about everything from designing for circu- larity, the importance of education and data, the need to reduce contamination, EPR, polycoated materials,
Candice Ruggero
and advice for women looking to work in the paper packaging industry. A n excerpt from this interview has been edited for length and clarity. PPEC: What does an average day as Corporate Sustainability Manager look like for you? CR: No two days look alike, nor are they average. I lead a team of eight people in Cascades Recovery+ (CR+) that represent 18 recovery facilities across Canada and New York State markets. Our focus is to monitor the inbound quality of recyclable materials coming into our plants by working with our customers through education, training, and reporting. On any given day you can find us either presenting waste data, doing training on recycling programs, or knee deep in cardboard and other re- cyclables doing audits. I feel the best way to learn is to be IN IT. Literally. If you want to know how successful a recovery program is — get in the plant and dig through it. I also work closely with our Sustainable Development Group at Cas- cades Inc. to ensure that our internal sustainability initiatives are commu- nicated to CR+ and our customers, and I provide expertise to Cascades on recovery processing and “recyclability” discussions of our packaging. PPEC: What advice would you give to women looking to work in the paper packaging industry, and specifically in the area of sustainability? CR: Times have changed since I first started. But the paper packaging industry, and the waste industry specifically, is male dominated and is still learning about equality. It’s easy to be intimidated and can be diffi- cult to find allies. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t still a challenge, and I continue to find that I have to speak louder and force myself to be more outgoing than is comfortable, just to be heard. But when it comes to sustainability, I have been lucky to be surround- ed by women at Cascades. Our Director is a woman and leads a team of all women, and in Recovery, our Sustainability Team is women-dominant as well. My advice is to find a company that has strong core values that align with empowering women and giving them equal opportunity. Actions speak louder than words and no one should stay in a position where they are not being taken seriously. There is a lot of opportunity in this growing field and there are places that will treat you equally and more importantly — respect you especially in times when you need it most.
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March 18, 2024
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