Brodie Vander Dusssen, Sustainability Program Manager at Orora Packaging a leader in the manufacture, distribution and decoration of packaging solutions. She is also the editor of Sustainably Packaged Magazine, which is published by Orora, and co-host of the Sustainable Packaging podcast alongside Cory Connors, Director of Sustainable Packaging at Orora. Brodie is part of the “Future Leaders class of 2025,” as identified by Paris Packaging Week.
Can you introduce yourself?
Brodie Vander Dussen – As you can probably tell, I’m passionate about sustainable packaging! I started my journey in marketing at Orora before following my passion for sustainability and joining the Sustainability team. In my current role, I collaborate closely with brands and suppliers, helping to educate and guide them in making their packaging more sustainable.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the packaging industry?
Brodie Vander Dussen – When I first started in the packaging industry, I had no idea just how vast and impactful this field really is. Packaging touches almost every part of our lives, often in ways we don’t even realize. I feel fortunate to have worked with so many incredible people who’ve inspired me to dig deeper and push further—mentors and peers like Cory Connors, Chris Bradley, Alayne Avila, and Justine Chang. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance and support. My network has been my greatest asset, opening doors and helping me grow both personally and professionally.
Sustainability has always been close to my heart, not just because it’s a defining value for my generation but because I believe we simply can’t keep going down the same path. Over time, my passion for sustainability has only grown stronger. I’ve become more intentional about the products I choose and the impact they have. Seeing the state of our planet is deeply emotional for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to be in a position where I can contribute to meaningful change.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a young leader in the packaging industry?
Brodie Vander Dussen – One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a young leader in the packaging industry has been occasionally feeling overlooked in meetings, discussions, and decision-making processes—often because of my age or gender. It’s rare to see someone who looks like me in this space, and I’ve been mistaken for an assistant, notetaker, or intern on several occasions. Navigating where my voice is valued and how to use it effectively has been a journey.
At first, it was frustrating, but I’ve come to see these moments as opportunities to challenge perceptions and prove my capabilities. Through these experiences, I’ve developed resilience and a stronger sense of confidence. They’ve also reinforced the importance of leading by example—showing others that diverse voices not only belong at the table but are essential for driving innovation and growth in our industry. In fact, I find myself looking for other diverse voices to invite to the table as well, recognizing that true progress comes from collaboration and inclusion.
If you could change one thing about the packaging industry, what would it be and why?
Brodie Vander Dussen – I’d love to see a stronger, collective commitment to sustainability across the board, with more investment in the infrastructure needed to support sustainable packaging and the circular economy. Packaging should protect the planet as much as it protects the product. It’s incredibly inspiring to see brands and companies already moving past the comfort of ’we’ve always done it this way’ and taking bold steps in this direction, and I hope their efforts spark a broader industry-wide shift.
How do you see the role of future leaders like yourself in shaping the direction of the industry?
Brodie Vander Dussen – I think we have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of the packaging industry. The pressure to innovate and adopt sustainable practices has never been greater, and it’s up to us to meet that challenge head-on. We’re in a unique position to bring fresh ideas and drive meaningful change—whether it’s making sustainability the industry standard or finding innovative ways to connect with consumers. This is a real opportunity to make packaging more responsible, and I’m excited to be part of the shift toward a more circular and sustainable future.
What advice would you give to young professionals who are just starting their careers in packaging?
Brodie Vander Dussen – I would say Listen, Ask, Do.
Listen to leaders in your company, community, and industry. Ask questions to better understand the experience but also to spark innovation. Do – volunteer to work on diverse projects to get as much experience as you can. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll learn and apply that experience to projects that feel unrelated down the road.
What does it mean to you to be selected as a Future Leaders?
Brodie Vander Dussen – I’m truly honored to be selected as one of the Future Leaders. Being part of this incredible group of changemakers in the packaging industry, through Paris Packaging Week and this program, is both inspiring and humbling. It’s inspired me to find ways to give back and support the next generation of future leaders in my community.
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You can hear more from Brodie and the other Future Leaders at Paris Packaging Week, held 28 & 29 January 2025 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris. Click here to register for your free visitor’s ticket today. |
