Reine Cook’s career in the plastics industry began because of a chance meeting. She recalls working a college job at a retail store when, “One day, I met someone working at Printpack. She referred me to an open position, and the rest is history!”
That encounter led Reine to a rewarding career path in Human Resources at Printpack, an industry leader in flexible and specialty rigid packaging.
Today, Reine is Printpack’s HR Operations Manager, partnering with organizational leaders to align HR strategies with business goals to enhance efficiency and foster an engaging work environment.
Work as a learning experience
True to form for someone who is part of a younger generation of plastics professionals, Reine appreciates working in an industry that makes a positive environmental contribution. “I very much enjoy learning about all the ways the industry innovates and supports sustainable solutions,” she said.
And everything she is learning on the job has an effect at home, as well. “I always take the opportunity during grocery runs to point out various sustainable packaging structures to my family,” she shared. “I’m also big on implementing recycling in our home.”
Reine would like to see others gain her perspective on the plastics industry. “The greatest challenge is the lack of education and knowledge-sharing on plastics,” she believes. “The false narrative that plastics are bad creates so many misconceptions in our society.” She added that it would be interesting to see the industry partner with social media influencers. “They might help bring the younger generation up to speed on the incredible uses and major sustainable efforts happening throughout industry.”
Community as a job perk
Working at Printpack has provided Reine with the company’s PLASTICS association membership benefits, allowing her to participate in the Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP), PLASTICS’ professional development group for industry professionals under the age of 40.
While she is new to FLiP, Reine has quickly become a big fan. “I started with FLiP at the beginning of 2024,” she said. “And it has been great meeting everyone and learning about other areas of the industry outside of packaging.”
Of course, as much as Reine enjoys learning about life beyond packaging, when asked to name a plastic item she couldn’t live without, it’s a form of packaging that comes to mind. “I love plastic grocery bags,” she said. “I repurpose them all the time.”
PLASTICS and the Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) Committee are devoted to supporting and encouraging the next generation of plastics leaders who will play a crucial role in the innovation, technology and future of the plastics industry. FLiP’s mission is to provide young professionals under the age of 40 the exposure, education and resources they need to build lifelong careers in plastics. Want to join? Want to get your employees involved? Email: flip@plasticsindustry.org
