In each issue, FlexPack VOICE® interviews an industry leader. In this edition, we talk to Alana Carr, inside sales and marketing manager at Hosokawa Alpine American, Inc., which supplies blown film extrusion systems. Carr is also co-chair of the Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) of the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA).
Prior to working at Alpine, Carr says she knew nothing about flexible packaging. When she was close to graduating with a B.S. degree in business from Framingham State University in Massachusetts, she started work as an administrative assistant at Alpine with the goal of practicing business management skills.
“Quite frankly, I have always loved the environment, and I am very passionate about protecting it, and like many consumers, I was misinformed and believed all the negative stigmas associated with plastic packaging,” Carr says about her thinking before starting the job. “Day one, our president, David Nunes, explained to me how flexible packaging is the economically, ecologically, and environmentally superior option. I was intrigued yet skeptical, but luckily David had articles and other statistics to prove this claim true.”
“Needless to say, I have been pro-plastic ever since,” Carr says.
As she spent more time in the job, she became curious about blown film machines.
“I found the engineering aspect of Alpine fascinating,” Carr says. “As soon as I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I immediately applied to the University of Massachusetts– Lowell, where I was able to take multiple polymer and plastics engineering courses, which enhanced both my skill set at Alpine and my knowledge and expertise in the flexible packaging industry.”
Throughout her more than 11 years at Alpine, she developed a passion for promoting and protecting the flexible packaging industry.
“I cannot see myself working anywhere else,” Carr adds. “I enjoy working for Alpine because my position as inside sales and marketing manager allows me to get involved in many aspects of the company, including quoting, processing sales orders, designing ads, and running our marketing and social media campaigns.”
FlexPack VOICE®: What would you tell someone who is thinking about a career in the industry if they were to ask for your advice?
Alana Carr: It’s a fantastic industry to work in. It is not going anywhere, as we will always heavily rely on plastic film and flexible packaging. And it feels good knowing that by working in this industry, you are supporting the right choice for our environment. We need to recruit and retain more talent in this industry and promote the benefits of flexible packaging at every opportunity.
I would encourage them to learn about the benefits of flexible packaging, how our industry works, and be proactive about recycling. I would suggest visiting perfectpackaging.org to learn the many benefits of flexible packaging. I also encourage them to attend the FlexPack Crash Course at PACK EXPO International in Chicago because it is a wonderful way to learn more about the flexible packaging manufacturing process. And I suggest that they find their nearest store drop-off to recycle plastic film at plasticfilmrecycling.org.
FPV: Is there a particular experience that stands out in your career?
AC: There are many, but the most valuable experiences I’ve had come from times when I put myself out there and allowed myself to be vulnerable. There were multiple instances where I would not be doing what I do today if I had not taken a shot and done something that I have never done before.
Two instances stand out the most to me because they ultimately advanced my career and led me to my current job at Alpine, as well as the co-chair of the ELC. By taking a chance at redesigning our website and ads, as well as our quoting and sales order process, I was awarded the 2015 Hosokawa Achievement Award. My career at Alpine has only progressed since. When the ELC first started, I was nominated chair of the Education Committee. I humbly accepted, even though I had no prior experience. I greatly appreciate the leadership development skills I acquired during my time as chair.
FPV: Who have been your mentors?
AC: David Nunes, the president of Alpine, has been my most influential mentor. David instilled core values that I think back to every day, and he showed me what it is to be a great leader and a superior supplier for our customers.
FPV: What advice would you give to a hiring manager who is seeking people to fill various positions?
AC: Of course, we all want to hire someone with all of the necessary qualifications and education requirements. But we also should consider the applicants’ drive and willingness to learn and grow with a company. Hire someone enthusiastic about the industry and the work they will be doing and who believes in the product or service provided. Those are the employees who will stick around and add value to both the company and the industry.
FPV: What do you see as the major challenges facing the industry in 2025, globally and/or domestically?
AC: Everyone is closely monitoring the tariffs and how that may affect business. But extended producer responsibility is still at the forefront of issues, and we need to continue to advocate for unified legislation and improved recycling infrastructure across all states. I suggest attending the Washington, D.C., fly-in on September 17–18, 2025, if someone wants to get involved.
FPV: Anything about your family that you would like to mention?
AC: I am proud and grateful to come from a line of strong, independent women. Growing up, my nana stressed the importance and value of getting an education, noting, “The one thing someone can’t take away from you is your education.” She also went back to college when she was in her 50s, which was inspiring. My mother showed me the importance of independence and that you can be a single mom with a career.
Today, as a single mom to a 3-year-old daughter, I appreciate these lessons more than ever. Maintaining a career while being a single mom is never easy, but it can be done. Still, it is because of my mother I have the courage to do so, and because of my nana’s influence, I have the educational background that ultimately made my independence possible.
FPV: What didn’t we ask that we should have asked?
AC: I am honored that I was recently nominated by my peers and elected co-chair of the ELC. I look forward to seeing what the ELC will provide for our industry over the next two years.