Mrunal Pakti and her Philips team won the Partnership Verkiezing in 2019, with a great packaging solution. We look back with her on how this program positively impacted her work; “Even after a day of work, doing the monthly Academy session and traveling a few hours, I was energised.”
Asking questions as a start
Mrunal: “I studied sustainable process & energy technologies at the TU Delft and was interested to reduce waste. I saw the announcement of the Partnership Academy and was selected with three other young professionals at Philips to start a team.We saw how companies put a lot of plastic into the environment. So the question raised; how can we remove the plastic packaging of the Philips products? Giving it a second life or reducing the plastic?”
Research
“Then you start to realise the complexity. Because you want your product to arrive in very good conditions. And removing plastic is not easy. So that was the puzzle that we liked to work on. And the program was that inspiring that even the trip back to Groningen was no problem. Even after a day of work, doing the monthly Academy session from 6 till 9, and traveling a few hours, I was still energised.”
The process
“Now, as a team we wanted to make sure the product was unique and usable. So you have to go through a lot of tests. Our pilot was a lot about doing the research. In the end we found a bag and a supplier so Philips could implement that.”
The program
“The program was nicely designed. We had to think about who we were and what we cared about. And during the sessions we were for example taught about design-thinking. There was a great session with experts. Chantal did a beautiful job on finding just the right people per team. And after working intensively on this case, there was the final theatre presentation. It was very nice for all of us to act it out and use the emotions as well.
The right match
At the expert session, we were introduced to someone from KIDV. A community for re-usable packaging. From them we learned about a plastic that was re-used from the ocean. Plus, it was a re-usable bag, Which also reduced the environmental impact on the packaging.
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Follow up
In the year after we won, I could take the knowledge with me when I became group leader of Packaging for Grooming and Beauty. There we did a lot of tests with a lot of suppliers and concepts, on how to remove the plastics. Like using a travel pouch or chocolate paper so the product was in pristine condition when it arrived. In the end we even won IF Design awards for plastic free packaging. It not only removed the plastic packaging but also improved the unboxing experience for the consumer.”
Teamwork
“We focused mainly on the impact case to make the world more sustainable. But our goal was also to have fun while doing that. And that worked really nice, complimenting and supporting each other. A very nice team. And we won. I believe in putting in the effort and doing everything you can, and then trust the process.”
Power of the Partnership Academy
“Chantal herself is the core of the power of this program. I still remember how that influenced me positively. And she does this every year, with so many people. Building future leaders, helping us to do new things… Another strong element is that we were inspired to step out of our comfort zone. And her network, is another USP of the program. It helps you to build a powerful network with likeminded people and experts.”
Strategic interesting for a company
“For a company it’s interesting because the program helps you to think beyond the normal process.And it gives you tools to do that. Also,you meet other companies to share and learn with. And not to forget the experts that you don’t meet in a normal work situation. Plus maybe a winning pilot! So a cross company collaboration, with lots of learning possibilities and outcome.”
Learning experience
“I’m modest by nature. That is why I don’t share a lot about all the work I do. But in this program I learned to make my work more visible, which was a big step. I remember I was interviewed for a video shoot, which was then posted on LinkedIn. The reaction from my collegues was very positive; ‘Great that you do this. Sharing your knowledge helps others’. “
How was it to receive time to focus on impact?
“I think that’s the highest level of satisfaction you can get. Helping people to improve the daily life and offering quality. It was very satisfying to work only on sustainability. After that, the puzzle becomes how to implement that in your current role. I also started to work as a volunteer marketing lead for Female Ventures in Amsterdam, where we support women and empower them personally and in their profession.”
Punchy Pack 2025 – Written by a human : )