Women to Watch: Hubergroup’s Nandini Chowdhury

Nandini Chowdhury is the general manager for technology (UV offset, flexo and screen inks) at Hubergroup, a position she has held for the past eight months. With a background in polymer science, Chowdhury has always been drawn to the field of printing and packaging, where she could apply her expertise.

“I realised that the printing and packaging field would be the perfect avenue to apply my expertise to its fullest potential,” she explains. “The combination of advanced materials and the creativity of branding and design offers a lot of potential for growth and innovation.”

Chowdhury’s focus is on the intersection of polymer science and materials development, particularly in the inks, coatings, and packaging solutions that are integral to the industry. As sustainability becomes a pressing topic, she is committed to contributing to eco-friendly innovations that shape the future of packaging. “It’s fascinating how the dynamic nature of colour and materials can directly influence consumer perception, which is key in the competitive market,” she adds.

In her career, one of the most important skills she has honed is the ability to listen closely to customers. “The skill of listening closely helped me appreciate even the smallest of customer requirements which in turn would help to design a product that will be fit for the purpose,” she explains. “The attitude of ‘leading from the front’ was pivotal in many ways for me to reach the position of responsibility that I have achieved today.”

“Working in close collaboration with our German technology team, we are consistently developing products derived from a smart combination of customer insights and Hubergroup innovation,” says Chowdhury. “Looking forward to the future, Hubergroup intends to reinforce its long-standing commitment to sustainability and safety, and in the process, partner printers in their journey towards greener operations.”

Chowdhury’s role is varied. She is responsible for planning and executing projects while maintaining flexibility in an industry that requires quick adjustments to production and market demands. “I prepare a checklist of priorities and scrupulously follow that,” she notes. 

She emphasises the importance of adhering to timelines in an industry that operates at such speed. “Today, if you are not providing a solution on time, then there are others in the race willing to step in and take your place.”

Chowdhury has encountered challenges, particularly during press trials. “I noticed gender discrimination, limited communication and sharing of information, plus staying back late hours on the shop floor was also difficult,” she recalls. However, through persistence and frequent visits to the shop floor, she earned acceptance.

Chowdhury advocates for more initiatives that encourage women to pursue technical careers in the industry. “Women play an important role by bringing diverse thinking and action,” she asserts. “The print and packaging industry should focus on creating messages, spaces, and opportunities for talented women interested in areas like R&D, product development, and more.”

To tackle gender inequality, she suggests industry-wide efforts like gender sensitivity forums and normalising the presence of women in technical spaces. “Measures to normalise the presence of women in areas like press trials and shop floors, equal recruitment opportunities, all these can go a long way in encouraging women to explore this industry as an exciting and rewarding career opportunity.”

Chowdhury’s work at Hubergroup continues to inspire both her colleagues and the broader industry as she contributes to an exciting future in print and packaging.