Interview with Diana Maya

I graduated as a Chemical Engineer from the National University of Colombia and later earned two master’s degrees from the Andes University, also in Colombia—one in Polymer Processing and another in Environmental Engineering through a COLCIENCIAS scholarship. Since 2004, I built expertise across the packaging value chain, from raw materials to brand owners in Colombia and Mexico. In 2013, I moved to Houston under Kuraray America’s sponsorship, where I’ve spent 12 years providing technical support and inspiring innovation and collaborations in barrier applications, relying on technical excellence to build credibility for me and the EVAL™ business. I was key in establishing our Houston packaging lab, which has assets that allow us to study food’s physical and chemical properties, technically called "stability tests," comparing the performance of the traditional packaging with sustainable alternatives using the Kuraray innovative portfolio. After 20 years of building technical experience, I wanted to be exposed to managerial responsibilities. So, I studied for an MBA and graduated with honors from Jindal School of Management (JSOM) at the University of Texas at Dallas. 

Today, I lead the Business Development strategy for EVAL™ EVOH at Kuraray America. Which connects polymer science, sustainability, and the value-chain collaboration to deliver high-performance packaging solutions

What excites me the most is seeing research efforts scaling up from the lab to become sustainable commercial solutions. “Sustainable” means beneficial for the environment, for the people, and profitable for the companies involved. Our innovative materials allow truly sustainable possibilities. The Critical Guidance Recognition letter, for PE films incorporating up to 15wt% of EVOH, from the APR validated these approaches. I am most excited about helping the value chain to find truly sustainable solutions and mentoring young engineers, especially women and international professionals, to understand that recyclability is an opportunity to innovate, not a constraint.

1. Performance: Prioritize food protection and waste reduction
2. Sustainability: win-win for the people, environment, and the companies involved.
3. Collaboration with the value chain to optimize innovative technology and increase chances of success.

The key challenge is balancing performance to reach the sustainability guidelines while ensuring the costs of packaging allow the minimum profits required for the whole value chain to continue the business. They need technical partners who understand their constraints. In my role, I help translate requirements into actionable materials and design solutions using my customers' existing equipment. Generally, the customers who first innovate are those who

partner early with suppliers and recyclers to align their objectives.

Globally, the recycling guidelines and EPR are the most significant drivers that have moved the industry's sustainability concepts from aspirational to non-negotiable. Brand owners now select materials that have been validated against global guidelines. Converters invest in processes supporting recyclability. These are practical engineering shifts driven by customer demand and validated standards, not marketing trends.

Automation improves precision and accelerates innovation and problem-solving. But the packaging industry still needs skilled people who understand material chemistry and process control. Our Kuraray Research and Technical Centers generate this type of data and share the results with our customers to help optimize packaging and make it more sustainable or extend shelf life. If we could automate these results and link them to a global network in collaboration with the value chain, we would expedite the incorporation of the sustainability efforts.

For young professionals and startups entering the packaging industry in the era of AI and automation, my advice is to embrace a mindset of deep technical knowledge and interdisciplinary innovation. Learn to collaborate across fields—such as data science, material engineering, food processing and other parts of the value chain to understand their pain points and design packaging that’s not only functional but also sustainable in the frame of the particular industry that will use that package. Keep an eye on emerging materials and technologies, such as innovative food technologies, smart sensors, and machine learning, and explore how they can enhance supply chain visibility, customer engagement, and product safety. The future of packaging is not just about protecting the food or other products; it’s about creating connected experiences that deliver value across the entire lifecycle. In short, embrace collaboration and stay curious. If you are a woman or someone from an underrepresented background, know that there can be many opportunities in the STEM world. Organizations need diverse talent. Believe in yourself, speak up, track accomplishments, and do not wait to feel ready. You can build your path here and learn on the fly.

In the mornings, I usually do at least 10-15 minutes of yoga before taking a shower. That helps me stay focused and balance my energies through the day. I also oxygenate and enjoy outdoors through cycling. I lead Kuraray America’s bike team for the Galveston Foundation fundraiser. We typically ride on weekends, 30-40 miles (50-70 Km). Those long rides reset me, and the joy of encouraging others to grow and see them executing their goals reminds me that teamwork is the key to success.

I am motivated by the idea that I can solve sustainability problems and, little by little, help save the world from my desk. My philosophy is simple: every working day, I should be able to create value for my company, for my customers, and try to protect the planet simultaneously. At the end of the day, I check at least 1-2 things that I accomplished or that I contributed to, keeping in mind that little by little, we can build a better world. That keeps me motivated when things are tough. Perseverance and innovation are the key for a better future.

Name: Diana Maya Designation: Regional Market Development Manager for the Americas Organization: Kuraray America, Inc.