rowing up in a world increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, I surprisingly found myself working at a plastics manufacturing company straight out of college. Working at Ensinger was not something I originally envisioned, but I quickly realized that the negative perspectives surrounding the plastics industry were misconceptions. After my first year in the industry, I was able to see the immense impact that plastics have on society, and for good reason.

Given the often-negative reputation associated with plastics, it is crucial that we, as an industry, are stringent with environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies to promote well-rounded, sustainable companies. As a member of Gen Z, I recognize the deep importance of ESG, especially regarding environmental and social factors.

ESG has emerged as a critical framework in recent years, gaining substantial traction. ESG metrics are employed to evaluate corporate sustainability and accountability. The Environmental component assesses a company’s impact on the natural world. The Social component scrutinizes how a company manages relationships with its workforce, suppliers, customers and the broader community. Governance pertains to the company’s leadership, executive pay, audits, internal controls and shareholder rights. Collectively, these factors ensure a holistic approach to ethical business practices.

Watching videos of straws being extracted from turtles’ noses has heightened my generation’s awareness of plastic pollution. These videos were playing through my mind when I accepted an internship with a company in the plastics industry. However, I quickly realized the plastics processed at Ensinger and across the performance plastics industry are different. Working in this industry opened my eyes to the numerous applications of our materials, which do not include single-use water bottles and straws. I witnessed firsthand the significant impact our plastic has and how essential it is to society.

While negative misconceptions about the industry persist, especially among Gen Z, it is crucial to combat them through sustainable operations. Companies should take environmental concerns seriously and implement strategies to address them. Ensinger, for example, has released a line of sustainable materials made from Reprocessed Products (RP) and Biobased Products (EF). This line offers an alternative to our standard materials, reassuring consumers they are contributing to sustainability. Globally, the company has been reporting on ESG and our environmental impact through Life Cycle Assessments (LCA). Each division of Ensinger has set targeted goals to enhance their sustainability.

Gen Z individuals, myself included, aspire to work with companies that positively impact the environment and society. Within this industry, I witness the remarkable ways we contribute to sustainability. Publicly showcasing sustainability efforts builds trust and comfort for customers. Additionally, job applicants, especially from the Gen Z cohort, are more interested in working for companies prioritizing sustainability.

Social factors are crucial in the plastics industry, impacting both internal employees and external stakeholders such as suppliers, customers and the communities in which companies operate. In the performance plastics industry, and in manufacturing at large, it is imperative companies uphold ethical labor practices to ensure the safety of all employees and visitors. For instance, the operation of heavy machinery poses significant risks if safety protocols are not rigorously enforced. Additionally, companies must consider their impact on local communities. Corporations should engage in practices that enhance the health and well-being of their communities, rather than impede them.

The social aspect of ESG criteria is paramount to me, and I believe other Gen Zs would concur. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was among the 3.7 million Americans who were high school seniors when the outbreak struck, causing us to miss irreplaceable milestones. We missed senior prom, modified our graduation ceremonies and completed our first year of college remotely. The lack of human interaction was particularly challenging for Gen Z, as we missed out on pivotal events that may have inhibited our growth, both personally and professionally.

During this time, I yearned for normalcy and sought to participate in in-person events whenever possible. When applying for internships, I prioritized fully in-person opportunities. After starting my Ensinger career, I soon realized that it’s not merely about working in-person, but about building relationships and fostering human connections. I discovered the importance of feeling respected and valued for my work. This extends beyond employee relationships to include employee training and development. It is crucial that companies consciously strive to grow their employees and promote from within. Recently, I was promoted to the Marketing & Sales Coordinator role, thanks to my company’s commitment to employee development.

Ensinger demonstrates their efforts to value and develop their employees through our Continuous Improvement Program. This program was created in celebration of positive change. Our program motto is “Believe Our Opinions Matter,” giving everyone the chance to use their voice and express matters that are important to them.

Five years after high school, I realize that working for a company with a great culture and aligned values has filled the gaps I experienced during COVID-19, highlighting the importance of human interaction. The social pillar of ESG will always be significant to me and my peers who went through COVID-19 during such a formative stage in our lives.

Being digital natives, Gen Z has witnessed many different corporate scandals of notable companies with the infinite information available at our fingertips. We do not tolerate corrupt leadership, and it is important to us that we can trust the company we work for as well as companies we give our business to. However, it can be difficult for companies to earn our trust due to what we often see in the media. Throughout all industries, it is critical that companies are transparent about their supply chain and manufacturing processes, and are strictly abiding by regulatory compliance. Integrity is a top priority of Gen Z, and it is in a company’s best interest to operate in this manner to attract talent from the upcoming working generation.

If you are a Gen Z new to our industry, I encourage you to speak your mind on matters that are important to you. Your perspective may be the key to connecting with a colleague or building a new relationship with a customer. Do not be afraid to push the boundaries and recommend how current practices can be improved. We all have a voice; don’t be afraid to use it.