Bringing a market-facing perspective to roll-to-roll processing, Latricia Fry works at the intersection of technology, sales, and strategic growth at Inteplast Group. As the sustainability and market development director at the company’s BOPP Films arm, she helps translate market trends into future-focused opportunities while keeping sustainability and innovation front and center. In this conversation with Converting Quarterly, Fry discusses where she sees momentum building in the industry, the guidance that shaped her career, and the perspective she brings to the table as a leader and advocate.
Converting Quarterly: Describe your current line of work and what interests you the most about it.
Fry: In my current role, I serve as a bridge between our technology group and sales team, helping to identify emerging markets and strategic business opportunities that drive future growth. My focus centers on sustainability, innovation, and product development. I work closely with both converters and brand owners to introduce them to Inteplast and uncover unmet needs that inform our development pipeline.
What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to represent the organization externally. I genuinely enjoy engaging with customers, sharing our story, and showcasing our capabilities. My involvement in industry associations and key committees fosters collaboration across the value chain and provides valuable insights that I bring back to strengthen our company’s strategy and offerings.
Converting Quarterly: What areas of the R2R processing field are the most exciting now and into the future?
Fry: As a base film supplier to converters, I’m particularly energized by advancements in coating and decoration technologies. Coating is especially exciting as the industry shifts toward more recyclable flexible films. These technologies are key to maintaining essential product protection—such as for food packaging—while enabling the transition to mono-material solutions like all-polyethylene structures.
When it comes to decoration, brand owners are increasingly seeking distinctive ways to stand out on the shelf, especially in food packaging. Innovative decoration techniques offer a powerful avenue to enhance shelf appeal and brand differentiation, making this area a dynamic and creative space within roll-to-roll processing.
Converting Quarterly: Do you have a female role model or mentor in your career, and what was this experience like?
Fry: I’ve been fortunate to work alongside several exceptional female leaders in the packaging industry who have significantly influenced my career. One was a direct manager at a converting company who invested time in mentoring me on strategic thinking and professional growth, helping me advance to where I am today. Another was a leader in the engineering group who patiently answered my many questions about product manufacturing. She essentially taught me the full journey—from a pellet of resin to a finished product.
Through these experiences, I gained a deep understanding of the technical aspects of our industry, which empowered me to become a trusted resource for our customers—someone they turn to for problem-solving and innovative solutions.
Converting Quarterly: What career advice can you give to women coming into the field to help assure their success?
Fry: There are so many nuggets of advice I received over the years!
You may sometimes be the only woman at the table. Don’t let that intimidate you. You’re there for a reason—own your seat and your voice.
Be prepared. Do your research and strive to know more about the subject than anyone else in the room. Position yourself as the expert.
Never hesitate to ask questions. Curiosity is a strength, and asking the right questions often leads to the best solutions. █
