As Environmental & Sustainability Specialist at Hoffer Plastics, Hannah Mooberry is helping shape how sustainability is integrated into their plastics manufacturing. Since joining the company as an intern in 2024 and transitioning into a full-time role later that year, she has become a passionate advocate for both environmental stewardship and the value plastics bring to society.
Hoffer Plastics, based in South Elgin, Illinois, is a custom injection molding manufacturer serving markets including medical, automotive, consumer products, industrial applications, flexible packaging, and appliances. In her role, Hannah leads many of the company’s sustainability initiatives, including tracking greenhouse gas emissions, identifying waste and energy reduction opportunities, maintaining compliance, and collaborating with customers and suppliers on sustainability best practices.
A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Hannah discovered the plastics industry somewhat unexpectedly through a university job fair while looking for opportunities in sustainability. Although the company did not yet have a formal sustainability department, leadership saw an opportunity to build one and created a path for her to contribute and grow.
Like many outside the industry, Hannah once viewed plastics primarily through an environmental lens and carried many of the common misconceptions surrounding the material. Her experience working in manufacturing changed that perspective; “It didn’t take long to realize that plastic isn’t the enemy, but is actually essential and saves lives,” she says. Today, she enjoys helping others better understand the role plastics play in everyday life and the importance of responsible, science-based discussions around sustainability.
“I believe the biggest challenge is the negative perception of plastics, especially among my peers” she says. “There is a common belief that plastic is inherently harmful and should be eliminated, which overlooks how much it actually benefits society.” She believes greater education is needed to help people distinguish facts from misconceptions about plastics while also advancing recycling infrastructure and practical sustainability solutions. She sees tremendous opportunity for the next generation to make an impact, “because there are so many different sectors to get involved in, I believe there is an opportunity for almost everyone from my generation to find a fulfilling role here.”
Hannah credits several mentors for helping accelerate her development. Derri Emerson has guided her understanding of manufacturing operations, audits, and industry fundamentals. Through the FLiP mentorship program, she has also worked closely with Anna Ross at Dow, whose guidance has been especially meaningful as a fellow woman working in sustainability within the plastics industry.
Hannah has been actively involved with Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) for about two years, participating in the mentorship program, book clubs, the Development Series, the annual Fly-In in Washington, D.C., and other industry conferences. “Getting to connect with other young professionals, participating in FLiP events, and hearing from the guest speakers has really helped me grow. I am grateful for these opportunities, as I wouldn’t have had access to them otherwise.”
Outside of work, Hannah enjoys traveling, hiking, learning languages, working out, and spending time with friends and family. Always ready for her next adventure, she brings the same curiosity and enthusiasm to her career that she does to exploring new places. With all her time outdoors ands on the move, she says she can’t live without her plastic sunglasses.
Interested in connecting with future leaders in the plastics industry? Learn more about FLiP and its programs at the Plastics Industry Association.
