Packaging with vision – Lidia's international journey to METRO

‘I wanted to know how an idea becomes a finished product that ends up in the hands of customers,’ Lidia recalls. This desire led her to MAKRO Spain in 2020, where she started as a Product Developer. But the deeper she immersed herself in processes and procedures, the more one topic took centre stage: packaging - it was the start of a journey that not only took her across borders, but also closer and closer to her passion: clever packaging solutions.

Even in her first role as a product developer, it was clear that packaging is much more than just a wrapper. It combines product, logistics, sustainability - and sometimes even cultures. Lidia wanted to delve deeper. In 2023, she therefore moved to METRO AG in Düsseldorf - as a Technical Packaging Expert. ‘The opportunity to help shape the development of packaging and find solutions that make sense for customers and companies alike excited me right from the start,’ she says, looking back.

New paths: from Madrid to Düsseldorf

For Lidia, the move from Spain to Germany was more than just a change of location - it was part of a conscious decision to take advantage of the opportunities offered by an international company. 'I never thought I'd be developing packaging for markets I'd never been to myself,' she says excitedly. Pakistan, Romania - from Düsseldorf, she has the opportunity to design product packaging for the international range.

More than just a wrapper: the tasks of a Packaging Engineer at METRO

In her role as Technical Packaging Expert, she accompanies product packaging from concept to shelf - and ensures that every packaging is functional, economical and appealing at the same time. In doing so, she ensures the right balance between legal requirements, logistical efficiency, and customer expectations. Her work is closely interlinked with the specialised departments in various countries. In international project teams, she coordinates technical details, checks the implementability of new ideas and ensures that packaging is standardised, well thought-out and brand-appropriate. Communication, coordination and a lot of detailed work are integral parts of her daily routine.

What does she love about her job? That packaging tells real stories. That she can make everyday life easier for customers with small changes - such as a new handle on the 5-kilo pasta packaging. Large containers not only have to be easy to open, handle and dispose of - they also place special demands on safety and logistics. "We have to ensure that packaging is safe for both employees and customers. This also applies to how many products fit into one outer packaging - and how this affects palletisation or the weight limits of a truck," explains the expert.

Challenges and projects: Packaging as a design tool

From ketchup sachets and large containers to standard solutions - Lidia has an eye for detail. She knows that what seems small at first glance can make a big difference in practice. For logistics, costs, the environment - and ultimately for the people who use the product. The sachets have been redesigned to make them more efficient to handle and more resource-friendly at the same time.

In doing so, it meets many challenges: Suppliers who set technical limits. Countries that have their own requirements. Customers who have certain expectations. ‘We are constantly moving between vision and reality - and that's what makes the job exciting.’

Between cultures, languages and teams: working in an international environment

Lidia finds cross-functional collaboration with colleagues from different countries highly enriching.
‘It's important to build bridges - between markets, teams and mentalities.’ This aspect of collaboration, which sees cultural differences not as obstacles but as opportunities, has changed her view of the international labour market.
Intercultural skills are essential, especially in packaging development, where local differences often clash with global standards. Lidia's ability to integrate various perspectives helps her to develop customised solutions that meet the needs of METRO stores and customers.

The courage to embrace change

Lidia's story is also a story of courage. Of the decision to embrace something new. And of the belief that development is not always easy - but rewarding. Moving to a new country, a new language, a new role - all of this challenged her. ‘I have learnt that you can grow if you are prepared to leave your comfort zone,’ she says.

Her tip for others who also want to work internationally or change careers: "Be brave. It's okay to experience challenges. The important aspect is that you are willing to learn and have the courage to contribute your skills. This courage to change and trust in her own learning process are qualities that have helped her progress throughout her career.

Looking back and looking ahead: Where Lidia is today

Today, Lidia is not just a Technical Packaging Expert. She has also recently become a Project Management Officer in Global Own Brand Management - and is therefore even closer to METRO's international brand strategy. Because one thing is certain for her: she still sees her future in the Own Brands division.

Where will she go next? ‘I want to keep learning, inspire others and help shape Own Brands - who knows where it will take me,’ she says. Maybe abroad again? Maybe into a new role? The only thing that is clear is that she wants to do what drives her: Working with joy, curiosity and an open mind for new perspectives - just like before. And one thing is certain: Lidia will continue to make the world's packaging a little bit better - step by step.