Laura Shimmin is the Associate Director of Global Packaging R&D at Mars, where she leads innovative packaging solutions that align with sustainability goals and evolving industry demands. With over 15 years of experience in packaging development, product innovation, and process engineering, she has played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable packaging strategies across the food and consumer goods industries. Before joining Mars, she served as Director of Packaging Development at Impossible Foods, where she drove packaging innovation and sustainability initiatives to support plant-based food products. She has also held key roles at The Clorox Company, leading process development for brands like Hidden Valley and KC Masterpiece, and at BlackPak Inc., focusing on material technology for natural gas vehicles. She holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from MIT.