HCT Packaging
Summer 2023, Woodland hills
At HCT Packaging, I learned how innovation and sustainability intersect in the real world of product design. Working on the Sustainability and Innovation team, I analyzed eco-materials and quantified their environmental impact to help global beauty brands make greener choices. I automated product launch data with AI tools, transforming years of scattered files into a living database that streamlined workflows across departments. Beyond the technical aspects, I collaborated with designers and engineers to create sustainable packaging that shares the same premium feel as traditional plastics, a challenge that taught me the value of creative problem-solving and teamwork in driving meaningful change in manufacturing.
One of my primary projects was eco-sustainability research, focusing on analyzing the environmental impact of various packaging materials throughout their entire product life cycle. By comparing factors such as carbon footprint, water use, and energy demand, I identified materials that best balance performance with sustainability, demonstrating how data can drive smarter, more responsible design choices.
Through my time at HCT, I gained a deep understanding of the full design lifecycle—from concept and prototyping to testing, manufacturing, and sustainability analysis. I learned how every stage impacts the final product, emphasizing the importance of designing with both function and environmental responsibility in mind.
Sustainability and Innovation
Autonomizing the grunt work: Macro Database for Sales Sheets
One of the most impactful projects I worked on at HCT was developing a macro-based AI tool to automate product launch data. The goal was simple: eliminate the repetitive task of manually compiling sales sheets across hundreds of SKUs. Using Microsoft Power Automate and AI Builder, I built a workflow that extracted key details like product names, shades, and launch dates from PDFs and Excel files into a centralized database. This system transformed four years of scattered records into an organized, searchable library—saving the team hours of manual work and enabling faster, more informed decisions for upcoming launches.