Wendy Hoenig: Female Leadership in the Plastics Industry

Hoenig's journey in the plastics industry began with a profound interest in materials science, leading her to pursue an internship in the polyolefins sector at Dow. This experience ignited her passion for plastics, propelling her into a career defined by groundbreaking innovations and transformative leadership. Her tenure at The Dow Chemical Co. from 1986 to 2010 saw her hold pivotal leadership positions across North America and Europe.

At the helm of Dow's Global Business and R&D Director for Ventures and Business Development, Hoenig played a pivotal role in steering the company's trajectory toward innovation. Under her guidance, new businesses and product lines were launched, contributing significantly to Dow’s revenue, surpassing the $1 billion mark. One of her most notable achievements was the early-stage market development of INSITE Technology, a game-changer in medical, automotive and packaging applications.

Hoenig's strategic foresight and ability to identify winning technologies led to the successful commercialization of several groundbreaking products. Notable among these are INSPIRE Performance Polymers, Bluewave Polyolefin Dispersions and the renowned INCLOSIA, now an integral component in the solar panel industry. Additionally, her work with INFUSE Olefin Block Copolymers opened new avenues in films and elastomeric applications, marking a paradigm shift in the industry's capabilities.

Recognized for her outstanding achievements, Hoenig was bestowed with the 2018 Women Breaking the Mold award by Plastics News and the 2018 Rice University Outstanding Engineering Alumni Award. Her leadership prowess was further acknowledged with the prestigious Dow Regional Genesis Award for outstanding people development. The accolades continued with her teams at Dow receiving four R&D 100 Awards, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in innovation.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Hoenig is deeply committed to nurturing future talent. She serves on the External Advisory Board for Rice University's Brown School of Engineering, providing valuable insights and mentorship. As president of the Plastics Pioneers Association, she champions the next generation of innovators by offering scholarships and support.

In 2010, Hoenig embarked on a new venture by founding H&H Business Development, a consultancy specializing in technology and business assessments for start-ups and venture capital firms. Noteworthy among her successes is the launch of carbon nanotubes for elastomers at Molecular Rebar Design,.

Most recently, Hoenig's tenure as chief marketing and sales officer at Peak Nano yielded remarkable achievements, culminating in prestigious accolades such as the R&D 100 Award and the Edison Award. 

Reflecting on her journey, Hoenig emphasized the evolution of the industry, particularly in areas such as automation, robotics and sustainability. She highlighted the positive shift in female leadership within the industry, acknowledging the progress made while recognizing the ongoing need for equity and inclusion.

As the fifth woman to be inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame, Wendy Hoenig’s legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring professionals and a testament to the transformative power of innovation and leadership in the plastics industry.

"When I was hired in the mid-80s, there were very few women in the industry. I was a very young 23-year-old woman entering the field. Along the way, there were many interesting comments made, questioning my readiness and understanding of the technology. However, I was confident in my abilities. There were scarce role models and senior female leaders to look up to, so I had to pave my own way. Now, it’s inspiring to see the progress women have made in the industry. We witness more female CEOs and leaders in the C-suite, which is truly encouraging. I’d like to believe that my contributions played a small part in fostering this positive change."

Wendy Hoenig’s induction into the Plastics Hall of Fame is a celebration of her remarkable career, marked by innovation, strategic leadership and for creating a path for female professional development. Her legacy continues to inspire the industry.