Women’s leadership in Italy is entering a period of important change. While progress has been made, women remain underrepresented in senior decision-making roles, with women accounting for around 18% of executive positions in Italy. This gap highlights the importance of creating stronger opportunities for female entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators to bring their expertise and perspectives to the future of business.
Beyond representation, female leaders are helping redefine how organizations approach growth, resilience, and long-term value creation. Through strategic vision, entrepreneurial thinking, and the ability to navigate complex challenges, they are contributing to the evolution of more adaptable and responsible business models.
As Italy’s economic landscape continues to evolve, initiatives that support women shaping the future of industries, communities, and the wider business ecosystem are gaining greater attention. These topics were at the center of discussions during the Le Donne di Ora Award ceremony, held in Rome on July 1, 2026.
The Le Donne di Ora Award and Its Impact
The Le Donne di Ora Award is an initiative promoted by Invitalia that celebrates women whose work contributes to Italy’s innovation ecosystem, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. The initiative highlights leaders who are advancing business and society through expertise, creativity, and responsible approaches.
During the event, the initiative brought together leading institutional and industrial figures, including Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso, Minister of Labour and Social Policies Marina Calderone, Emanuele Orsini, President of Confindustria, Bernardo Mattarella, CEO of Invitalia, and Monica Lucarelli, Councillor for Productive Activities and Equal Opportunities of Rome Capital.
More information about the initiative is available on the official Invitalia website.
How Sustainable Packaging Innovation Is Transforming the Industry
The packaging industry is undergoing significant change as businesses respond to stricter regulations, evolving consumer expectations, and the transition toward a circular economy. In Europe, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces new requirements for packaging recyclability, reuse, and waste reduction, encouraging companies to redesign solutions and improve resource efficiency. Non-compliance may result in higher costs, market restrictions, and regulatory penalties.
This transformation is encouraging companies to rethink packaging through solutions that combine sustainability, efficiency, and business value. By embracing innovative materials, smarter processes, and circular approaches, organizations can strengthen supply chains, adapt to evolving market expectations, and create lasting competitive advantages.
Lara Botta’s Contribution to Sustainable Packaging Innovation
Representing BOTTA EcoPackaging, Lara Botta, Vice President of the company, has actively contributed to the dialogue on how businesses can balance environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation. Through her leadership, she has supported the development of more circular and responsible approaches within the packaging industry.
With roots dating back to 1947, BOTTA EcoPackaging has built decades of expertise in the packaging industry while continuously adapting to changing market needs. Through its EcoPackaging division, the company has focused on developing sustainable solutions and advancing digital transformation.
In 2018, Lara founded the EcoPackaging Division to accelerate innovation in efficiency and resource management. This approach has earned industry recognition, including the SMAU Innovation Award and the Packaging Excellence Award.
Beyond product innovation, Lara has worked to make sustainable packaging more accessible to businesses, particularly SMEs, through initiatives such as Instapack.me, BOTTA’s Web2Pack platform. She has also supported educational projects including PACK HERO: The Eco Adventure, promoting sustainability awareness and STEM learning among younger generations.
Advancing Innovation Through Talent and Inclusion
Lara Botta’s participation in the Le Donne di Ora initiative reflects BOTTA EcoPackaging’s broader commitment to innovation, responsible entrepreneurship, and the development of future talent.
Beyond sustainable packaging solutions, the company recognizes that innovation is also driven by people, collaboration, and diverse perspectives. Through initiatives such as Invest Your Talent in Italy and MENTOR 2, BOTTA EcoPackaging has supported international talent exchange, professional development, and cross-cultural collaboration within its workplace.
These initiatives reflect the company’s belief that investing in people and creating an inclusive environment are essential to fostering new ideas, strengthening innovation capabilities, and contributing to a more sustainable future.
