We are proud to celebrate that Dr. Karen Xiao, Vice President of Technology at Macro Engineering, has been recognized as one of the “Women Breaking the Mold” class of 2025 by Plastics News.
Since joining Macro in 2020, Karen has been instrumental in defining our strategic vision and advancing technological progress. Her excellent technical knowledge and forward-thinking leadership made her a standout leader not only at Macro but throughout the industry. Being named one of the Women Breaking the Mold is a truly well-earned recognition. Some of the key areas she is currently focused on are multi bubble (2B and 3B) barrier and non-barrier film extrusion technology, and custom winding systems. Xiao has also been named a Fellow of the Society of Plastics Engineers in recognition of her outstanding technical contributions to the industry. With 32 patents in extrusion and battery separator technologies, and a Best Paper Award from the TAPPI FlexPack PLACE conference for her work on solving common challenges in film extrusion; her impact on the field is both significant and inspiring.
"Shaping the blown film industry with new die technologies to revolutionize the barrier film packaging world," Xiao said when asked for her greatest achievement. "I commercialized the first 11-layer blown film die in the world, which is now quite common in the industry and crucial as we try to create sustainable packaging”.
About Macro
Macro Engineering & Technology is a global supplier of film and sheet extrusion systems that specializes in barrier film lines and custom engineered extrusion systems. Founded in 1978, Macro’s approach is to help film and sheet producers reach their production goals through a project oriented philosophy and an uncompromising commitment to developing innovative technologies.
Macro manufactures blown, cast and QuadexTM biaxially-oriented coextrusion lines for multilayer films up to 13-layers. The company also supplies sheet extrusion lines for specialty applications, along with coextrusion dies, air rings and winding solutions to meet the needs of complex requirements.
Macro’s equipment is used throughout the world to manufacture value-added products in the food packaging, medical, and industrial markets.
For more information about Macro Engineering & Technology Inc., visit www.macroeng.com.
