Meet Debora Costa, VP of EH&S, based in Solbiate, Italy, who brings a global, operations-driven perspective to safety at Bakelite.
At Bakelite, we’re proud of the diverse experiences, talents, and backgrounds of our global associates. We each have our own Bakelite story, and in this series – My Bakelite Story – we highlight associates in different locations, departments and career stages, each putting their fingerprints on the organization in their own unique ways. These stories shine a light on our various roles and how they contribute to our vision and mission at Bakelite.
Meet Debora Costa, VP of EH&S, based in Solbiate, Italy, who brings a global, operations-driven perspective to safety at Bakelite. With a career rooted in chemical manufacturing and site leadership, Debora has spent the past several years shaping a more unified EH&S approach across regions—one that reflects both the realities of the plant floor and the importance of strong, consistent standards.
As we recognize National Safety Month, it’s a fitting time to spotlight a leader who views safety as more than a physical priority. For Debora, it’s a core value that includes psychological safety, wellbeing, and empowering associates to speak up, ask for help, and look out for one another. Discover the experiences that shaped her journey, the mindset she brings to safety, and how she’s helping build a culture where everyone can make a difference.
Debora’s Story
What brought you to the company and the EH&S field?
I’ve spent most of my career in operations within the chemical industry, so safety and environment have always been part of my daily work. I joined the Bakelite legacy company in 2013, after a short experience outside the chemical industry. That time really reinforced how important a strong safety culture is—because I saw what it looks like when those standards are not at the same level.
When I returned to the chemical industry, I quickly recognized there was work to do in strengthening the safety culture at the site level. Over time, I became more involved in driving those improvements, and eventually I was asked to step into a global EH&S leadership role—a role that didn’t exist at that time. It was a new challenge, but also an exciting opportunity to build something from the ground up and put my own fingerprints on how we approach safety as a global company.
What do you enjoy most about working in the EH&S space?
What I enjoy most is making a real difference. With my background in operations, I understand the realities and challenges teams face every day, and I can combine that with the deep expertise of our EH&S teams.
Together, we can create solutions that are not only safe, but also practical and applicable. It’s important that what we build works in real life—not just on paper.
That’s also what shapes my approach to safety. I always come back to a simple mindset: stop, think, and ask. When people take a moment to evaluate risk and feel comfortable asking for support, it not only strengthens physical safety, but also creates an environment where people feel confident speaking up. That’s where safety truly comes to life.
What makes Bakelite stand out in the industry?
What really makes Bakelite stand out is that safety is not just a priority—it’s a value. And when something is a value, it shows up in everyday actions across the organization.
You can see strong leadership commitment, clear investment in resources, and a culture of very open communication. People feel comfortable raising concerns, asking questions, and sharing ideas without hesitation. That openness—combined with accountability—is what truly makes a difference and sets us apart.
Can you share a recent success story or project you’re proud of?
One example is the ROC Engagement Challenge, wherein associates would submit Recognitions, Observations and Concerns. This challenge brought broad participation across the organization. What made it successful was not just involvement from sites, but also from leadership and other functions.
It reinforced the idea that safety is something everyone contributes to. When people feel engaged and included—and know their voice matters—you start to see real momentum. That kind of shared ownership is what drives lasting improvements, and it’s something I’m very proud of.
Can you share a moment or example that reflects our safety culture in action?
A recent example comes from one of our sites, where teams needed to manage a complex and high-risk operational situation. Because of the risks, we have very strict protocols in place, developed over time based on experience and continuous improvement.
In this case, multiple functions—including procurement, supply chain, EH&S, and site teams—worked together to evaluate the situation and find a safe solution. What stands out is that safety was not seen as the responsibility of just one group—everyone was involved and aligned. That level of collaboration, trust, and shared accountability really reflects our culture.
Our Customers & Industry
What do associates and stakeholders appreciate most about our approach to EH&S?
I believe they appreciate how visible our commitment is. We are investing in safety, providing resources, and making it clear that this matters in our day-to-day work.
At the same time, we have very open communication. People can raise concerns, ask for support, and be part of the conversation. That creates a strong balance between accountability and trust—and helps build a culture where people feel heard and supported.
What EH&S trends or challenges are you most focused on right now?
One of our key focuses is preventing serious incidents, as well as reducing environmental impact. Each site has its own specific challenges, so the focus is on identifying those risks and minimizing exposure as much as possible. It’s about being proactive, understanding where the risks are, and making sure we’re taking the right actions to prevent them—before they ever become incidents.
More About Debora
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
When I was studying chemical engineering, my dream was actually to win a Nobel Prize. I wanted to fully dedicate myself to research and learning.
I even chose a role in research and development early in my career to follow that path, but after a couple of years, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I moved into operations, and that decision shaped everything that came next. It’s something that often surprises people, but it’s an important part of my journey.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy spending time in nature with my family. I have two children, and we love being outdoors—whether that’s walking or traveling together. Even though I travel frequently for work, I also enjoy traveling in my personal time. It helps me recharge and maintain a good balance.
Looking Ahead
What are you most excited about for the future of EH&S at Bakelite?
What excites me most is that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and leave their own fingerprints. EH&S is not something driven by one person—it’s something we build together.
We are continuously improving and going deeper in how we embed safety into our daily work. It’s not about short-term initiatives, but about creating lasting behaviors—where safety, wellbeing, and speaking up are simply part of how we operate every day.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at Bakelite, what would it be?
Don’t wait—bring your ideas forward and speak up. This is a company where people listen, and where you can make a real difference. Be proactive, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to contribute. That’s how you grow—and how you help build a stronger, safer culture for everyone.
