PPC Boot Camp (CONT’D FROM PAGE 8)
gram. Throughout the event, attendees learned directly from leaders representing every stage of the paperboard packaging supply chain, gaining both technical knowl- edge and practical insight grounded in real-world manu- facturing experience. Steve Rote of Metsä Board Americas Corporation opened the program with an in-depth look at virgin paper- board production and sustainable forestry practices, while Quinn Garber of Integrity Fiber and Roberto Balaguer of Smurfit Westrock expanded the conversation around re- covered fiber, recycled paperboard, and the evolving role sustainability continues to play across the packaging land- scape. Former PPC President Ben Markens guided attend- ees through foundational production concepts and later
explored rigid-box packaging and automated packaging systems, helping to connect manufacturing operations to broader market applications. As the program shifted into design and print produc- tion, Susie Stitzel of Esko-Graphics BV explored struc- PPC President Emily Leonczyk (right) poses with the 2026 Woods Scholar Award winner Karla Ness (left) of Mill Rock Packaging during PPC’s Spring Folding Carton Boot Camp.
tural design principles and color theory, while Gene Cowden and Chris Blackburn of Wikoff Color Corporation led sessions fo- cused on inks, coatings, and print chemistry. Eric Frank of Koenig & Bauer delivered mul- tiple presentations on printing processes, cold foil applications, and rotary diecutting technologies, while Harold Leete of BOBST provided attendees with highly technical insight into digital printing, laminating, em- bossing, and diecutting operations. Additional sessions from Roy Oomen of Agfa Corp., Chris Raney of Heidelberg USA, Inc., Miles Guessford of Marbach, Gay- le Harrop of Tamarack Products Inc., and Kirsty Drury of Henkel further expanded attendees’ understanding of digital diecut- ting, folder-gluer operations, diecutting tools, windowing processes, and adhesives. Together, these instructors brought de- cades of experience into the classroom, helping attendees better understand not only how cartons are produced, but how ev- ery stage of the process works together to create efficient, functional, and visually im- pactful packaging. “One of the things that makes Boot Camp so special is seeing people from every cor- ner of the industry come together to learn from one another,” said Emily Leonczyk, President of PPC. “Attendees leave with a much deeper understanding of how every part of the packaging process connects, but just as importantly, they leave with stronger relationships, greater confidence, and a re- newed appreciation for the expertise that elevates our industry.” The program also highlighted the impor- tance of connecting technical education to
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10 June 1, 2026
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