The Paperboard Packaging Council’s 2025 Fall Meeting & Leadership Conference brought more than 200 industry leaders to Vancouver, B.C., marking PPC’s first return to the city in decades. Against the backdrop of a place known for its global outlook and spirit of connection, the meeting became a timely reflection of where the fiber-based packaging stands today: strengthening collaboration, celebrating innovation, and preparing for a future defined by rapid change. As economic complexity rises and technology reshapes business models, the Vancouver gathering served as a collective moment of alignment; an affirmation that progress comes when PPC members face challenges together, share openly, and support one another through periods of evolution.
The meeting opened with a highly anticipated keynote from Laurent Sellier, CEO of Smurfit Westrock North America, who offered members a clear, measured view of how the newly merged global company is positioning itself for the future. Sellier emphasized that the merger’s true strength lies not in size, but in strategic alignment. He described a company building toward greater agility, tighter global connectivity, and long-term investment discipline to meet the rising expectations of customers across markets. “We are building a company prepared for the future—one connected from region to region, combining the best of both legacies into something stronger than either could be alone,” he said. His remarks immediately set the tone for a conference focused on readiness, collaboration, and forward-looking leadership.
PPC Board Chair Hilda Murray, Owner and Executive Vice President of TPC Printing & Packaging, framed the day with remarks underscoring the importance of collaboration with her first address in the role, emphasizing the importance of collaboration at a time when many companies are navigating generational leadership shifts. “We succeed when we move forward together,” Murray said, noting that industry stability is strengthened when member companies align around shared priorities.
Conference sessions included regulatory and market updates from Mike Turner, Managing Director of the European Carton Makers Association; Rachel Kagan, Executive Director of the Paper & Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council; and Tom Hendrickson, PPC’s Manager of Industry Affairs. Their insights addressed accelerating environmental policies, the evolving European regulatory landscape, and U.S. legislative activity relevant to converters.
David Feber, senior partner at McKinsey & Company, provided an analysis of long-term strategic forces affecting packaging, including shifts in consumer demand, digitalization, and the increasing role of sustainability in value-chain decision-making.
One of the meeting’s most resonant moments came during the Member Spotlight, delivered by Doree Quayle, Division President of Great Little Box Company (GLBC). In her presentation to attendees ahead of GLBC’s facility tour, Quayle underscored how deeply culture anchors the company’s success. Rather than focusing solely on equipment or footprint, she emphasized the people-centered practices that sustain performance, belonging, and long-term growth.
“This is the soul of Great Little Box,” Quayle shared. “Culture isn’t a slogan—it’s how people choose to show up when no one is watching. When you grow your people, you grow your business, and you strengthen the communities you serve.” Her remarks reinforced the meeting’s broader theme: unity and resilience are built through strong, intentional cultures that support people at every level.
Leadership development remained a key focus of the program. The Women’s Leadership Council Luncheon, facilitated by Dr. Ann Bowers-Evangelista, convened its largest gathering yet to explore communicating with conviction under pressure. The Emerging Leaders Session, led by Tiffany Koettel, guided rising professionals through strategies for influencing organizational decision-makers and navigating hierarchical dynamics.
Additional sessions included a legal and risk-management briefing from Chris Santomassimo, and an economic update from Emory University’s Jeff Rosensweig, who outlined shifts in global value creation, energy markets, and inflationary impacts.
Throughout the conference, PPC also recognized excellence across the industry. Attendees recognized the top university teams whose innovative solutions rose to the top of this year’s Student Design Challenge. Students from leading packaging programs across North America delivered highly sophisticated, fully recyclable paperboard concepts for a fictional line of pet care products. This assignment challenged teams to strike a balance between sustainability, functionality, and brand experience. Their on-stage presentations showcased a new generation of packaging talent, demonstrating levels of articulation, creativity, and technical understanding that impressed even long-time industry veterans.
The 82nd Annual Paperboard Packaging Competition celebrated converters whose work exemplified the highest levels of craftsmanship, innovation, sustainability, and brand impact. From structural breakthroughs to sustainability-driven redesigns, each winning entry reflected the ingenuity and technical excellence that continue to elevate paperboard’s role in the global marketplace.
Together, the two award programs highlighted the full spectrum of the industry, from emerging designers shaping its future to companies delivering best-in-class packaging solutions today, showcasing strong innovation, celebration, and shared pride in the possibilities ahead.
PPC Vice President & Executive Director Emily Leonczyk outlined the organization’s strategic direction, emphasizing modernization, expanded member programming, and a strengthened advocacy voice designed to meet the moment. “PPC must continue to be the table where fiber-based packaging leaders solve problems together,” Leonczyk said. PPC President Ben Markens echoed this sentiment, noting that transitions across the industry should be viewed as part of a longer growth trajectory rather than disruptions.
PPC extends its sincere gratitude to the sponsors whose partnership made the Fall Meeting possible and continues to fuel the industry’s progress:
Diamond Sponsor: Koenig & Bauer
Platinum Sponsors: Bobst, RM Machinery, Inc., Kallima Box, Sappi
Sapphire Sponsors: Clearwater Paper, The Komori Group, Metsä Board Americas Corporation
Meeting Sponsors: Charta Global / APP, Billerud, Heidelberg, Manroland
Keynote Sponsor: Smurfit Westrock
Student Design Challenge Sponsors: Graphic Packaging International, Neff Packaging Solutions, PaperWorks, RRD Packaging Solutions, Smurfit Westrock
Experience Sponsors: Graphic Packaging International, Dixie Pulp & Paper, Leary Co., W.H., Baumer HHS Corp., Joe Piper Inc., Roosevelt Paper Co., The Wilmington Group, Tamarack, National Fiber Supply Co., Eukalin Adhesives Specialists
