Speakers at this Event

Manuel, the visionary founder and driving force behind Papkot, is a learning machine of a rare breed. His relentless curiosity, resilience, and innovation have shaped him into an unstoppable force in the packaging and advanced materials industry.

With a background as multifaceted as computer sciences, architecture, automotive engineering, and artificial intelligence, Manuel's journey is a testament to an insatiable appetite for knowledge. From a small village nestled in the Alps to the bustling corporate world, his path has been anything but linear, marked by a continuous pursuit of learning and growth.

His pursuit of knowledge, unquenchable thirst for challenge, and innate ability to absorb and apply new information rapidly have led him to create Papkot. This company, born from Manuel's makeshift kitchen-lab, developed groundbreaking technology to transform pure paper into a viable substitute for plastic packaging.

His story is more than a tale of daring to dream; it's a story of having the courage and determination to make those dreams a reality. His ability to adapt and learn at an extraordinary pace set him apart as a true innovator and a beacon of hope in the sustainable future.

Sami-Pekka, BSc. in Engineering and degree in marketing, has served over two decades pulp – and paper industry representing specialty chemical solution providers as well as holding management positions providing leadership for supplier operations. In his current position as Sales Director Sami-Pekka is providing leadership to MetGen’s operation and contributing to strategic planning as a member of the Management Team. Area of his responsibilities in MetGen includes building value chains to enable transition toward biobased economy for multiple industry sectors, rolling out MetGen’s novel biomass valorization technologies together with providing application knowledge to the customers. 

Jochen (born 1961 in Nuremberg) is trained as a printer and holds a Master of Chemical Engineering degree from Munich University. He has more than 30 years experience in the paper, board, chemical and machinery industries.

Jochen has worked in various roles for well known companies like Haindl Papier, StoraEnso, Jaakko Pöyry, Valmet, Eduard Küsters, UPM Speciality Papers, Mitsubishi HiTec Paper, Smurfit Kappa, SCHELLING AG and Michelman.

Jochen is the author of more than 20 international publications in the field of paper, board and machinery related technologies.
In 2009 Jochen started his own engineering and consultancy company. From that time, he has focused on the development and implementation of sustainable, food safe packaging materials and functional coatings.

A joint cooperation with the Belgium company EURIKAS BV then developed in the field of bio-based waxes and materials. The resulting synergy has produced several pioneering plastic free packaging and material design solutions with more to come.

Curtis is a seasoned research and development leader with over 20 years of diverse technical experience in consumer-packaged goods. He has a strong background in package engineering, team leadership, thermal processing, operations, and project management, with a focus on driving innovations from concept to commercialization. Career highlights include leading packaging development programs, managing the development of new coating material systems, and co-developing a new innovative molded fiber package for frozen foods applications.  He has demonstrated success in large, fast-paced, cross-functional team environments and is passionate about team collaboration, research, and cultivating impactful, agile leaders.  Curtis holds Bachelor of Science in Packaging Science and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Food Technology.  He is currently a member of the Conagra Brands Research and Development team as well as Adjunct Professor at Clemson University.

Kevin Vyse is a well-known expert in the packaging industry, with over 38 years of experience. He has worked with major retailers and brands, focusing on circular economics and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) planning. Currently, he is the Head of Technical at ProAmpac RAP and a Co-Chair of the OPRL (On-Pack Recycling Label) Technical Committee and a board member of the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment. He has also been recognized for his contributions to sustainable and environmentally responsible packaging and has received a Fellowship from the Institute of Materials, Mining, and Minerals.

Abigail Sawyer-Parker is a Packaging Technologist at ProAmpac, committed to revolutionizing the packaging industry and elevating sustainability benchmarks through innovative solutions in flexible paper packaging. Her contributions to the industry have been pivotal to several award-winning projects, notably the ProActive Recyclable® High Barrier Paper which has garnered multiple accolades for its innovative design, technical performance, and consumer convenience. In February 2024, Abigail was named as a Packaging Innovations Future Trailblazer for her rapid rise in the industry and her contributions to creating sustainable packaging solutions that meet the evolving needs of both consumers and the environment.

Alexey Vishtal is working at Mayr-Melnhof Board & Paper as a Head of Novel Packaging Development where his main focus is development of novel fibre-based packaging with barrier functionality to offer a viable alternative to difficult to recycle plastics. He has joined MM in early 2022 and before that spent almost 7 years with Nestlé leading fibre-based packaging in their research organization. Before that he held various positions in paper and related industries. Alexey has a paper engineering background and doctoral degree in paper physics and converting.

Hoa is a climate policy expert with experience in consulting, public sectors (NHS and No10 Downing Street) and entrepreneurship. She was a Net Zero policy advisor in the Prime Minister’s Office at No10, overseeing the delivery of decarbonisation programs across the building and transport sectors. Hoa was shortlisted for the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list in the Social Impact category for her contribution to the UK climate policy agenda. She is currently the Head of Impact and Sustainability at Notpla, an UK-startup that recently won The Earthshot Prize for its plastic-free consumer packaging products made from seaweed and plants.

Dr Scott Thompson is Head of Research and Development at Xampla, leading internal core research projects and customer focused product development programmes. He has a PhD in Polymer Chemistry and over 10 years of industry experience in leading the research and development of novel technologies including developing and scaling advanced polymer materials at Hexcel Corporation.
 

Bernhard Kainz is Principal Scientist and Global Technology Leader for Dow Coating Materials (DCM). In his current role, Kainz takes primary responsibility for driving forward the development and technical support of DCM’s portfolio of barrier coating solutions, with a particular focus on barrier coating applications in the metal and fibre-based packaging market.

Since Kainz joined Dow in 1990, he has been influential in coatings research and application development for barrier coatings. He held various technical positions in Epoxy Resin Coatings before spearheading the development of novel DCM aqueous dispersion barrier coating technologies for the food and home & personal care packaging market. Throughout his career, he has authored more than 20 patents and commercialized more than 25 products.

Kainz holds a Master’s degree in both Chemistry and Economics, and a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry and is a certified 6Sigma Black Belt. He is a member of the steering group of the 4evergreen cross-industry alliance as well as a key player in task force teams for national and international associations, including CEFIC EPDLA & FCA, Plastics Europe, the Joint Industry Group for metal packaging.

Ayellet Zinger is a dynamic thought leader and innovator at one.five, where she spearheads initiatives at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and social impact. With a background in composable packaging, Ayellet brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for driving positive change through her work. Her engaging speaking style and deep expertise make her a sought-after voice in discussions on sustainability, growth, and innovation, inspiring audiences to embrace change for a better future.

Gajanan has been working within the packaging industry for the past 15 years, all with brand owners.

He was with Unilever in the UK, China and Germany for personal care and foods categories; and Gajanan had an early opportunity to be part of the sustainable packaging development like mono material, packaging that is fit for purpose and simplification.

He then joined British American Tobacco and was part of implementation of the Tobacco Product Directives (TPD) for other tobacco products (OTP) category for the EU markets through sustainable packaging development and pictorial health warnings.

Last seven years Gajanan was leading the packaging sustainability program at Nestle for foods category for several platforms like rigid plastics, paperization and molded fiber.  His involvement delivered the transformation of non-recyclable portfolio to recyclable and virgin plastic reduction through paperization and use of recycled content.

He joined Straumann Group, a global leader in dental implants and related technologies based in Basel, Switzerland, earlier this March as Senior Packaging Manager.  His current role includes leading the packaging sustainability and strategy in context of PPWR. 

Gajanan has his Masters in Packaging Technology from London based Brunel University.

Anders concluded his PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, with a thesis on kraft lignin depolymerization, in 2023 at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg.  And since then, he has joined PulPac, as Chemistry and Materials Specialist.

After studying packaging and paper technology in Munich, Olga joined Kiefel in 2020 and has since built up the fiber laboratory and testing area. As a fiber specialist, she is responsible for the material side of our Kiefel fiber forming process - working closely with the service and engineering team to ensure the best quality for our customers' fiber products.

Nathalie leads PulPac's strategic sustainability initiatives to create positive impact throughout the industry. She works closely with cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative sustainability practices that align with PulPac’s mission to replace single-use plastics. Nathalie has a various background, both as managing sustainability strategy for a global company in the supply management industry, as well as being the director for a nonprofit sustainability organization. She describes herself as a creative visionary but also a targeted doer.