PPC Spring Meeting 2026 Brings Industry Leaders Together

Published: April 9, 2026, By Trevor

The PPC brought industry leaders together for its Spring Meeting with a clear objective: focus on what matters most, and act on it.

At a time defined by rapid change, shifting expectations, and increasing complexity, the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) brought industry leaders together in Louisville, KY, for its 2026 Spring Meeting with a clear objective: focus on what matters most, and act on it.

Over three days, executives from across the folding carton industry stepped away from day-to-day operations to engage in conversations shaping business decisions, from leadership and sustainability to economics, policy, and emerging technology. A consistent theme emerged throughout the meeting: the companies most likely to succeed are those that are intentional in their leadership, investment, and responses to change.

PPC recognizes its annual sponsors—Koenig & Bauer, Metsä Board, Clearwater Paper, Smurfit Westrock, Bobst, eProductivity Software (ePS), and Sappi—along with event sponsors Charta Global, Eukalin Adhesives, Heidelberg, Komori, manroland, and Valco Melton. 

PPC also recognizes it’s experience sponsors, including Gair Award, Women in Packaging, and Off-Site sponsor, Joe Piper, Inc., Bourbon Tasting sponsor, BOBST, Breakfast Sponsor Dixie Pulp & Paper, Inc., Break sponsor National Fiber Supply, Lunch sponsor, Roosevelt Paper Co., Women in Packaging Council sponsors, Tamarack Products, Inc., and INX International Ink Co., Registration sponsor Ink Systems, Welcome Package sponsor Wilmington Paper, Sweet Treat sponsor Baumer hhs Corp., Technology sponsor, W.H. Leary Co, and Neff Packaging Solutions for providing the custom welcome boxes, for their continued investment in advancing the industry and enabling meaningful collaboration across the PPC community. 

Hilda Murray, Executive Vice President/Owner of TPC Printing & Packaging and PPC’s Board Chair, addresses attendees at PPC’s Spring Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.

PPC leadership set that collaborative tone from the outset. “PPC is not just a place to gather—it’s a platform for action,” said Emily Leonczyk, President of PPC. “This is where our members come together to exchange insight, challenge assumptions, and move ideas forward in ways that create real impact across the industry.” 

That message was reinforced by Hilda Murray, Executive Vice President/Owner of TPC Printing & Packaging and PPC’s Board Chair, who emphasized the role of member engagement in shaping the industry's future. “The strength of this organization comes from its members,” Murray said. “The more we contribute, connect, and engage, the more we can shape the direction of our industry together.” 

From there, the conversation turned toward execution. Professional speaker and author Dan Irvin challenged leaders to step out of reactive mode and rethink how they manage time and priorities. His message, centered on the principle of “slow down to speed up,” reinforced that leadership effectiveness comes not from constant activity, but from clarity, focus, and intentional decision-making.

Dan Irvin, professional speaker and author, takes the stage at PPC’s Spring Meeting, sharing insights on intentional leadership and the habits that drive meaningful impact.

 That focus on impact extended to the product itself. Vicki Strull, Principal of Vicki Strull Creative Collective, shared research demonstrating that packaging is a measurable driver of purchase behavior. Her findings showed that increased physical interaction with packaging significantly increases the likelihood of purchase, with premium finishes accelerating decision-making. The data reinforced a critical point: packaging performance is not just visual; it is tactile, experiential, and directly tied to conversion.

Sustainability discussions brought a practical lens to industry priorities. A brand-owner panel, led by Paul Schutes of the Recycled Paper Technical Association (RPTA), featured Courtney Chance (Nothing Bundt Cakes), Benjamin Dunlap (U.S. Mint), and Kate Stites (The Fold Design) and emphasized solutions for today’s changing consumer habits. Sustainability, they noted, must be balanced with cost, scalability, and customer expectations, requiring closer collaboration across the supply chain and a focus on execution over aspiration.

A brand-owner panel, led by Paul Schutes of the Recycled Paperboard Alliance, featured Courtney Chance (Nothing Bundt Cakes), Benjamin Dunlap (U.S. Mint), and Kate Stites (The Fold Design), focusing on practical solutions aligned with evolving consumer expectations.

At the same time, external pressures continue to evolve. Abigail Sztein of the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) outlined a regulatory environment that is becoming more active and complex, with developments in EPR and labeling requirements already influencing business decisions. Her message reinforced that companies must stay informed and engaged as policy continues to take shape.

Providing a macroeconomic perspective, Chris Kuehl of Armada Corporate Intelligence described an economy that is stabilizing but uneven, with growth concentrated in specific sectors such as data centers, healthcare, and energy. As customer behavior becomes more selective and demand less predictable, success will depend on targeted strategies and data-driven decision-making.

Technology also remains a key area of focus. Gene Marks, CEO of The Marks Group, addressed the growing role of AI, emphasizing that while the opportunity is real, success will come from disciplined, practical adoption. Rather than broad implementation, he encouraged companies to focus on specific use cases, ensure data readiness, and treat AI as a tool to improve productivity and decision-making.

PPC’s highest safety honor, the Chair’s Safety Award, was presented to Smurfit Westrock (Joplin, MO), recognizing 1,014,240 hours worked without an OSHA-recordable injury. Pictured: Cale Bland, Safety & Environmental Manager with Hilda Murray, PPC Board Chair (left), and Emily Leonczyk, PPC President (right). 

The meeting also highlighted the importance of long-term investment and operational excellence, as reflected in the Member Spotlight on Neff Packaging Solutions. Led by President & CEO Bob Neff, the third-generation company has built its success through advanced technology, customer-driven innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement. That approach was brought to life during a plant tour of Neff’s facility outside Louisville, where attendees saw firsthand how those principles translate into real-world execution.

Investment in people and leadership development remained a central focus. The Women in Packaging Council, facilitated by Dr. Ann Bowers-Evangelista, emphasized the importance of building long-term influence through intentional networks, clearly defined strengths, and professional identity. Women leaders engaged in hands-on exercises designed to turn reflection into action, reinforcing that career growth requires deliberate effort and strategic connection. 

Members also collaborated to shape PPC’s upcoming industry campaign, Every Folding Carton Tells a Story, aligning on the need for a more unified, consistent narrative that highlights the value of paperboard packaging in terms of sustainability, innovation, and brand impact.

PPC expanded its Safety Excellence Awards to recognize performance across multiple categories and measures, highlighting companies that have demonstrated sustained commitment to safe operations through strong systems, employee engagement, and leadership accountability. This year’s honorees included PaperWorks, BOXit Corporation, Warneke Paper Box, Pioneer Packaging, Menasha Packaging Company, and Southern Champion Tray.  

The program culminated with PPC’s highest safety honor, the Chair’s Safety Award, presented to Smurfit Westrock at their Joplin, MO plant. This recognition represents the highest total hours worked without an OSHA-recordable injury across all categories: 1,014,240 hours, a milestone that reflects not just performance but also Smurfit Westrock’s consistency, discipline, and a deeply embedded safety culture. 

The PPC proudly presented the Robert T. Gair Lifetime Achievement Award to the immediate Past President, Ben Markens. The Gair Award is reserved for individuals whose careers demonstrate lasting impact across three areas: advancing the paperboard packaging industry, providing leadership within PPC, and strengthening their companies and communities. “Industries do not evolve by accident. They evolve because of individuals who choose to contribute to something bigger than themselves,” said Leonczyk during the presentation.

Ben Markens accepts the Robert T. Gair Lifetime Achievement Award, PPC’s highest honor recognizing lasting contributions to the paperboard packaging industry.

As the meeting closed, one idea remained consistent across every session and conversation: focus is a competitive advantage. In an environment filled with competing priorities and constant change, the companies that will lead are those that act with clarity, align around what matters most, and commit to long-term value.

PPC’s Spring Meeting reinforced that while the industry faces complexity, it also has a clear path forward; one defined by collaboration, shared insight, and a commitment to progress. 

To learn more about PPC’s programs, events, committees, and communities, visit www.paperbox.org.