The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) recently welcomed another outstanding group of attendees to Springfield, MA, for its Spring 2026 Folding Carton Boot Camp, a two-day educational program designed to strengthen technical knowledge across every stage of the paperboard packaging lifecycle.
Bringing together professionals from across the industry, from those new to paperboard packaging to experienced team members expanding their technical expertise, Boot Camp continues to serve as one of PPC’s most impactful educational programs. Through presentations led by industry experts, attendees explored the full journey of folding carton manufacturing, from fiber sourcing and paperboard production to printing, converting, finishing, and rigid box applications.
Throughout the two-day program, attendees gained hands-on insight into critical manufacturing concepts, including sustainable forestry practices, recycled and virgin fiber applications, structural design, printing technologies, digital advancements, adhesives, laminating, die-cutting, embossing, folder-gluer operations, and converting systems. Sessions were led by experts representing companies across the packaging supply chain, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the paperboard packaging industry.
A major part of what continues to make PPC’s Folding Carton Boot Camp so impactful is the caliber of industry experts who lead the program. Throughout the event, attendees learned directly from leaders representing every stage of the paperboard packaging supply chain, gaining both technical knowledge and practical insight grounded in real-world manufacturing experience.
Eric Frank of Diamond Sponsor Koenig & Bauer leads a Boot Camp session on printing technologies, color separation, and converting processes shaping the future of folding carton production.
Steve Rote, Metsä Board Americas Corp, opened the program with an in-depth look at virgin paperboard production and sustainable forestry practices, while Quinn Garber, Integrity Fiber and Roberto Balaguer, Smurfit Westrock, expanded the conversation around recovered fiber, recycled paperboard, and the evolving role sustainability continues to play across the packaging landscape. Former PPC President Ben Markens guided attendees 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 production, Susie Stitzel, Esko-Graphics, explored structural design principles and color theory, while Gene Cowden and Chris Blackburn, Wikoff Color Corp, led sessions focused on inks, coatings, and print chemistry. Eric Frank of Koenig & Bauer delivered multiple presentations on printing processes, cold foil applications, and rotary die-cutting technologies, while Harold Leete, BOBST, provided attendees with highly technical insight into digital printing, laminating, embossing, and die-cutting operations.
Additional sessions from Roy Oomen, Agfa Corp, Chris Raney, Heidelberg USA, Miles Guessford, Marbach, Gayle Harrop, Tamarack Products Inc, and Kirsty Drury, Henkel, further expanded attendees’ understanding of digital die-cutting, folder-gluer operations, die-cutting tools, windowing processes, adhesives, and carton performance.
Together, these instructors brought decades of experience into the classroom, helping attendees better understand not only how cartons are produced, but how every stage of the process works together to create efficient, functional, and visually impactful packaging.
“One of the things that makes Boot Camp so special is seeing people from every corner of the industry come together to learn from one another,” said Emily Leonczyk, President, 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 renewed appreciation for the expertise that elevates our industry.”
The program also highlighted the importance of connecting technical education to real-world applications. Attendees explored how decisions made at the earliest stages of production influence efficiency, sustainability, print quality, structural performance, and ultimately the consumer experience.
“I truly enjoyed the Folding Carton Boot Camp experience and gained valuable knowledge that I was able to bring back to my facility. Since returning, I have been recommending this Boot Camp to all associates because of the insight, hands-on learning, and overall value the training provided,” shared Greg Bartolin, Quality Coordinator, Tavo Packaging.
This year’s Boot Camp also welcomed PPC’s 2026 Woods Scholar, Karla Ness, Customer Service Manager, Mill Rock Packaging. The Woods Scholar Award is presented annually to a rising leader within the folding carton industry and includes a scholarship to attend Boot Camp.
Left to right: 2026 Woods Scholar Award winner Karla Ness of Mill Rock Packaging with Emily Leonczyk, President, PPC.
In addition to the educational content itself, attendees had opportunities to connect directly with instructors, peers, and suppliers across the industry — further strengthening the relationships that continue to advance the paperboard packaging community.
With the Fall 2026 Folding Carton Boot Camp already scheduled for November, PPC remains committed to supporting professional development, strengthening technical knowledge, and investing in the future of the paperboard packaging industry.
