The Paper and Packaging Board (P+PB), a key organisation promoting the sustainability and versatility of paper and paper-based packaging, has announced its leadership for 2025.
Five new board members have been appointed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, with their terms set to begin on 1 January 2025.
The newly appointed members bring a wealth of expertise across diverse sectors of the paper and packaging industry.
Serving three-year terms are Steve Henry of Domtar, Brandon Bennett of Georgia-Pacific, and Erin Raccah of Sylvamo. Anne Ayer of Sappi will serve a two-year term, while Richard Bennett of Suzano Packaging has been appointed for a one-year term.
"These appointments reflect a collaborative effort to represent the industry comprehensively and guide our initiatives," said a P+PB representative.
Leadership roles announced
In addition to the new board appointments, P+PB has confirmed the officers who will lead the organisation in 2025. Steve Henry, President of Paper & Packaging at Domtar, will serve as Chair.
Santiago Arbelaez, Vice President of Strategy for International Paper's Industrial Packaging Business, has been named Vice Chair. Richard Bennett, Vice President of Paperboard Sales at Suzano Packaging, will assume the role of Secretary/Treasurer.
The complete Board of Directors includes leaders from across the paper and packaging industry:
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Chair: Steve Henry, Domtar
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Vice Chair: Santiago Arbelaez, International Paper
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Secretary/Treasurer: Richard Bennett, Suzano Packaging
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Anne Ayer: Sappi
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Brandon Bennett: Georgia-Pacific
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An Boon: Graphic Packaging International
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Juan Pablo Perez Chavez: Smurfit Westrock
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Erin Raccah: Sylvamo
Supporting industry sustainability
P+PB oversees the national promotion programme "How Life Unfolds," which is funded by U.S. manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging.
The programme aims to highlight the sustainability of these materials and their role in consumers' daily lives.
By collaborating through committees and working groups, board members provide strategic input and align the campaign's efforts with the broader goals of the industry.
The board's structure ensures representation from all four grades of paper, fostering collaboration between geographically diverse members.
The P+PB's commitment to sustainability is central to its work. According to the board, their efforts "create preference for paper and paper-based packaging by demonstrating why these materials are an environmentally responsible choice."
The new appointments and leadership roles mark another step in ensuring the board's work continues to support a thriving, sustainable paper and packaging industry.
