Michael Browne

Bio

Michael has Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Maine and over a decade of experience serving the paper industry. In this time, he has occupied a variety of roles including process engineering, operations, sales, and brand management. Having spent several years in recycled paper mills, Michael has special expertise and understanding of the challenges for recovered paper end markets. Over the last 5 years, he has worked collaboratively with converters and brand owners to bring innovative paper-based solutions to the market including Sappi’s new paperboard line of products. As a millennial professional in the packaging field, Michael brings a unique perspective to Sappi and the value chain to provide guidance on issues that are important to future generations.

Michael resides in Boston with his wife Flor and their two sons Carlos and Timothy, and they enjoy their endless adventures in the city and in nature. Michael volunteers at two local non-profit organizations, the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen and The Well Coffee House. He loves being active and leads a variety of workouts in his community including boxing classes, obstacle course training, and 5K and half-marathon conditioning.

Why do you want to serve on the Executive Committee?

I am passionate about the SPC’s mission to mobilize the expertise of our industry to increase sustainable packaging solutions for consumers. For this reason, I am confident in my ability to serve the Executive Committee and most importantly push forward solutions and ideas to address the industry’s most pressing issues.

I’ve been fortunate to be part of an organization that understands the importance of preserving the Earth’s resources to create a better future. By using the full potential of trees, reducing material waste, mitigating carbon emissions, and sourcing from well-managed forests, we at Sappi make sure that our paper and packaging product innovations don’t come at the cost of our planet. But we can’t do it alone. Our partnerships are vital to continuing our unwavering commitment to sustainability.

My primary goal is to bring the breadth and depth of Sappi’s resources to the SPC. I work closely with our global network of R&D Centers to introduce innovative wood fiber products and bio-based solutions that encourage circular economies. We work with partners to develop sustainable barrier packages for oxygen, water vapor, grease, aroma and mineral oil. As a member of the Executive Committee, I would like to further our progress as we respond to market demand for alternatives to foils and plastics and collaborate on issues such as design for recyclability in existing recycling streams, the best use of recycled fiber, and responsible consumption and production.

What do you think you would contribute as an Executive Committee representative?

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Maine and over a decade of experience serving the paper industry. In this time, I’ve occupied a variety of roles including process engineering, operations, sales, and brand management. Having spent several years in recycled paper mills, I’ve attained special expertise and understanding of the challenges for recovered paper end markets. Over the last 5 years, I have worked collaboratively with converters and brand owners to bring innovative paper-based solutions to the market including Sappi’s new paperboard line of products. I also work with Sappi’s global sustainability team to address ways to mitigate climate change, support Science-Based Targets and focus the United Nations’ SDGs in the areas where we believe Sappi can make the greatest impact.

I am a voracious learner and seek out deep discussions with all stakeholders in the value chain. As a millennial professional in this field, I bring a unique perspective to Sappi to provide guidance on the issues that are important to future generations. My energy and engagement for circular economies, using natural resources to solve complex problems, and innovating for sustainable packaging is something that will make me a valuable contributor to the SPC executive committee. I look forward to continuing to foster relationships within the SPC community and most importantly help the advancement of sustainable solutions.