The International Molded Fiber Association is proud to honor Paul Carter with the Joe Grygny Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his lifelong commitment to a more sustainable future. Over the course of a remarkable career spanning several decades, Paul has significantly influenced our field, driving innovation and operational excellence through his leadership. Paul is not only a committed and hardworking engineer, but also a loving husband, father, and friend to many, always seeking the next adventure this life holds.

The Intersection of Pulp and Sustainability

Paul Carter's journey in the molded fiber industry began with a strong academic foundation. Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, Paul graduated from the nearby SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in 1978, majoring in Pulp and Paper Science and Engineering. This combination of disciplines set the stage for a career that would blend environmental stewardship with technological innovation.

After graduation, Paul entered the industry as a project engineer with United States Gypsum (USG) in Oakfield, New York. His talent and drive led to quick successive promotions, and after two years, he was transferred to USG's corporate headquarters in Chicago. Here he spent six years overseeing major capital improvement projects at several USG paper mills across the United States. Finally, a 2-year stint with Caruastar Industries as Plant Manager completed his Chicago papermaking education. During this period, he honed his expertise in pulp and paper products and both capital project and plant management, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors in molded fiber.

Pioneering Work with Chinet

After success at USG and Caraustar, Paul was recruited by a former colleague to Keyes Fibre in Maine, joining a team that would eventually become part of industry giant Huhtamaki. Paul spent the next decade and beyond contributing to the development of Chinet, the thermoformed products and processes that were then decades ahead of their time and to this day stand as a leader in the market.

At this point in the early 1990’s, Paul’s challenges and opportunities were in creating tools that didn’t yet exist off-the-shelf; he was instrumental in leading an in-house multidisciplinary engineering team responsible for designing and building machines before installing them worldwide. Paul's focus on improving machine productivity led to significant advancements, including increasing machine speed and enhancing finishing systems for molded fiber products.

In 1996, Paul moved to Norway with his family to take on the role of Managing Director of Chinet Europe, where he oversaw all factory and administrative operations and supplied molded fiber products across Europe. His leadership was instrumental in expanding the reach and efficiency of molded fiber manufacturing in Europe and his efforts ensured that high-quality products reached customers on time and within budget.

Continuous Investment in our Industry

At this point, Paul could’ve retired and still would have been deserving of the Joe Grygny Award, but his journey continued with Huhtamaki where he became a driving force behind many of the company’s technological advancements. Returning to the corporate office in Kansas City, Paul focused on cost reduction and productivity improvements. His expertise in process engineering was evident as he spearheaded initiatives to reduce waste, enhance drying efficiency, and increase cycle speed in each of the four Huhtamaki North America technologies. All of Paul’s pioneering work in automation led to "getting heads out" and reducing labor costs while maintaining high standards of quality.

Under Paul's leadership, Huhtamaki implemented a lean Six Sigma improvement program that remains a Best Demonstrated Practice within the global company. His ability to inspire change and mentor young engineers helped foster a culture of innovation and efficiency. As Vince Daniel, Huhtamaki’s Senior Vice President of Product Management and Commercialization, notes, "Paul was a change agent in every role he held. His technical expertise and leadership skills continue to benefit Huhtamaki today." Paul’s work lives on through multiple generations of engineers who benefitted from the mentorship he always offered so freely.

Investing Where it Matters Most

Despite all his professional achievements, Paul’s greatest work and best moments have always come with his family. His wife, Jan, and their three daughters have been by his side throughout his career, including their memorable stint together in Norway. There, Paul fully immersed himself in the local culture, learning the language, trying traditional foods, and even giving speeches in Norwegian.

Paul is a man who embraces adventure and community wherever he goes. His daughters speak to how he approaches life with the same enthusiasm he always brought to his work, whether it was exploring off-grid cabins accessible only by skis or perfecting the art of barbeque after relocating to Kansas City.

In retirement, Paul and Jan have taken to the road full-time in an RV, embracing a minimalist “Roughing it Smoothly” lifestyle while exploring national parks and wild spaces across the United States. Their adventurous spirit remains bright as they look forward to even more new experiences, including hosting at a park in Maine and planning a trip to Alaska.

The Future of Fiber and Paul’s Lasting Impact

Looking forward, Paul sees significant opportunities for innovation within the molded fiber industry. As the world continues to seek sustainable alternatives to plastics and petroleum products, molded fiber presents a ready-made solution. Paul believes the most visible innovations will come in consumer packaging as the industry continues to evolve and become more efficient and economically viable. He envisions a future where molded fiber can replace plastics in many applications, highlighting our industry’s practically unlimited potential for growth and transformation.

For those who know Paul, it’s no surprise that his love for molded fiber extends beyond his professional life. His daughters joke about how he always checks molded fiber plates to make sure they’re printed with the Chinet logo, reflecting on a legacy that will endure, influencing future generations and the ongoing evolution of molded fiber.

Celebrating a Remarkable Career

Finally, Paul, we’d like to speak to you directly: as you receive the Joe Grygny Lifetime Achievement Award, we celebrate not only your professional accomplishments but also your adventurous spirit, commitment to excellence, and lasting impact on our industry – we hope that we can all grow up to be at least a bit like you.

Your contributions have helped shape the industry in ways that will be realized for years to come. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor and thank you for your lifelong commitment to molded fiber.