
Discover what’s shaping the future of the specialty papers industry.
The just-released agenda for Specialty Papers US 2025 is packed with can’t-miss presentations on fiber innovation, regulatory shifts, sustainable alternatives, end-use breakthroughs and more!
See who’s taking the stage in Chicago this October and explore the expertly-led sessions below.
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Bio coming soon!
Brian graduated from Virginia Tech with PhD in Polymer Science and Engineering. He started at Dow in 2008 as an applications scientist in the Paper Coatings business. He has held roles in R&D and technical service where he has developed binders with improved strength, hollow sphere pigments for thermal insulation and opacity, and barrier materials for food packaging.
In his current role, Jake drives marketing communications, product development, and commercialization for the industrial ingredients business at Ingredion. Jake’s background is working with chemical suppliers in the paper industry, having developed expertise in recycled linerboard manufacturing. Jake, his wife, and dog Cannoli are based out of Rhode Island.
Bio to come!
A representative voice in paper-based solutions with 20+ years’ experience in Paper & Packaging Industry, serving major Industrial, CPG Brands, Retailers and Private Labels, and E-Commerce provider. First point of contact in Mondi for Retailers and Brands on achieving Sustainability goals in packaging with flexible solutions (paper, plastic, hybrid) and circular business model. Holding a Civil Engineering Degree, MBA & Executive programs in Sales & Marketing Excellence from US Business Schools, and specialized in Business Sustainability, Net Zero, Circular Economy from the University of Cambridge. Grown in Venice (Italy), international market experience, living a multicultural family, passionate Sailor, Architect & Engineer of Sustainability in Business.
Bio to come!
Natasha Melton is a graduate from James Madison University with a degree in Biotechnology and over 10 years of experience in the paper and packaging industries. She has worked in R&D, engineering, and product development roles with a focus on sustainable packaging. At Earthodic, she leads the product team in the development of bio-based, circular barrier coatings. Her work in the industry has earned her TAPPI's Young Professional of the Year Award and Progressive Grocer's GenNext Award.
Steve Ottone is the holder of a BS and MS in Wood Science from the Pennsylvania State University. His career started in the paper industry with work for Container Corporation of America, St. Regis Paper, and Champion International. He then moved to the supplier side, working in latex supply to the paper industry for Reichhold, Inc., Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex, and Mallard Creek Polymers. He worked for 7 years with a supplier of ground calcium carbonate into the paper industry. He’s currently a Technical Service Representative with Mallard Creek Polymers, a leading supplier of latex polymers for barrier coatings. His area of emphasis is polymer and rheology modifier solutions to barrier coatings needs.