Innovation on Display: Students Shine at TAPPICon 2025 Poster Competition
Future industry leaders took center stage at this year’s TAPPICon as students from across the country showcased cutting-edge research at the annual Poster Competition, held during TAPPICon in Minneapolis. Sponsored by Sekisui, the competition featured 14 student participants from seven universities, all eager to share advancements that could shape the future of the pulp, paper, and packaging industry.
From sustainable materials to carbon reduction strategies, the posters presented offered innovative solutions to some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. The top three winners, selected by a panel of expert judges, were recognized for their excellence in research, presentation, and potential industry impact.
🥇 First Place – $1,000
“Enhancing Surface and Barrier Properties of Paper and Packaging Materials through Microfibrillated Cellulose Enabled Composite Coatings”
Aakash Upadhyay, North Carolina State University
Upadhyay impressed judges with his work exploring the use of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) to improve paper and packaging material performance, particularly in surface strength and barrier resistance.
🥈 Second Place – $750
“Decarbonizing the U.S. Pulp and Paper Industry: Uncovering Emissions Hotspots and Pathways to Low Carbon Production”
Maria Gonzalez, North Carolina State University
Gonzalez’s project tackled the urgent issue of sustainability, mapping emission sources across the industry and offering actionable strategies for reducing carbon output.
🥉 Third Place – $500
“Cellulose Nanofibrils (CNFs)-Based Barrier Coatings for the Dry Thermoforming Process”
Bright Appiah, University of Maine
Appiah’s research offered promising solutions for biodegradable barrier coatings, enhancing sustainability in thermoformed packaging applications.
The Poster Competition was chaired by Dr. Lokendra Pal (NC State University) and Rosy Covarrubias (Buckman), who praised the students for their rigorous research and presentation skills.
“This competition isn’t just about awards—it’s about nurturing the next generation of talent and innovation in our field,” said Dr. Pal. “These students are working on real-world challenges, and their solutions hold tremendous potential.”
Thanks to the generous support of Sekisui, the competition continues to be a vital platform for student innovation in pulp, paper, and packaging science. As sustainability, innovation, and material science continue to define the future of the industry, the ideas showcased at TAPPICon’s Poster Competition are proof that the future is in capable hands.
