Industry Spotlight: Hans-Peter Kollmannsberger, Sales Manager, Metsä Board

Background and Introduction

Please provide a brief introduction to yourself and your current role within the carton and cartonboard industry.

I joined the company in 2002, back when it was called M-real Alliance, starting out as a Customer Service Manager for Commercial Printing. In late 2005, I moved into the Office Papers Central Region team, taking on the role of Customer Care Centre Manager. When the office relocated to Amsterdam in 2008, I became Sustainability & Business Development Manager. Then in 2009, I successfully applied for a role as Sales Manager in Consumer Packaging – a position I still hold today, working closely with a range of converters and brand owner accounts.

How did you first become interested in this field, and what led you to your current career path?

During my education, I was always drawn to sales. After completing my military service, a friend mentioned that Papierwerke Waldhof Aschaffenburg (PWA), located near my hometown, was hiring for customer service roles. That’s how I first entered the paper and board industry – and I’ve been part of it ever since.

Your Career Journey

Can you describe the key milestones and experiences that have shaped your career in this industry?

There have been many, but one of the most significant was the transition from customer service into external sales. Honestly, if you’d asked me 20 years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined myself in this role. Leading a team is one thing; working remotely without direct personnel responsibility is quite another.

However, working from home taught me valuable skills. I became more efficient, more self-driven, and started building a wider network of colleagues, customers, and industry experts.

Were there any particular challenges or turning points that stand out in your professional journey?

Moving from a national (German) team to working with a multinational team really changed my perspective. Collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds introduced new ways of thinking, problem-solving, and innovating. I developed a stronger appreciation for cultural differences and adapted my communication style to ensure clarity and mutual understanding. When shared goals align within a diverse team, it becomes a real motivator and enhances collaboration.

Daily Work and Responsibilities

What does a typical day or week in your current role look like?

It really depends on whether I’m working from home or meeting customers face-to-face. Each day begins with checking our CRM system to monitor ongoing projects and set priorities. I coordinate customer appointments, attend Teams meetings on various topics, and keep an eye on order inflow and invoicing to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Are there any specific projects or initiatives you’ve been involved in recently that you find particularly exciting or innovative?

A key focus of my role is helping customers understand the Metsä story – particularly our sustainability credentials and the advantages of our products. It took me a while to fully grasp just how advanced our offering is, but now I can confidently say that our services are among the best in the market.

Industry Impact

How do you believe your work contributes to the sustainable and environmentally friendly aspects of cartonboard packaging?

There’s often a misconception that recycled fibre board is always the more sustainable option, but that’s not necessarily the case. Sustainability depends on many factors – including the carbon footprint of the materials used. I find it rewarding to engage with customers on this level, discussing the pros and cons of various board types and using data-driven insights to guide our decisions. Together, we can find the best, most responsible solutions.

What trends or developments in the industry are you most excited about, and how do they influence your work?

I’m particularly encouraged by the growing awareness of sustainability across all sectors. I remember hearing the term “sustainability” 20 years ago – but back then, it was more of a buzzword. Today, it drives real action. Regulations like the Green Claims initiative ensure that we must be specific and transparent, which I see as a major positive for the industry.

I’m also excited by the progress being made in reducing plastic usage through fibre-based alternatives. It’s fascinating to see how our industry is stepping up to meet this challenge.

Advice and Inspiration

What advice do you have for individuals considering a career in the carton and cartonboard industry?

The paper and board industry has evolved tremendously – from what some may have seen as an “old-fashioned” sector to a cutting-edge, innovative space. With strong R&D teams and dedicated sustainability experts, we are constantly pushing boundaries and supporting customers to reduce their environmental impact. It’s an industry full of opportunity, with a wide range of professions on offer.

Are there any personal or professional accomplishments that you are especially proud of and would like to share?

One of the things I’m most proud of is the network I’ve built over the years. Many of the contacts I’ve made have become long-standing partnerships with mutual trust and appreciation of each other’s expertise   – this is something I truly value.

What is the one reason why you are proud to work in the carton and cartonboard industry?

I’m proud to be part of an industry that provides sustainable packaging solutions – solutions that are growing in relevance and importance as we look to the future.

Hans-Peter’s story is a perfect example of how the cartonboard industry continues to evolve – driven by sustainability, innovation, and the power of personal connection. As Hans-Peter shows, there’s never been a more exciting time to be part of it.