Spotlight On: Ragna Orbe, Laboratory Assistant at Holmen’s Paper Mill, Hallstavik, Sweden

Your path into the industry

Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your current role?
My name is Ragna Orbe, I’m 38 years old, and I work at Holmen’s paper mill in Hallstavik, Sweden. I’ve been with Holmen for five years, working as a Laboratory Assistant in our head laboratory. My responsibilities include routine quality assurance testing across the entire process – from the wood and pulp to process water, emissions, and finished paper. I also manage analyses of emission values reported to the county administrative board, including recipient water testing and groundwater sampling. The role is varied, requiring technical precision, problem-solving, and strong communication with our internal customers.

What initially sparked your interest in the sustainable packaging and cartonboard industry?
Before joining Holmen, I didn’t have any prior industrial experience, so the chance to learn something completely new and vital to the economy was what initially drew me in. The paper industry is not only a significant part of Sweden’s economic history but also involves a complex and constantly evolving process. It’s genuinely exciting and fun to be a part of a sector that is rooted in history yet very forward-thinking.

What has been the most significant milestone or experience that has shaped your career to date?
What I’ve realised over time is that in my role, you never stop learning something new. The processes in the paper industry are constantly evolving, and that means my role constantly evolves too, and every day brings new insights. Working closely with experienced colleagues allows me to deepen my knowledge, ensuring that I am always gaining new information that I can put into practice daily.

Were there any specific challenges or turning points that you feel were pivotal in your professional journey?
I’m not particularly technical by nature, and our lab uses a wide range of instruments. Learning how to troubleshoot and repair them was initially challenging, but mastering those skills has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

How has the industry changed since you first started, and what excites you most about its future?
Since I began, many mills around the world have struggled due to economic pressures and declining demand for traditional paper products. Despite these challenges, Holmen has stood strong by focusing on renewability and continuous product development. Being part of projects that drive this evolution is truly inspiring and working with committed and driven coworkers makes it even better.

Daily impact

What does a typical day in your current role look like?
My workday begins early at 7:00AM. After checking emails, our team gathers for a morning planning meeting at 7:15AM led by our section manager. Then I start with the day’s sample rounds across the mill, depending on the testing area assigned, I can easily reach over 10,000 steps by the end of the day.

Once back in the lab, I analyse the samples and ensure all instruments, such as pH meters and pipettes, are correctly calibrated. Results are entered into our internal systems, and any deviations are flagged so that our internal customers can respond quickly.

Can you describe a specific project or initiative you’ve worked on recently that you found particularly exciting or innovative?
I’m often involved in various projects and investigations at the mill. Recently, I found an investigation into brightness loss and the flow of process water very exciting. This project allowed us to trace potential issues to their root causes, which is a critical part of moving beyond simple fixes and helping us take preventive action and continuously improve the entire manufacturing process.

How does your work directly contribute to the sustainable and environmental benefits of cartonboard packaging?
A key part of my work involves checking online instruments that operators use to control dosages. Ensuring their accuracy has a direct environmental impact: correct dosing prevents chemical overuse, supporting both sustainability and cost efficiency. I also handle the sampling and analysis of emission values reported to the county administrative board, ensuring our mill maintains its environmental commitments.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career in this industry?
Take the time to learn. Ask questions and, whenever possible, visit other mills or companies to broaden your perspective. Each site and team works differently, and there’s so much to learn from that variety.

What is the one reason why you are proud to work in the carton and cartonboard industry?
It’s an established industry with rich history – yet one with a significant role in the future. To be part of its evolution toward sustainability and innovation is something I’m very proud of.

Beyond your role

What’s a skill or hobby you have outside of work that has surprisingly helped you in your role?

I have a strong memory for numbers, which comes in very handy when handling a large amount of analysis data every day.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
If you like what you do, you likely will become very good at it.

If you could have any other job in packaging for a day, what would it be and why?
If I could switch roles for a day, I’d love to be part of the product development team. I’m often involved on the analytical and lab side, so it would be fascinating to experience the initial creative phase – to contribute to the design and conceptualisation of new projects from the very beginning.

What is the one thing you wish more people knew about the carton and cartonboard industry?
The one thing I wish more people knew is how complex our manufacturing process is and how crucial the quality of our raw materials is to the final product. Beyond that, I want people to know that we are not standing still – we are genuinely and constantly focused on finding new ways to further improve our sustainability.