Spotlight On: Simon Weisskopf, Country Manager for Switzerland and Austria at Sappi

Your path into the industry

Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your current role?
My name is Simon Weisskopf, I am 38 years old, and I have been working at Sappi for 22 years. During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to take on a wide range of roles within Sappi’s sales organisation, which has given me a deep understanding of our products and the needs of our customers.

Until 2011, I worked at our paper mill in Switzerland in several customer-service-focused roles, which allowed me to build close relationships with our clients. Today, I’m responsible for the Swiss and Austrian markets for our graphic papers, our packaging grades, and parts of our speciality paper portfolio.

What initially sparked your interest in the sustainable packaging and cartonboard industry?
Twenty years ago, I was looking for an apprenticeship I could reach independently on my motorcycle. Since the paper mill was one of the most important employers in the region, I applied straight away. I still remember arriving far too early and standing outside, noticing the distinct smell of fresh pulp. It’s a scent that has stayed with me ever since. Being there that day made me curious about the work inside and sparked an interest that’s lasted for two decades.

What has been the most significant milestone or experience that has shaped your career to date?
What has shaped me most is the close collaboration with my colleagues, the family-like atmosphere within the company, and the appreciation I have always felt for the work we do together. Equally important are the continuous opportunities I’ve had to grow, take on new responsibilities, and broaden my experience over the years.

Were there any specific challenges or turning points that you feel were pivotal in your professional journey?
A key influence on my professional development was working closely with my former manager. Through that experience, I learned how important effective teamwork is and how much can be achieved when we pursue goals together. It was a pivotal period that taught me the value of collaboration and supporting each other to succeed. Lessons that continue to guide me in my work today.

How has the industry changed since you first started, and what excites you most about its future?
Everything has changed — and yet, in some ways, nothing ever really does. What continues to excite me most is working with people. I enjoy the constant exchange of ideas and the willingness to support each other, both internally with colleagues and externally with customers and partners. Being part of that collaborative spirit makes the work rewarding every day.

Daily impact

What does a typical day in your current role look like?
I won’t even start on the daily price negotiations and system adjustments — they are part of the everyday routine. Internal coordination and planning take up a big part of my day. I also spend a lot of time on the road, whether by train, bus, car, or plane, meeting customers and supporting our teams in person. Every day is different. The mix of desk work and travel keeps the role interesting and dynamic.

Can you describe a specific project or initiative you’ve worked on recently that you found particularly exciting or innovative?
I find the coordination between the mill, the production and product management teams, and the customer around quality requirements particularly exciting. Every case brings new insights and challenges. Working closely with all parties allows us to ensure that we continuously meet and exceed customer expectations.

How does your work directly contribute to the sustainable and environmental benefits of cartonboard packaging?
Through our functional mono-layer papers, which are produced locally in Germany, we help reduce the plastic content of packaging a little bit every day. Knowing that our work contributes to more sustainable packaging solutions and supports the shift toward a circular economy makes the role particularly rewarding.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career in this industry?
“Every time there is something to do, say yes!” Why? Because when you do, your effort is noticed and appreciated. Saying yes also pushes you to take on new experiences and responsibilities, which often leads to growth and opportunities you might not have expected.

What is the one reason why you are proud to work in the carton and cartonboard industry?
I’m proud to work in this industry because we produce materials based on wood fibre. A renewable resource that genuinely supports people, communities, and the planet. Being part of a globally leading, innovative, and trustworthy industry, committed to sustainable processes and products, makes me feel that I’m actively contributing to a circular economy. We don’t just produce what is possible, we consciously produce what is meaningful and responsible.

Beyond your role

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

I’ve been interested in computers and gaming since I was young. The fast-changing IT world doesn’t stop at other industries, and this background has helped me stay adaptable and well-prepared for ongoing change and new systems. It’s a hobby that’s given me a natural curiosity and comfort with technology, which I use every day in my role.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
“Constant dripping wears away the stone.” Persistence is everything.

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 would love to be a packaging designer at an end-user company. It would be fascinating to have the chance to define the entire packaging of a product, from the material and shape to the design and functionality. Seeing how all the elements come together to create a final product would be very interesting.

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 that our industry does not destroy forests. We sustainably manage them, and in the EU, forest areas are actually growing. It’s important to understand that our work supports a renewable resource, and that sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.