Industry Spotlight: Marcus Spanier, Technical Customer Services and Technical Product Services at MM Board & Paper

Your Career Path

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

Coming from a family with its own roofing business, the first important milestone was deciding to train as an offset printer. In 2007, after successfully completing my master craftsman training in digital and print media, I was given management responsibility in a print shop for the first time. Department management, production management, and operational management taught me important skills about dealing with people as a leader. It was an important experience for me to venture into self-employment outside the industry. However, my longing for my specialist area led me to MM Board & Paper – probably the most important milestone in my life – because I found my professional home there in various positions.

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

Personal circumstances have played a major role in shaping my career, as they have always been associated with a change of location. The decision to leave my home country on behalf of an employer to support the development of a new production site was certainly a defining moment in my personal development. The biggest influence was the decision to move my life from Germany to beautiful Styria in Austria, where MM offered me the opportunity to grow and develop professionally through expertise and personal commitment.

Daily Work and Responsibilities

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

Thank God that nothing stays the same! Every day brings new challenges, showcasing the many different facets of our wonderful industry. Providing technical converting support for new cartonboard solutions is a key part of my job. Well-known products on the market, such as FOODBOARD®, are projects I have been involved in, making my work both exciting and meaningful.

Are there any particular projects or initiatives that you have recently been involved in that you find particularly exciting or innovative?

One particularly exciting initiative is our planned further development in the North American market, specifically in the USA and Canada. It is a special honour for me, and I consider it a recognition of my achievements to be able to support our sales colleagues locally with my converting expertise.

Impact on the Industry

In your opinion, how does your work contribute to the sustainable and environmentally friendly aspects of cartonboard packaging?

A key part of my job is proposing sustainable packaging solutions to our customers, considering the technical requirements of their products, and supporting them in practical applications. By helping customers transition to fibre-based packaging, I contribute to a more sustainable future.

What trends or developments in the industry are you most looking forward to and how do they influence your work?

Replacing even more plastic with fibre-based solutions is one of the most exciting trends. From my perspective, plastic itself is not inherently bad – the problem lies in how we humans handle plastic waste. Fiber-based packaging presents the only real solution to ensuring that the world remains a liveable place for future generations, including my children’s children.

Advice and Suggestions

What advice would you give to people considering a career in the cartonboard and cardboard packaging industry?

First and foremost, I always recall my father’s advice: “Take your job as your favourite hobby.” Additionally, maintaining an interest in new and ongoing developments is crucial. Our industry is constantly evolving due to market trends and technological advancements. Having the courage to support and help shape these developments is what makes this field so special.

Are there any personal or professional achievements that you are particularly proud of and would like to share with others?

Of course, there have been moments when I felt proud. However, as a passionate sportsman, I always believe that once one challenge is completed, the next one begins. My motto is simple: “Keep going forward.”

Why are you proud to work in the cartonboard and cardboard packaging industry?

In our industry, profitability and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. Everyone working in this sector contributes to making the world a better place. We stand for something good while still achieving economic success, and that is something to be truly proud of.