Koenig & Bauer's Eric Frank takes PPC top honor after 52 years shaping print

Eric Frank, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Koenig & Bauer (US/CA), has been awarded the 2026 Volunteer Leader Award of Excellence by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC). The recognition, presented on October 13 during the PPC fall meeting in Orlando, Florida, highlights a 52-year career dedicated to the advancement of the graphic arts and packaging sectors.

52 years mapping technological evolution

Spending 52 years in print is not merely a measure of time; it is a living map of the industry's technological evolution. Frank's trajectory mirrors the fundamental transformations of the market. His career has navigated the critical shifts from traditional sheetfed and web offset to the digital revolution, expanding seamlessly into postpress, flexo, and corrugated markets. This cross-platform experience provides a comprehensive view of how folding carton production has adapted to modern demands for speed, automation, and efficiency.

Commitment to education and leadership

The PPC award specifically recognizes decades of active involvement and mentorship. Frank has been a fixture on the PPC Board of Directors since 2016 and serves across the association's membership, marketing, and supplier committees. Beyond boardroom strategy, his commitment to education stands out through his regular teaching role at the PPC's bi-annual Folding Carton Boot Camps, where he directly instructs the next generation of packaging professionals.

During the official ceremony, Frank received the award alongside PPC President Emily Leonczyk and PPC Board Chair Hilda Murray. The recognition underscores Koenig & Bauer's broader strategic alignment with industry associations, reinforcing the manufacturer's role not just as an equipment supplier, but as a foundational partner in the folding carton ecosystem.

Recognizing a half-century career that actively bridges the gap between legacy offset and modern digital corrugated solutions highlights the critical need for institutional knowledge in today's fast-paced packaging transition. As the industry accelerates toward full automation, how can equipment manufacturers ensure this deep, cross-platform expertise is effectively transferred to the next generation of print leaders? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai