Juhani Strömberg inducted into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame

Strömberg is regarded as a pioneer in paper converting, especially in the self-adhesive label industry, where he started developing water-based adhesives as an alternative to solvent-based products when working for UPM Raflatac, formerly Raf. Haarla, at the turn of the 1970s.

At that time, water-based adhesive technology was out of the ordinary and constituted a significant development that later revolutionized the entire label industry. Strömberg's work in developing label face papers and release papers has also been significant.

His innovations formed a strong foundation for growth and globalization of the label stock producer UPM Raflatac. 

Also in the early 1970s, Hakkarainen was asked to take over as CEO of United Paper Mills, which was struggling with financial problems at that time. Hakkarainen managed to make the business profitable again, had eight paper machines built and changed the company direction which significantly affected the future of the company. During Hakkarainen's era, United Paper Mills became by far the most profitable wood-processing company in Finland, and also an international frontrunner in the industry. Later on, United Paper Mills became a part of UPM. Hakkarainen passed away in 2011.

The Paper Industry International Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate all things paper. The organization annually recognizes people who have made preeminent contributions to the paper industry worldwide. There are 135 members in total, and the organization's board of directors selects new members from a group of nominated inductees. This year, six new members from Finland and the USA have been named in the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame, with Thomas Gardner, Charles Klass, Otto Kress and Irwin Pearl the other inductees in 2016.

UPM Raflatac said nomination represents significant international acknowledgement to Strömberg and Hakkarainen for their achievements in the paper industry and in advancing industry technology.