2025 TAPPI Young Professional of the Year

The Young Professional of the Year is an annual honor that identifies aspiring young leaders in the global forest products and associated industries. Eligible nominees are age 35 or younger with less than 10 years of industry experience.

Hannah Haynes, Associate R&D Scientist, Smurfit Westrock, has been named the TAPPI 2025 Young Professional of the Year. Haynes graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and joined Smurfit Westrock in 2022. In her current role, Haynes focuses on recycling and sustainability, developing test methodology, leading pilot trials, and working with mills to implement sustainable solutions. She co-leads Smurfit Westrock’s Women in Science and Engineering group.

The award recognizes young professionals who have made significant contributions to the forest products industries in the following areas: leadership, community service, and problem-solving contributions to scientific or engineering projects.

Winners are granted one full year of TAPPI membership and are invited to attend their division-specific TAPPI conference during 2025 to receive their award. Haynes will receive her award at TAPPICon.