Before entering the world of pulp and paper, TAPPI member Danny Haynes spent the beginning of his career in aerospace working on launch vehicles. Turns out, his strong background in chemistry, chemical engineering, and data analysis made him a good fit for a deinking specialist position at AkzoNobel more than 20 years ago.

Exactly how did this literal rocket scientist transition from boosters to bleaching technologies? At the suggestion of his then-supervisor, he joined TAPPI. "My first position was in technical support and marketing and TAPPI was the place for learning about the technical approaches in the P&P industry," Danny said. 

After more than 20 years, Danny says TAPPI continues to be his educational and networking resource. "The insights and stories from mill sites in TAPPI’s publications make the work done in the lab more real," he noted. "Additionally, TAPPI’s Standards and TIPs are always helpful. Customers often come up with unique problems and issues and you find yourself working out some new test method for your lab with the Standards being an important guide."

Find out more about Danny Haynes by reading this month’s Member Spotlight. Spotlight participants are recommended by fellow members and staff.  If you would like to nominate a member, just send their name (or names) to MemberSpotlight@tappi.org. We will forward a Spotlight Questionnaire to fill out and return.  

We look forward to seeing you in the Spotlight!