Name: Johannes Leitner
Organization: Mondi AG
Current position: Applied Science Technologist
Areas of expertise: Chemical Pulping, Biorefinery, Product Development
Roles in FibreNet: Researcher and Development Engineer
Why is FibreNet an interesting project for you?
FibreNet is a platform for innovative ideas and innovative people.
Tell something about yourself. Where did you live as a child?
I grew up on a farmhouse in one of Austria’s northern provinces. I had plenty of time to develop my problem solving skills which I use now on a daily basis.
How about your hobbies?
I have many hobbies such as sailing, hiking, skiing, theatre, plays and concerts.
How did you become a researcher/scientist?
I always liked to develop new processes and materials, therefore this felt like a natural career choice.
Tell something about yourself, which other FibreNet people might not know yet.
I like to listen to classical music from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonin Dvorak.
How do you organize your time at work? Reveal some of your effective time management tricks.
The basis for effective time management is to select priority areas – this for me is having an impact on the process efficiency of the mill and focusing on environmental impact we have on our society.
What do you like most in your current work?
I like to combine existing technologies with challenges of the next generation. This is only possible if researchers and engineers with diverse backgrounds partner together.
What is the most important thing in your current job?
I am happy that I am part of an excellent network of Mondi’s experts which is vital to implement new technologies in the packaging sector in the 21st century.
Describe the best colleague or boss that you have worked with. What was it that especially impressed you?
Those that have had a lasting impression on me are those that have had good technical know how to understand and support me in my challenges and also understood my strengths and weaknesses.
When was the last time you had to “sell” your idea to your team? How did you do it and what was the outcome?
Mondi provides a great environment to develop and create new ideas. Most recently, I worked on developing a new technology for our sustainable packaging. Watch this space to learn more!