Mikko Rissanen, director of technology at UPM Specialty Papers, has been honored with the AWA Annual Release Liner Industry Leadership Award 2025.

The award was presented to Rissanen during the AWA Annual Release Liner Summit Conference dinner, held on March 20, in Chicago, IL, USA, hosted by AWA Alexander Watson Associates and Mondi Group.

The AWA Annual Release Liner Summit Leadership Award, established in 2016, recognizes individuals who have played a significant leadership role in advancing the release liner Industry. This year’s award marks the 25th anniversary of the event uniting the release liner Industry, a fitting tribute to Rissanen, whose dedication to the industry spans nearly three decades.

Corey Reardon, president and CEO, AWA, presented the award in-person to Rissanen, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to the industry. Reardon highlighted that Rissanen’s influence has gone beyond his individual achievements, helping to shape the success and innovation of the entire release liner sector.

Rissanen’s career began in 1999 when he joined UPM as an R&D engineer, and he quickly progressed through roles of increasing responsibility. His work includes the development of patent for the glassine release liner, including the groundbreaking activated surface technology for silicone anchorage, and authoring technical paper. Throughout his career, Rissanen has actively contributed to key industry associations such as FINAT and Afera, playing a crucial role in technical committees and as a frequent speaker at AWA and other industry events.

As director of technology at UPM, Rissanen has overseen significant advancements in product and market development, and his leadership has helped UPM become a global leader in specialty papers. Rissanen’s work in production, development, and innovation has been instrumental in the growth of the glassine market and the wider release liner Industry.

“Mikko Rissanen is a true gentleman and an exceptional leader,” says Reardon. “His passion for collaboration and joint development has been central to his success. His influence and dedication to the industry are truly remarkable, and it is an honor to present him with this award.”