Written by Rachel Kraft Mattson
When most high school students think about the future, they’re focused on college applications or campus life. For Brooklyn Park native Cameron Borner, now a senior at the University of Minnesota, the focus was sustainable packaging. In high school, he explored everything from emerging bioplastics to traditional paper products, drawn to the idea of reducing plastic waste. While bioplastics initially caught his attention, paper stood out for its stability, versatility, and widespread cultural acceptance. His interest only deepened once he was introduced to the pulp and paper industry in college.
Now, as May 2026 graduation approaches, Cameron is working to turn those aspirations into a career reality.
Starting at the University as a Chemical Engineering major, Cameron’s trajectory shifted after discovering how BBE weaves sustainability directly into its curriculum.
"I wanted to work in sustainable packaging," the senior said. "It just made sense to switch so that my classes would be focused on methodologies that align with my core values, rather than having to hunt for extra emphasis classes."
Beyond the sustainability focus, his draw was the "second family" atmosphere. In a University of over 30,000 undergraduates, BBE’s intimate cohort of undergraduate students is a rare find at a Big10 college. "All of those fears of not finding my people melted away," he noted. "We all share a mindset of wanting to help the world move in a better direction."
The BBE experience is defined by doing. Currently, about 75% of BBE students participate in faculty research, and Cameron embraced those opportunities to get involved. From studying soil fungi inoculation with Professor Bo Hu, to exploring paper drying decarbonization with Professor Shri Ramaswamy, the hands-on opportunities are endless.
That classroom knowledge and undergraduate research translated into a 15-month co-op at the Sappi mill in Cloquet, MN. Working as a "real" process engineer, Cameron earned a Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma and led projects that are still helping the mill meet water reduction and yield goals today.
However, the highlight wasn't just the technical experience, it was the people.
"My favorite part was connecting with the operators and volunteering at the Carlton County Fair," he said. "Hearing stories of generations spent in the forest products industry is something I will always cherish."
After graduation, Cameron plans to return to Sappi Cloquet while pursuing graduate studies in polymeric materials. The long-term goal? Transitioning the food packaging industry away from plastics.
"They say Americans consume about a credit card’s worth of microplastics every week," he said. "I don’t want that to be something my kids have to worry about. I’m striving to make that difference."