Celebrating the Life of an Industry Legend: Dr. Peter W. Hart
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Dr. Peter W. Hart, a true pioneer in the pulp and paper industry, passed away on May 11, 2024. His legacy will be celebrated for many years. As we reflect on Hart’s remarkable life and achievements, we celebrate his positive impact on TAPPI and the industry. He was a beloved TAPPI member, editor, author, instructor, and mentor.
Hart earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Maine, majoring in Chemical Engineering and Pulp and Paper Technology. During his academic journey, he spent two terms as a co-op for Boise Cascade in Rumford, ME, and a summer working for Container Corporation of America in Philadelphia, PA. He later earned his Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maine and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. His dissertation was on the formation and release of AOX during kraft pulp bleaching.
Upon completing his Ph.D., Peter joined Westvaco (later named MeadWestvaco, MWV, and now WestRock) as a Research Chemical Engineer. His roles included pulp mill superintendent, process engineering manager, and technical assistant to the mill manager. In 2002, he returned to R&D working on multiple mill improvement efforts collaborating with vendors, universities, outside research consortia, and various government agencies. He then worked as an individual contributor for several years before being chosen to help lead the corporate R&D structure for the company.
Throughout his career, Peter held various research, production, and engineering positions of increasing responsibility. He worked in production at both the Wickliffe, KY and the Evadale, TX, mills and spent five years living in Brazil half-time as part of a major mill expansion project that included a new paper machine and a serial #1 patented pulping line which he helped develop.
An esteemed TAPPI member since 1981, Hart’s dedication to the association was unwavering. Throughout his career, Hart made significant contributions to TAPPI, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among its members. He was inducted into the 2012 TAPPI Fellow class for his meritorious service to the association and the industry. He also served on TAPPI’s Board of Directors from 2019 – 2022.
A very active member and volunteer, Hart authored over 150 technical articles, books, and papers on various aspects of the pulp and paper industry. He served on the TAPPI Journal Editorial Board for over 20 years, including three terms as editor-in-chief, and actively participated in multiple committees and local sections, including the Alkaline Pulping and Bleaching Committee, Pulp Manufacture Division Council, and PEERS Committees. As an instructor for TAPPI’s Kraft Recovery Operations Course, Hart’s contributions to education and professional development were profound.
Hart’s dedication to the industry and involvement with TAPPI earned him numerous accolades, including the Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal Award, the David Wetherhorn Award, the High Impact Paper Award, two TAPPI Journal Best Research Paper Awards, and the Leadership and Service Award. As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Peter W. Hart, we remember a beloved TAPPI member, editor, author, instructor, and mentor whose contributions to the industry will continue to inspire future generations and industry leaders.
