Exclusive Interview: Tom Larsson of UMV Coating Systems Discusses the Specialty Papers Industry

 

Smithers Pira, co-organizer with TAPPI for Specialty Papers Europe 2018, caught up with Tom Larsson from UMV Coating Systems regarding the importance of the conference for specialty papers professionals. Larsson, a speaker at the conference which takes place April 23-25, 2018, in Cologne, Germany, will present "Optimization of Application with Water-Based Barrier Coatings" on Tuesday, April 24. 

 

Smithers Pira: What are the main challenges the specialty papers industry is facing and how do you think this conference can address them?

 

Tom Larsson: The main challenge is to be prepared for the future. All producers need to be curious and open for new ideas in order to develop, not only to survive, and achieve growth in a changing market. I hope this conference can inspire with examples from both producers and suppliers.

 

Smithers Pira: What are you most looking forward to hearing at the Specialty Papers EU conference in Cologne?

Tom Larsson: New trends within the industry especially those concerning surface properties and coating technology.

Smithers Pira: Why should delegates attend Specialty Papers EU conference and what are the top three overriding takeaways they will receive?

 

Tom Larsson: This event is an excellent opportunity to share experiences as it gathers the most knowledgeable people within this field. Attendees will receive: an industry overview; get an understanding of the needs in future for this industry; and absorb new ideas.

 

Smithers Pira: Can you provide a brief summary of what your presentation will cover and why it’s important for delegates interested in specialty papers to attend?

 

Tom Larsson: Sustainable paper barrier products are needed to create an alternative to the use of conventional packaging solutions containing plastics, perfluorocarbon, and wax. Products with a water based barrier coating are normally a more expensive alternative then the conventional packaging solutions. Therefore, to make the new products with WBBC’s competitive price-wise, it’s important to keep the production costs as low as possible. This means best achievable performance with lowest coat weight possible. The presentation will highlight this, i.e., the way of application and metering with barrier coating and how it’s affecting the performance due to different coverage.

 

Smithers Pira: What are some of the current trends that will be featured at the conference?

Tom Larsson: When looking at the focus of the presentations, one trend is surface treatment of the paper.

 

Smithers Pira: What are some of the big innovations going on in Europe right now that you are excited about?

Tom Larsson: The adaption and transition within the industry based on the current market situation, for example; moving towards Industry 4.0 as well as more value-added products.

 

On April 23-25, 2018, more than 200 specialty papers leaders from across the supply chain will meet in Cologne, Germany to discuss new technologies, emerging trends, and current issues affecting the industry. Plan on joining your peers at Specialty Papers Europe 2018. Register today and use TAPPI’s promo code: SPEU18TAP and save an additional 15%.

Specialty Papers Europe 2018, the only conference in Europe dedicated to the specialty papers industry, is co-organized by TAPPI and Smithers Pira and will include expert-led presentations from leading companies including Nestlé, Valmet, CH-Polymers Oy, Kuraray Europe, Andritz, Ahlstrom-Munksjö, UMV Coating Systems, DuPont, and PaperFoam. It will also include multiple networking opportunities and exhibits. 

 

Key technical sessions include topics on: 

• Market Overview and Trends in Specialty Papers
• Innovations in Printing and Coasting
• New Materials and Packaging Sustainability
• New Barrier Developments and Coatings.

Visit our website to learn more about the conference, including presentation details and speaker bios as well as to see a list of exhibitors and sponsors.