The Agenda 2020 Technology Alliance seeks experts for several research workshops in September and October to support the development of breakthrough technologies to achieve dramatic increases in energy and resource efficiency in manufacturing, and to develop new products from biomaterials.  

These workshops represent key milestones in executing the Alliance’s Advanced Manufacturing program, supported by a 2014 National Institute of Science and Technology grant. Input gathered at these workshops will add specifics to the research roadmaps completed in 2014, to stimulate investigations leading to development of advanced technologies in five priority areas.  The Reuse of Process Effluents Team, held its workshop in June.

"These workshops will make a critical contribution to Agenda 2020’s pursuit of breakthroughs in manufacturing technology," said Agenda 2020 Technology Alliance Executive Director David Turpin. "It will be energizing to collaborate with manufacturers, suppliers, academics, and other experts to address critical issues of energy and materials efficiency and new market opportunities in our industry."

Agenda 2020's Vision 2030 describes the benefits that could be achieved through broad application of further advancements in industry technology.

The first fall workshop, Reduced Paper Drying Energy, will be held September 21-22 at the Renewable Bioproducts Institute (RBI), Georgia Tech, in Atlanta, Ga., USA.  Focus areas include sheet modification to encourage drying, and press/nip modifications to prevent re-wet. This team seeks experts in fiber morphology, refining, chemical modification of cellulose, fluid-flow modeling, press fabric and roll design, forming technologies, and other areas.

Following that, the Cellulosic Nanomaterials team will hold its session September 22-23, also at RBI.  Focus areas are development of economically viable drying and dewatering methods that allow for redispersion, and development of enabling technologies to facilitate the use of nanocellulose in composite materials.  Expertise sought includes, among others, drying and dispersion techniques, surface functionalization, chemistry and rheology, and those associated with development of a spectrum of end-use products.

Two other workshops will be held in October, locations to be announced:

• "Breaking the Yield Barrier," October 8-9, which will focus on increasing yield in pulping and keeping it through subsequent processes. This effort will require contributors in the fields of pulping and bleaching processes and related disciplines such as chemistry and chemicals (enzymes, catalysis, surfactants, chip penetrantsand activators, etc.), equipment suppliers, catalysis, and more.
• Black Liquor Concentration workshop, October 15-16 in Atlanta, will explore the application of membrane-based technology to reduce energy consumption by traditional multiple-effect evaporation. The team welcomes experts in materials science, black liquor handling, and membrane technology for water removal from near-boiling temperature aqueous streams.

Attendance is by invitation. If you are interested in participating, please contact Executive Director David Turpin at 202-463-2742. More information about Agenda2020 Technology Alliance is available online.  

In the photo below, Agenda 2020 Chair Beth Cormier (SAPPI) and Executive Director David Turpin

review the teams’ roadmap reports.

The Agenda 2020 Technology Alliance is an industry-led consortium that promotes development of advanced technologies for the pulp and paper industry.