The Agenda 2020 Technology Alliance visited Auburn University’s Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering last week (Auburn, Ala., USA) for its all-members’ meeting. Center Director Zhihua Jiang, assistant professor at the university, hosted the event.

Agenda 2020 chair Fritz Paulsen noted the Alliance’s strong position as it transitions from road mapping to managing a research portfolio approaching $750,000 in sponsored research. "Our growing portfolio offers a strong focus on core competency that can influence our core businesses," Paulsen observed, "and it  sends a message that the pulp and paper industry can fund quality research—providing further opportunities for matching funds and developing public/private partnerships." 

Five leaders of Agenda 2020’s action teams reviewed their 2017 accomplishments, 2018 goals, and research projects and plans. The teams addressed breakthrough opportunities in next-generation pulping, black liquor concentration, reducing paper drying energy, reuse of process effluents, and cellulosic nanomaterials. Summaries of each team’s work and the five technology roadmaps can be found on the Agenda 2020 website. 

In photo above are (l-r): Zhihua Jiang, director - Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering; David Turpin, executive director - Agenda 2020 Technology Alliance; and Fritz Paulsen, chair-Agenda 2020 and research and development manager- Kapstone Paper and Packaging.

 

"Follow up with me or a board member, if you’re interested," urged Agenda 2020 director David Turpin. "These projects are now being launched, and most can still welcome additional sponsors. We can enable a significant difference in our industry’s sustainability and cost profiles with success in these proof-of-concept projects seeking breakthrough improvements in resource efficiency and market opportunity."

Welcoming the group, Jiang said that "we are very pleased to have you here at Auburn." Steve Taylor, associate dean for research, College of Engineering, added that "you’ll find a home here of people who understand the industry." Dean of Engineering Chris Roberts also welcomed the group. 

The day included presentations of current research at Auburn University in pulping and bleaching, conversion of sludge to lactic acid, a catalytic process for gas to liquid conversion, and bioenergy and bioproducts. The Agenda 2020 guests also toured the research and technical service laboratories in the center.

 

In photo above, Agenda 2020 members and affiliates visit an analytical and technical services laboratory at Auburn University.

The Agenda 2020 Technology Alliance is an industry-led consortium that promotes development of advanced technologies for the pulp and paper industry. For further information, visit the Agenda 2020 website.