Mohawk and Yale have a long partnership on a variety of important print projects dating back to the 1940s when Yale University Press helped design an archival paper for a series of books on Benjamin Franklin. That paper later became Mohawk Superfine. Today, Yale uses a wide range of Mohawk's papers for projects ranging from its Undergraduate View Book to its recent Capital Campaign Publications, designed by Yale lecturer Michael Bierut of Pentagram Partners. The Yale/Mohawk partnership will allow all Yale departments to reduce paper costs and increase sustainability through the use of recycled paper that is third-party certified.

Mohawk is the largest manufacturer of premium printing, writing, and digital paper in North America. The company's paper mill is the first in the U.S. to match 100% of its electricity with windpower renewable energy credits and the first U.S. premium paper mill to shift toward carbon neutral production.

The 32 charter member companies agreed to establish energy use and energy intensity baselines, and develop an energy management plan over the next 12 months. As indicated by the special "LEADER" designation, these companies are more than just first actors on the path to greater energy efficiency; they are coming forward to serve as actual role models and pace setters on an ongoing basis for others in the industrial sector. In return, the companies will receive access to select DOE resources, as well as national recognition for energy management achievements.

"Taking advantage of the mature paper technology, low cost, light and high-performance energy-storage are realized by using conductive paper as current collectors and electrodes," the scientists said in research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

This type of battery could be useful in powering electric or hybrid vehicles, would make electronics lighter weight and longer lasting, and might even lead someday to paper electronics, scientists said in the Reuters report. Battery weight and life have been an obstacle to commercial viability of electric-powered cars and trucks. The technology could be commercialized within a short time, the report noted.

During the past 20 years, the global SFPI has typically ranged between $5 and $10/o.d. metric ton (odmt) higher than the global HFPI. This relationship changed this year because hardwood fiber costs have increased more than softwood costs, WRQ explains. The Global Wood Fiber Indices are weighted global average delivered wood fiber prices for the pulp industry in the regions tracked by WRQ. The regions included in the Indices together account for 85%-90% of the world's wood-based pulp production capacity. The prices are based on the quarterly average prices, and country/regional wood fiber consumption data.

The HFPI was up $4.23/odmt, reaching $99.15/odmt in the 3Q/09 compared with the 2Q. This was mainly a result of higher wood costs in Brazil, Australia, Russia, and Sweden, WRQ notes. The global average hardwood fiber price is now more than $6 higher than that of softwood fiber, a historical first. The SFPI jumped $3 per odmt in the 3Q to $93.12/odmt. Much of the increase occurred because the U.S. dollar weakened against all 14 currencies in the countries included in the Index. The biggest increases were seen in Germany, Brazil, New Zealand, and Australia, according to WRQ.

As previously announced on September 3, 2008, AbitibiBowater committed to expanding on its inclusive approach to the predominant third-party sustainable forest management (SFM) certification standards. The centerpiece of this commitment is a company-wide promise to maintain 100% third-party SFM certification of all its managed woodlands. In addition to the FSC certification received this week in Quebec, the company continues to pursue FSC certification initiatives in other management units in Quebec, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. AbitibiBowater will also expand audited FSC Chain-of-Custody certifications at a number of company operations.

Princeton Young Achievers (PYA) is an after-school program that helps 100 children from lower-income families improve their school performance. Princeton students meet at three neighborhood centers for homework support, enriching activities, one-on-one tutoring, literacy support, and special activities. "The PYA located right here in Princeton does an exceptional job of educating and caring for children from lower-income families," Spring said. "I hope that this donation will make the holidays brighter for these kids in need. It is important to remember that Christmas is about giving, not shopping." This year Marcal re-launched its line of 100% recycled paper products that it has been manufacturing for more than 50 years under the name Marcal Small Steps.

"We are pleased to announce our entry into the digital photo paper market. The digital photo paper segment is a high end and profitable market that presents attractive growth potential," said Zhenyong Liu, chairman and CEO of Orient Paper. "We believe the digital photo paper segment will significantly contribute to our revenue and net income growth in fiscal 2010. We maintain a positive growth outlook as we expand our operations and product offering with continued focus on quality and efficiency."

Orient Paper, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Shengde Holdings and Baoding Shengde Paper Co., controls and operates Hebei Baoding Orient Paper Milling Co. Founded in 1996, HBOP is engaged in the production and distribution of products such as corrugating medium, offset printing paper, writing paper, and other paper and packaging-related products in China. The company uses recycled paper as its primary raw material.

Stonehill Converting further announced that it has obtained a $5 million working capital line of credit and term loan from First Business Capital Corp based in Madison, Wis. Steve Peters, the company's COO, notes that "the $5 million of financing is sufficient to fund our needs for the foreseeable future. We are delighted to have First Business Capital as our funding Partner and appreciate their support of us and our business plans."

"We have examined a full range of options related to our continuing ownership of this facility and have concluded that it is in the best interest of Tembec and the employees of the Pine Falls mill that we exit that site," John Valley, executive VP, Business Development and Corporate Affairs, said. "It is our hope to find a new owner for the site and we are prepared to work with all parties to facilitate a transaction. However, if the sales process is not successful or if it is not completed in a timely manner, we will consider other options, including a permanent closure of the facility."

Tembec has informed the Province of Manitoba and the United Steelworkers (USW) that it is prepared to end the current lockout, subject to reaching an agreement on a limited number of local issues. The ending of the lockout will not, however, mean a resumption of operations, Tembec adds. The company has contacted the union through the USW to begin discussions on those issues, with the hope of achieving a timely resolution.

• CLEARVISION—Cameras used to inspect every box for gluing, folding, printing, and die-cutting defects
• OPSIGNAL—Fastest and most accurate sheet counter
• FRED THOMPSON CORRUGATED—Engico's new Top Print version of the popular "Converting Center" now available with a Die Cut Stripping Module
• FOSBER SNAPSHOT—used to hold data of the past six months of production
• ALLIANCE MACHINE—Automatic load former for column stacking
• MHI—100 in. EVOL Flexo Folder Gluer
• BRADEN SUTPHIN INK CO.—EcoSmart Ink, an environmentally friendly ink
• THE BOBST GROUP—A new generation FFG, Masterflex, and Masterfold Specialty Folder Gluer to be introduced to the North American market.

For program reservations, call or email Marilyn Beach: mbtappi@comcast.net / 708.469.7087. Hotel reservations can be made online or by telephone: 800.228.9290. More information is available on the Chicago TAPPI web site.

According to the Tetra Pak Dairy Index released this past week, total global consumption of milk and other LDP is expected to grow by 1.3% from 2008 to 2009. By the end of 2009, worldwide consumption of LDP is expected to reach 263 billion liters, up from 259 billion liters in 2008. This figure increases to 284 billion liters when soy milk and other dairy alternatives such as rice, nut, and seed-based milks are included.

Tetra Pak is forecasting that total global LDP consumption will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.2% from 2009 to 2012, in line with its projection earlier this year. Much of this growth will be led by developing markets, which have driven 95.8% of global LDP consumption growth from 2005 to 2008 due to factors such as population growth, rising incomes, and the relative novelty of liquid dairy products. The Tetra Pak Dairy Index  can be downloaded on Tetra Pak's web site.

DeLoach also announced that Sonoco has entered into an agreement to provide packaging services for the LEGO Group at a new pack center that is scheduled to open in early 2010 in Monterrey, Mexico. Sonoco currently provides packaging services for LEGO in Poland, for various retail products, new product launches, and the company's consumer on-line brick ordering service. In addition, Sonoco will be handling pack center work in Poland for Henkel Adhesive consumer products.

The Nominating Committee has recommended a slate of three candidates. Members are encouraged to visit the TAPPI website to review members of the current Board and learn more about the slate of three nominees.

Online voting is fast and easy. Voting began December 1, 2009 and will end on January 15, 2010. Be sure to cast your ballot, which is available online for your convenience -- have your ballot number and TAPPI Member number ready.

The latest issue of TAPPI JOURNAL is now available to TAPPI members; simply log in to the website to access the interactive electronic publication.  Only TAPPI Members receive TAPPI JOURNAL, which is provided at no additional charge as part of the TAPPI Member benefit.  In early 2010, TAPPI members will also receive a special print publication including the collected abstracts of every paper published in TJ during 2009, plus indices, a Products & Services Guide, and other useful information.

Attend the 2010 TAPPI/PIMA Student Summit and find out what's really happening in the pulp and paper and packaging industries directly from professionals challenged with the day-to-day operations. The Student Summit will give you direct interaction with industry leaders for valuable info on employment and career development within the industry.  Program highlights include:

• State-of-the-Industry Address on "Sustainability and Eco-Confusion"
• Effective networking
• The Annual Engineering Challenge
• Job recruitment interviews with hiring companies
• Sessions on job transition and getting the right job
• Area mill tour

Need travel money? TAPPI has two ways to help you cover up to US$500 in travel costs:

1) The Deborah Ann McNutt Memorial Student Summit Stipend: Thanks to the generosity of Hercules, there are four stipends available. Each one will fund up to US$ 500 in travel costs. Requirements and application details are available online. (Apply no later than December 18, 2009.)

2) TAPPI Travel Stipend Drawing: If you would like to enter your name, send your resume to dtrimmer@tappi.org by December 18, 2009 and agree to be interviewed at the Summit. A random drawing will determine the winner of the stipend, and the winner's resume will be reviewed by our participating companies.

Everyone who attends the Student Summit is a winner and here's your chance to be a special winner compliments of TAPPI & PIMA. So mark your calendar and act now while there's still time!

TAPPI has unveiled its exciting new event -- BioPro Expo™ -- a major conference and exposition scheduled for August, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. BioPro Expo covers the entire biomass processing spectrum, from supply through processing and utilization.

"We are excited to combine our industry experience in wood waste feed stocks and conference organization with information from government and academic entities, technology suppliers, renewable energy consumers and associations in industries looking for more sustainable and profitable ways of doing business," said TAPPI President and CEO, Larry N. Montague.

BioPro Expo's educational program and comprehensive tradeshow will focus on practical ways to transition products, residues and wastes to energy and biofuel resources. The program also covers supply and demand issues and government policy. By bringing together member expertise in bioenergy production with experts from various industries, TAPPI brings a unique perspective to the bioenergy field with BioPro Expo.

Subject matter experts from related associations and agencies will consult in program development, including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Forest Landowners Association, and the Georgia Poultry Federation.

We are striving to have all 2010 Membership renewals completed in a timely manner to prevent interruption in your TAPPI benefits. Please note that membership payment is due December 31, 2009. To renew online simply login to TAPPI's website (www.tappi.org) with your username and password and choose the Renew TAPPI Membership link in the Membership drop down listing on the home page.

For faster service you can renew your dues with a credit card over the phone by calling TAPPI's Member Connection Center at 1-800-332-8686(US), 1-800-446-9431 (Canada), or +1-770-446-1400.

New Multi-year Membership: Save time and money! Receive two full years of TAPPI membership for US $328, and save $20 off the list price; join for three years and save $42. Call Member Connection to take advantage of this offer.

Our members have asked for help in making a business case to management about the value of TAPPI Membership. Easy! Just check out the Value Proposition on page two of our membership flyer.

If you're not already a TAPPI member, this special offer makes TODAY a great time to join -- just give us a call. If you are already a TAPPI member, thank you for your support. Be on the lookout for your renewal notice, which will offer you a choice of multi-year memberships.

Nominations are open for the following awards:

• PIMA'S Executive of the Year: PIMA's highest honor, traditionally presented to senior-level executives in the pulp, paper or converting industries for excellence in management and outstanding contributions to the industry as a whole.
• Mill Manager of the Year: Recognizes the mill manager who has best demonstrated outstanding leadership, management, and organizational skills leading to improved results at the facility for which he or she is responsible.
• The Brookshire Moore Superintendent of the Year: Recognizes the mill superintendent who has shown high personal standards and professional management qualities that contribute to the betterment of those under their management and in their company.
• Technologist of the Year
• Ray H. Cross Community Service Award
• Delano L. "Del" Boutin Local Section Service Award
• Thomas F. Sheerin, Sr. Service Award
• IT Service Award
• Kenneth H. Phillips Specialist Group Award
• Student of the Year Award

The one-page Nomination Forms are available online, in both a printable PDF format or as an interactive online form. Complete award descriptions are also available online. Honor your peers, coworkers, and managers, and help promote management excellence in our industry, by making your nominations for PIMA Awards.

Gulf Coast TAPPI will offer a two-part program sure to deliver great ideas to your mill. The meeting will also feature a mill tour of Abitibi-Bowater in Coosa Pines.

First, the Corrosion & Materials Engineering Committee will be conducting a free, one-day Corrosion & Materials Engineering Seminar seminar on TIPs and topics relating to the identification and control of corrosion within the pulp mill processes. The Friday Technical Session will focus on topics relating to the Recovery processes.

Call for Papers: Gulf Coast TAPPI is looking for presentations, preferably with direct mill experiences or applied research, relating to the following topics, or other current topics in the recovery area:

• Na/S; white/green liquor balance
• Sulfidity purge strategies
• Purge for chlorides
• Dissolving tank controls
• Black Liquor Evaporator operations
• Liquor cycle impact on digesters, lime kiln, caustic plant, recovery boiler

If you are interested in presenting information for the benefit of our industry, please contact Chris Dietel at dietelc@dteenergy.com.

• Business Trends that explored global shifts in supply and demand, along with worldwide investment trends within the industry.
• A Pulping Track to help mills achieve high contribution, low-cost pulping operations without negatively affecting yield or quality. There were also separate sub-tracks for pulping, bleaching, recycling and non-woods themes.
• An Engineering Track with four complete sub-tracks covering energy, power and recovery; corrosion and materials; biorefinery; and maintenance and mill operations.
• An Environmental Track focused on how mills should respond to the shifting environmental and regulatory landscape.

The 2009 TAPPI EPE Conference Proceedings CD-ROM is fully searchable and includes the written papers, presentation slides, and poster session from most of the sessions. Check the online Table of Contents to learn more about this excellent value.

The List Price for this complete Proceedings is US$111; the TAPPI Member Price is only US$74 (a savings of 33%.) If you are not already a TAPPI member, you can join and receive the discount. For details, visit www.tappi.org/join.

Corrugators Have A New Safety Resource
Because safety requires ongoing effort, here is good news for corrugators looking for safety training. There is an important new tool called the SafetyFirst DVD.

Available in both English and Spanish, this DVD directly addresses safety concerns and safe practices in corrugated manufacturing facilities. It is a great source for training new employees and a valuable refresher for industry veterans. Topics included are:

• General safety
• Flexo folder-gluer safety
• Diecutter safety
• Stacker safety
• Material handling safety
• Corrugator safety

By special arrangement with the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC), TAPPI members can purchase this DVD for the same reduced rate as AICC members. Order details are online.

Special note: Disponible en español, también. Available in Spanish, too.

Logo gear makes great corporate gifts
Whether you're at the plant, visiting customers, or hitting the links, make sure everyone knows you're a TAPPI supporter. New TAPPI or PIMA logo merchandise looks good and lets potential contacts know that you're serious about your commitment to our industry. Logo items are also a great way to thank your boss for supporting your involvement in TAPPI and PIMA.

This collection of quality apparel includes polo shirts, woven shirts, caps, and wind shirts. Now available: Eagle Dry Goods Classic Polo Shirts, Eagle Dry Goods Classic Twill Shirts, Harriton Brand Caps, Harriton Brand V-Neck Microfiber Pullover Wind Shirt, and more. Visit the TAPPI Bookstore for easy, online ordering.

Share YOUR favorite advice -- about life, business, work or leadership -- by sending in a quote to share with other Over the Wire readers. Email your quote suggestions, along with your name and company information, to jbottiglieri@tappi.org. We value the input of our OTW readers.